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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

The mechanical behavior of metal-halide perovskites: Elasticity, plasticity, fracture, and creep

Wide ranging mechanical properties — elasticity, plasticity, fracture, and creep — most relevant to the mechanical reliability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are systematically investigated. High quality bulk single-crystals of the commonly studied metal-halide perovskites (MHPs) relevant to PSCs are fabricated and studied: CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 (MAPbBr 3 ) and CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 (MAPbI 3 ). The first direct measurement of MHP Young's modulus (E) using uniaxial compression reveals E <100> of 13.1 ± 1.3 and 10.6 ± 1.0 GPa for MAPbBr 3 and MAPbI 3 , respectively. Further, the Vickers micro-hardness H (100) of MAPbBr 3 and MAPbI 3 is 0.54±0.02 GPa and 0.76±0.05 GPa, respectively. The Vickers micro-indentation fracture toughness K IC of MAPbBr 3 and MAPbI 3 is estimated at 0.20±0.03 MPa∙m 0.5 and 0.18±0.03 MPa∙m 0.5 , respectively. The stress-exponent, n, extracted from nanoindentation creep data is ~8 and ~10 for MAPbBr 3 and MAPbI 3 , respectively. The trends in these properties are discussed. These properties are best estimates and are recommended for use in future mechanical behavior and reliability analyses of MHPs and PSCs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Effect of Remnant Carbon and Etching of Particles on Pyrolysis Bonded Silicon Carbide (PBSC)

Silicon carbide (SiC) formed through pyrolysis of preceramic polymers loaded with SiC particles has gained significant attention for applications such as coatings, composite matrix modifications, and most importantly additive manufacturing. This work presents combined synchrotron XRD, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, nano-indentation, and Vickers indentation of pyrolysis bonded SiC to shed light on the changes of composition and mechanical properties of these materials. Characterization was performed on samples that were heat treated ranging from the synthesis 850 °C up to 1500 °C. Pre-treatments of the powders prior to pellet synthesis, such as heat treatment and etching using a hydrofluoric acid (HF), were investigated. It is shown that the degradation of mechanical properties when exposed to higher temperatures is due to the burnout of amorphous carbon clusters remnant of the pyrolysis process of the preceramic polymer. Furthermore, prior HF etching and removal of the native oxide layer of the powders showed improved density and hardness values in the final pellets. The average Vickers hardness of the control samples were 4.59 GPa and later 3.74 GPa when exposed to 1500 °C, while the samples synthesized using powders that were etched with HF had an average hardness value of 9.37 GPa and later 6.86 GPa when exposed to 1500 °C.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Effect of heat treatment on microstructural evolution and hardness homogeneity in laser powder bed fusion of alloy 718

The thermal history developed in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processes has been shown to be complex resulting in equally complex microstructures and mechanical properties. Microscopic observations and Vickers micro-hardness mapping measurements were carried out on diff ;erent section planes of LPBF alloy 718 cuboids. Three-dimensional finite element analysis was used to simulate thermal history and to predict the residual stress distribution in the as-built material. Computational thermodynamics was used to predict the micro-segregation and nucleation driving force of various phases in the bulk and in segregated regions. Varied heat-treatments such as simulated hot isostatic pressing, and double aging were applied. Their influence on the microstructure, microsegregation, precipitate formation, and micro-hardness variations of LPBF alloy 718 were investigated. Hardness map results showed heterogeneous micro-hardness on the xy- and xz-planes of the as-built parts where the bottom plane and center regions had larger hardness of ~315 HV 0.5 while the top plane and contours showed hardness of ~300 HV 0.5 . It was found that the aging treatment increased the overall hardness of the as-built condition from ~310 HV 0.5 to 470 HV 0.5 but also increased the hardness gradient throughout the coupon. After simulated hot isostatic pressing process (i.e., without applied pressure) at 1020 °C for 4 h followed by water quench (HIPWQ), the hardness gradient and hardness was minimized (~210 HV 0.5 ) as the microstructure transitioned from heterogeneous columnar grains in the as-built condition to more uniform recrystallized grains. A double aging treatment was applied to enhance hardness from ~210 HV 0.5 to ~440 HV 0.5 . Finally, HIPWQ followed by double aging produced a homogeneous microstructure and more uniform hardness map with enhanced mechanical properties in LPBF alloy 718 coupons.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Processing aluminum alloy with hybrid wire arc additive manufacturing and ultrasonic nanocrystalline surface modification to improve porosity, surface finish, and hardness

Here, in this paper, a novel hybrid wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) and ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) on porosity manipulation and surface properties of aluminum 5356 alloys was studied. The goal is to improve the quality of the WAAM-built part by eliminating bigger pores and reducing its size, reducing surface roughness, and increasing surface hardness. The as-built WAAM and WAAM-UNSM-treated samples were quantitatively studied for porosity using an X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). The surface roughness was measured on the surface profile of the same samples before and after UNSM treatment. Followed by the Vickers micro-hardness tests to evaluate the hardness modified by the influence of the UNSM treatment. It was found that the bigger pores in the as-built WAAM samples were eliminated and the medium-sized pores were shrunk to almost half the size after the UNSM treatment. Further, the UNSM treatment showed a significant improvement in both surface roughness and hardness on the WAAM Al5356 samples. This experimental work demonstrates the critical advantages of hybrid WAAM-UNSM in improving the qualities of the WAAM processed parts.

Hardness↗
DOE OSTI2024

Formation of the {gamma}ʹʹʹ-Ni2(Cr, Mo, W) phase during a two-step aging heat treatment in HAYNES® 244® Alloy

Precipitation hardening is the dominant method of achieving high strength in most Ni-based superalloys. The formation of nanoscale precipitates during thermal exposure is often studied to determine the optimal methods of attaining high strength. The commercial Ni-based superalloy, HAYNES® 244® alloy, is strengthened through a novel -Ni2(Cr, Mo, W) intermetallic phase that forms during a two-step aging cycle. The precipitation kinetics of this intermetallic phase are sluggish for single-step aging in comparison to the γʹ phase in precipitation-strengthened Ni-based alloys, but a two-step aging treatment has shown to reliably harden the alloy and improve high-temperature properties compared to a single-step aging heat treatment. To investigate the formation and coarsening of this phase, heat-treated samples of the 244 alloy were analyzed with high-energy in situ and ex situ X-ray techniques such as small angle X-ray scattering and wide angle X-ray scattering as well as Vickers micro-hardness, electron microscopy, and atom probe tomography. The relationship between hardness, aging parameters, and microstructure evolution is discussed. The enthalpy of formation and precipitate solvus temperature were determined with high-temperature differential scanning calorimetry and dilatometry analysis.

Ni-based Superalloys↗
DOE OSTI2020

Build orientation, surface roughness, and scan path influence on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and flexural fatigue behavior of Ti–6Al–4V fabricated by electron beam melting

In the present work, microstructure and fatigue behavior of Electron Beam Melted (EBM) Ti–6Al–4V have been systematically studied. Fatigue behavior was investigated using four-point bend tests of rectangular bars with internal features fabricated with different build orientations, scan paths, and surface conditions. Microstructural variations were evaluated by optical microscopy and Vickers micro-hardness indentations, both of which were found to be consistent throughout the build and within ranges reported in the literature. The fatigue performance of the EBM material was comparable to wrought Ti–6Al–4V when the loading direction was parallel to the build direction, but severely limited when loaded perpendicular to the build direction or if surface roughness defects were present. Scanning electron microscopy and interrupted fatigue tests were utilized to characterize fracture surfaces, failure mechanisms, crack initiation, and propagation behavior. Crack initiation sites in the vertically-oriented specimens were identified to be melt-related defects formed by insufficient melting.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Fabrication and Characterization of Candidate Alloys for Advanced LEU Fuel Concepts

A set of novel uranium-based alloys has been proposed for use in advanced LEU fuel systems. This study seeks to develop methods to fabricate single-phase alloys and evaluate the compatibilities of the alloys for use in composite fuel systems. The as-cast microstructure of each alloy was characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and candidate alloys were further down-selected for homogenization and interaction testing. The U 22 Zr 20 Nb 58 alloy was successfully fabricated as a single-phase system, as demonstrated via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM. The thermal and mechanical properties of the U-Nb-Zr alloy were further assessed via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), laser flash analysis (LFA), and Vickers’ micro-hardness testing. This alloy also demonstrated improved compatibility with fuel candidate alloys from conventional matrix materials and may be a viable option for use in advanced fuel systems.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Hardness Measurements and Interface Behavior of SiC-B 4 C-Si Multiple Phase Particulate Composites Made with Melt Infiltration and Additive Manufacturing

Reaction-bonded SiC-B 4 C-Si ceramic composites were binder jet 3D-printed and subsequently pressureless-melt-infiltrated with molten Si. The addition of B 4 C aided the Si infiltration to produce a highly dense composite. The microstructures and phases of these composites were examined. The measured hardness values of each constituent with Vickers and nanoindentation matched the bulk values, and the macro-hardness values with Knoop and spherical indentation represented the bulk, composite hardness values of all three phases together, which was close to a rule of mixtures value. For particulate-based composites, this is a significant finding. The interfacial bonds of SiC and Si were imaged using scanning transmission electron microscopy to view intimacy, whereas the crack propagation was examined with carefully placed indents. This work demonstrated that pressureless melt infiltration with a reactive particle provides a method to shape non-wetting reaction-bonded ceramic composites with limited shrinkage and high density and provides insights into the mechanical behavior with numerous indentation techniques.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Influence of Cryomilling on Crystallite Size of Aluminum Powder and Spark Plasma Sintered Component

The present investigation aims to develop nanocrystalline (NC) pure aluminum powders using cryomilling technique and manufacture bulk components using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The cryomilling was performed on pure Al powders for 2, 6, and 8 h. The cryomilled powders were then consolidated using SPS to produce bulk components. The particle morphology and crystallite size of the powders and the bulk SPS components were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the crystallite size of pure Al powders decreases with increased cryomilling time. The results also showed that the SPS at elevated temperatures resulted in a slight increase in crystallite size, however, the changes were insignificant. The mechanical properties of the bulk components were determined using a Vickers microhardness tester. The hardness of the cryomilled SPS component was determined to be three times higher than that of the unmilled SPS component. The mechanism for the reduction in crystallite size with increasing cryomilling time is discussed. This fundamental study provides an insight into the development of bulk nanomaterials with superior mechanical properties for automotive, aerospace, marine, and nuclear applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON CRACK REPAIR IN AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL DRY STORAGE CANISTERS USING ISOTHERMAL FRICTION STIR WELDING

In recent time, solid state crack repair techniques in spent nuclear fuel dry storage canisters (SNF-DSC) have garnered significant interest. Plates of austenitic stainless steels are usually arc welded to fabricate the cylindrical canisters which are prone to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking. Friction stir welding (FSW) is considered to be a potential candidate for damage repair. In this work, electrical discharge machining was used to simulate cracks in 304L stainless steel plates of 12.7 mm thickness. Subsequently, isothermal FSW was carried out at two different temperatures (725 and 825°C) in order to repair the simulated crack. Microstructure-mechanical property correlations in FSWed plates were studied in detail. Significant grain refinement observed in the stir zone (SZ) was attributed to dynamic recrystallization occurring during FSW. A comparison of Vickers microhardness showed higher hardness and homogeneity in the 725°C SZ than its 825°C counterpart. The fraction of S3 boundary is found to be low in the SZ as compared to base metal (BM). Yield strength of the joints was found to be approximately 100 MPa higher than that of the BM accompanied by a drop in ductility by a factor of 2. Residual stress profile across 825°C weld was measured using x-ray diffraction.

Bhattacharyya, Madhumanti↗
DOE OSTI2023

Enhancement in Mechanical Properties of Bulk Nanocrystalline Aluminum by Grain Boundary Strengthening Mechanism

In the present work, commercially pure aluminum (Al) powders were milled at cryogenic temperatures (a) without magnesium (Mg) and (b) with 5 wt.% Mg powders for different durations. The cryomilled powders were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the changes in particle morphology, elemental composition, and crystallite size. The results showed a reduction in crystallite size with the increase in cryomilling duration. Thereafter, the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process was carried out to manufacture bulk samples. The mechanical properties of the bulk SPS samples were assessed by conducting microhardness, tensile, and fatigue tests. The Vickers microhardness tests showed improved hardness for the Al-Mg bulk samples as compared to pure Al. The Al-Mg samples also showed an increase in tensile strength with increasing cryomilling time. Fatigue test results showed an improvement in Al-Mg components' high-cycle fatigue response. Furthermore, the mechanism for the enhancement in mechanical properties as a result of crystallite size reduction and grain boundary strengthening by the addition of Mg dopant is also discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1984

Fabrication and characterization of Si3N4 ceramics without additives by high pressure hot pressing

High pressure hot-pressing of Si3N4 without additives was performed using various kinds of Si3N4 powder as starting materials, and the relation between densification and alpha-beta phase transformation was studied. The temperature dependences of Vickers microhardness and fracture toughness were also examined. Densification of Si3N4 was divided into three stages, and it was found that densification and phase transformation of Si3N4 under pressure were closely associated. The results of the temperature dependence of Vickers microhardness indicated that the high-temperature hardness was strongly influenced not only by the density and microstructure of sintered body but also by the purity of starting powder. The fracture toughness values of Si3N4 bodies without additives were 3.29-4.39 MN/m to the 3/2 power and independent of temperature up to 1400 C.

Shimada, M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Manufacturing Bulk Nanocrystalline Al-3Mg Components Using Cryomilling and Spark Plasma Sintering

In the current study, pure aluminum (Al) powders were cryomilled with and without 3 wt.% pure magnesium (Mg) dopant for varying durations followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS) of powders to prepare bulk components with superior mechanical properties. The crystallite sizes were determined for powders and the bulk components by analyzing the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum. The calculations indicated a reduction in crystallite size with the increase in the cryomilling duration. The results also showed a more significant decrease in the crystallite sizes for Al-3Mg samples than that of pure Al. The changes in the surface morphology of powders were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elemental mapping analysis at nanoscale was carried out using Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The mechanical properties of the bulk components were assessed using a Vickers Microhardness tester. The test results demonstrated an improvement in the hardness of Mg-doped components. Higher hardness values were also reported with an increase in the cryomilling duration. This article discusses the mechanisms for the reduction in crystallite size for pure Al and Al-3Mg and its subsequent impact on improving mechanical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Determining the Effects of Neutron Irradiation on the Structural Integrity of Additively Manufactured Heat Exchangers for Very Small Modular Reactor Applications, DOE Final Report (Project # 19-16980)

Auburn University (AU) teamed with the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) and Kansas State University (KSU) to determine how to best use laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) methods for generating radiation resistant nickel-based superalloys, Inconel alloy 625 and 718, for special purpose reactor (SPR) or very small modular reactor (vSMR) heat-exchangers (HeXs). Compact, conformal, and durable HeXs that are tolerant of extreme environments are needed for supporting the technical maturity of next-generation, portable compact reactors. AM is an enabler for realizing this new wave of HeXs – providing a means to make customizable hot and cold stream architectures with novel flow path geometries (e.g., tortuous channels with non-uniform, asymmetric cross-sections) and reduced layer-to-layer contact resistance (i.e., no separate bonding procedure required). AM further enables a more time/cost efficient means for fabricating SPRs by reducing the number of suppliers required for HeX assembly and allowing for on-site HeX fabrication. The project aim has been to better understand how neutron irradiation affects the microstructure and properties of additively manufactured nickel-based superalloys, to accelerate their safe, reliable use in the modular reactor industry. The major objective was to qualify/quantify the microstructure and microhardness of nickel-based superalloys (including Inconel 718 and 625) additively manufactured via the L-PBF process in the neutron-dosed (irradiated) and non-irradiated states over a course of 3 years. Effects of build orientation during L-PBF and post-AM heat treatments on neutron resistance, microstructure and mechanical properties were also investigated. Neutron damage mechanisms via hardening were characterized. This project combined subject-matter experts in AM, mechanical/microstructure metallic part characterization, and neutron irradiation, as well as unique assets and capabilities at AU and MURR at MU, to ensure project results translated to effectively addressing known gaps in nuclear science and engineering. Parts were fabricated using L-PBF systems readily available at AU. Specimens were then irradiated using MURR facilities; a manipulator equipped hot cell was also used to measure material hardness after dosing. MURR, a 10 MW, light-water nuclear reactor, is the largest, highest powered, highest-flux university owned research reactor in the U.S. The major findings in this project provide evidence that AM can serve as an alternative way to build structural components for future advanced small modular reactors using advanced materials like Inconel 625 (IN625) or Inconel 718 (IN718). After full spectrum neutron irradiation, vertically as-built AM IN625 samples were observed to display better resistance towards radiation-induced-hardening defects relative to traditionally machined metals. A Vickers microhardness tester, using settings of 1 kgf and dwell time of 15 seconds per indentation, was used to measure hardness in this study. The as-built, vertically printed samples experienced 1.2% of radiation hardening vs. 5.25% radiation hardening observed in wrought IN625. Another set of IN625 and IN718 samples were exposed to fast neutron irradiation. It was observed that IN718 showed more resistance towards radiation hardening compared to IN625 samples indicating IN718 had a better performance. Results showed that the IN718 samples experienced less change (-2.5 to 3.24 %) in microhardness. On the other hand, IN625 samples underwent more (0.9 to 7.21%) change in microhardness after fast neutron irradiation. AM IN625 samples were irradiated using an ion (proton) beam in cyclotron. The mechanical properties of AM samples post irradiation were compared with wrought samples. The irradiated region on the samples were tested using nano-hardness indention. It was observed that the beam current and time used in this study generated an annealing effect and thus reduced the hardness of the samples. The sum of the project results provide precious insight into how one may minimize radiation hardening in AM materials while maintaining material property constraints. Results should assist engineers in selecting an appropriate heat treatment for AM nickel-based superalloys for increased radiation resistance. Results should increase confidence levels for adopting AM for building nuclear reactor components which perform the same or better than conventionally manufactured components. Fast neutron irradiation testing provided an accelerated means of obtaining radiation effects without making materials radioactive and difficult to handle.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Microstructural evolution and intermetallic formation in Zn-3Mg (wt%) powder mixture processed by high-pressure torsion

Severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques have been used extensively over the past 40 years for producing strong metals and alloys. High-pressure torsion (HPT) is one of the most promising SPD techniques for achieving high strength through nanoscale grain refinement and phase transformation. In this research, a mixture of pure zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) powders, Zn-3Mg (wt%), was HPT-processed under a pressure of 6 GPa for 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 turns at room temperature to achieve a high strength biodegradable material. In order to understand the effects of pre-consolidation on the resulting microstructure and hardness, HPT processing was performed on loose powders placed in the die and also on a pre-compacted powder mixture and the resulting HPT disks were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, and Vickers microhardness. In both cases, the HPT disk microstructures contained nanoscale grains, and stable and metastable strain-induced intermetallics, but an unusual softening appeared at large shear strains. Grain size, grain morphology, and the formation of different intermetallics were analyzed to explain the unusual hardness distribution, and it was found that an inverse Hall-Petch relationship between hardness and grain size exists. It is suggested that thermally-activated phenomena such as grain boundary sliding contributed to the strain-induced softening of this nano-structured biomaterial due to its low melting point. Finally, the current results are compared with those for HPT-processed cast alloys and hybrids of the same composition.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Smart manufacturing approach to manufacture bulk nanocrystalline aluminum for lightweight applications

In this research, a smart manufacturing approach was used to enhance the mechanical properties of aluminum (Al) for lightweight applications. The smart manufacturing involved cryomilling of Al powders with and without 5 wt.% magnesium (Mg) powders for varying durations followed by a high-pressure cold spray (HPCS) additive manufacturing process to prepare bulk components. The morphological changes, crystallite size, and composition of the cryomilled powders and cold sprayed (CS’ed) components were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The results showed that the crystallite size reduces with an increase in cryomilling time and the addition of Mg dopant. To test the mechanical properties of the bulk CS’ed components, microhardness tests were performed using a Vickers microhardness tester. Uniaxial tensile tests were also carried out to ascertain the material’s tensile properties. The mechanical testing results showed great improvement in the hardness and tensile strength of CS’ed Al–Mg samples as compared to pure Al samples. Subsequently, fractography analysis of the tensile failed samples was carried out to determine the nature of the failure. Here, the research article also discusses the inherent mechanisms for the improvement in mechanical properties of smart manufactured components as a result of Mg doping and cryomilling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Mechanical properties and strain localization of WA-DED printed P91 steel

This paper discusses a P91 steel block that was additively manufactured by wire arc direct energy deposition (WA-DED) followed by two types of post-process heat treatment (PPHT). Vickers microhardness and digital image correlation tensile tests were performed along the building direction. The global mechanical properties (i.e., microhardness and tensile properties) and the local mechanical responses (i.e., hardness fluctuation and strain localization) were systematically investigated. Results showed that (1) all P91 specimens showed higher strengths than American Society of Mechanical Engineers standard requirements for wrought P91 steel, (2) the as-printed P91 exhibited much higher average hardness and fluctuations than that after PPHT, (3) PPHT reduced P91 strengths but improved the ductility significantly, and (4) strain localization presented in the as-printed specimen during uniform deformation in tensile tests. The hardness fluctuation and strain localization along the building direction of the AP P91 were caused by different thermal histories received during WA-DED. The study indicated that PPHT, ideally tempering-only heat treatment, is necessary for the WA-DED printed P91 steel.

Mechanical properties↗
DOE OSTI2025

Mechanical and Tribological Performance of Additively Manufactured Nanocrystalline Aluminum via Cryomilling and Cold Spray

In this study, nanocrystalline (NC) aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg)-doped Al bulk components were fabricated using a hybrid manufacturing process that combines cryomilling and high-pressure cold spray (HPCS) additive deposition techniques. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was also added during the HPCS process to improve deposition efficiency and build-up thickness via peening. The evolution of morphology, crystallite size, and elemental composition of both cryomilled powders and cold-sprayed (CS’ed) components was systematically characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Mechanical characterization was performed using Vickers microhardness and uniaxial tensile testing, while the tribological behavior was assessed using sliding wear tests under dry/lubricated conditions. XRD analysis revealed that increased cryomilling duration led to significant crystallite refinement, which directly correlated with enhanced hardness and strength. This mechanical strengthening was accompanied by an increase in coefficient of friction (COF) and lower wear rates. The results also showed that the Mg-doped Al exhibited superior hardness, tensile strength, and tribological performance compared to pure Al. The study further explores the underlying mechanisms responsible for these enhancements, highlighting the potential of solute-assisted grain boundary stabilization in tailoring high-performance NC Al alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗