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At least 109 records · Page 6

Microstructural and Hall–Petch Analysis of Additively Manufactured Ferritic Alloy Using 2507 Duplex Stainless Steel Powder

The powder bed fusion–laser beam (PBF-LB) process, a method of additive manufacturing (AM), was used to print duplex stainless steel (DSS) using commercial-grade 2507 powders. While conventionally processed DSS has a two-phase microstructure consisting of 50% austenite and 50% ferrite, the PBF-LB-printed 2507 alloy was nearly 100% ferrite. Optimal processing conditions that minimized porosity were determined to be 290 W laser power and 1000 mm/s scan speed, and grain size, texture, and phases were characterized as a function of laser power and scan speed. Grain size increased with increasing laser power but decreased with increasing scan speed. A <100> texture diminished with increasing scan speed from 1000 mm/s to 1400 mm/s. No austenite phase was detected. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) characterization revealed nanoscale chromium nitride precipitates in the ferritic matrix (incoherent hexagonal close-packed (HCP) precipitates at grain boundaries and coherent body-centered cubic (BCC) precipitates within the grains) and a high density of tangled dislocations. Tensile tests of as-printed alloys showed a yield strength of 570 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 756 MPa, and an elongation to failure of 10%. The tensile properties were analyzed based on the observed microstructure considering grain size, nanoscale precipitates, and the high density of dislocations.

Crystallography↗

Ultrafast X-ray Diffraction Study of a Shock-Compressed Iron Meteorite above 100 GPa

Natural kamacite samples (Fe92.5Ni7.5) from a fragment of the Gibeon meteorite were studied as a proxy material for terrestrial cores to examine phase transition kinetics under shock compression for a range of different pressures up to 140 GPa. In situ time-resolved X-ray diffraction (XRD) data were collected of a body-centered cubic (bcc) kamacite section that transforms to the high-pressure hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phase with sub-nanosecond temporal resolution. The coarse-grained crystal of kamacite rapidly transformed to highly oriented crystallites of the hcp phase at maximum compression. The hcp phase persisted for as long as 9.5 ns following shock release. Comparing the c/a ratio with previous static and dynamic work on Fe and Fe-rich Fe-Ni alloys, it was found that some shots exhibit a larger than ideal c/a ratio, up to nearly 1.65. This work represents the first time-resolved laser shock compression structural study of a natural iron meteorite, relevant for understanding the dynamic material properties of metallic planetary bodies during impact events and Earth’s core elasticity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Stability and structure of metal clusters - Be(13) and Be(55)

Face-centered cubic (fcc) and hexagonally close-packed (hcp) structures are compared for Be(13) and Be(55) clusters. Both Be(13) and Be(55) prefer the fcc structure over the bulk hcp structure, but the energy difference per atom decreases for Be(55) relative to Be(13). The binding energy per atom, 1.3 eV for Be(55) and 0.8-0.9 eV for Be(13), reflects the greater total number of bonds in the larger cluster rather than a difference in bonding. The energies per bond are much more similar, in the range of 0.30-0.34 eV for both clusters. The size of the p-basis set used influences both stability and ionization potentials strongly.

Pettersson, Lars G. M.↗

Phase relationships in Fe-Ni alloys at high pressures and temperatures

Diffusionless phase transformations in Fe-Ni alloys with up to 35 wt pct Ni were studied using resistance-heated diamond anvil cells and synchrotron radiation. At temperatures up to 600 C and pressures up to 25 GPa, Fe-35 percent Ni showed only the face-centered cubic (fcc) phase while Fe-25 percent Ni and Fe-10 percent Ni showed the body-centered cubic (bcc) and hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phases in addition to the fcc phase. The phase relationships of these solid phases are topologically similar to those of pure iron. The triple point becomes lower in temperature, and the slope (dT/dP) of the fcc/hcp boundary decreased as Ni-content increases in the alloys. From these results it is inferred that Fe-Ni alloys in the earth's inner core might exist as two phases, fcc and hcp. The existence of these two phases could have played an important role in the separation of the inner and outer core.

Huang, Eugene↗

Structures of cyano-biphenyl liquid crystals

The structures of p-alkyl- p'-cyano- bicyclohexanes, C(n)H(2n+1) (C6H10)(C6H10) CN (n-CCH), and p-alkyl- p'-cyano- biphenyls, C(n)H(2n+1) (C6H4)(C6H4) CN (n-CBP), were studied. It is convenient to use an x ray image intensification device to search for symmetric x ray diffraction patterns. Despite the similarities in molecular structures of these compounds, very different crystal structures were found. For the smectic phase of 2CCH, the structure is close to rhombohedral with threefold symmetry. In contrast, the structure is close to hexagonal close-packed with two molecules per unit cell for 4CCH. Since intermolecular forces may be quite weak for these liquid crystals systems, it appears that crystal structures change considerably when the alkyl chain length is slightly altered. Different structures were also found in the crystalline phase of n-CBP for n = 6 to 9. For n = 7 to 9, the structures are close to monclinic. The structures are reminiscent of the smectic-A liquid crystal structures with the linear molecules slightly tilted away from the c-axis. In contrast, the structure is quite different for n = 6 with the molecules nearly perpendicular to the c-axis.

Chu, Yuan-Chao↗

Mechanism of slip and twinning

The objectives are to: (1) demonstrate the mechanisms of deformation in body centered cubic (BCC), face centered cubic (FCC), and hexagonal close-packed (HCP)-structure metals and alloys and in some ceramics as well; (2) examine the deformed microstructures (slip lines and twin boundaries) in different grains of metallic and ceramic specimens; and (3) study visually the deformed macrostructure (slip and twin bands) of metals and alloys. Some of the topics covered include: deformation behavior of materials, mechanisms of plastic deformation, slip bands, twin bands, ductile failure, intergranular fracture, shear failure, slip planes, crystal deformation, and dislocations in ceramics.

Rastani, Mansur↗

Crystallization of Hard Sphere Colloids in Microgravity: Results of the Colloidal Disorder-Order Transition, CDOT on USML-2

Classical hard spheres have long served as a paradigm for our understanding of the structure of liquids, crystals, and glasses and the transitions between these phases. Ground-based experiments have demonstrated that suspensions of uniform polymer colloids are near-ideal physical realizations of hard spheres. However, gravity appears to play a significant and unexpected role in the formation and structure of these colloidal crystals. In the microgravity environment of the Space Shuttle, crystals grow purely via random stacking of hexagonal close-packed planes, lacking any of the face-centered cubic (FCC) component evident in crystals grown in 1 g beyond melting and allowed some time to settle. Gravity also masks 33-539 the natural growth instabilities of the hard sphere crystals which exhibit striking dendritic arms when grown in microgravity. Finally, high volume fraction "glass" samples which fail to crystallize after more than a year in 1 g begin nucleation after several days and fully crystallize in less than 2 weeks on the Space Shuttle.

Zhu, Ji-Xiang↗

Templates for Fabricating Nanowire/Nanoconduit-Based Devices

An effort is underway to develop processes for making templates that could be used as deposition molds and etching masks in the fabrication of devices containing arrays of nanowires and/or nanoconduits. Highly-ordered, optical-fiber arrays consisting of dissimilar polymers comprise the template technology. The selective removal of the fiber cores in specific solvents creates the porous templates to be filled with a "top-down" deposition process such as electrochemical deposition, sputter deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, and the like. Typically, the fiber bundles consist of polystyrene (PS) fiber cores, which are clad with varying thickness poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). When arranged in hexagonal, close-packed configuration and pulled, the fibers form highly-ordered arrays comprised of PS fiber cores surrounded by a continuous matrix of PMMA. The ratio of PMMA cladding thickness to PS core diameter determines the spacing between PS fiber cores and typically ranges from 3:1 to 1:1. Essentially, the simultaneous heating and drawing or pulling in the longitudinal direction of polymer-fiber arrays fuses the fibers together.

Sakamoto, Jeffrey↗

Segregation and Phase Transformations Along Superlattice Intrinsic Stacking Faults in Ni-Based Superalloys

In this study, local chemical and structural changes along superlattice intrinsic stacking faults combine to represent an atomic-scale phase transformation. In order to elicit stacking fault shear, creep tests of two different single crystal Ni-base superalloys, ME501 and CMSX-4, were performed near 750 degrees Centigrade using stresses of 552 megapascals and 750 megapascals, respectively. Through high resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) and state-of-the-art energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, ordered compositional changes were measured along SISFs (Superlattice Intrinsic Stacking Faults) in both alloys. For both instances, the elemental segregation and local crystal structure present along the SISFs are consistent with a nanoscale to D019 (ordering of a hexagonal close-packed crystal) phase transformation. Another notable observation is prominent Cr- and Co-rich Cottrell atmospheres and new evidence of more complex reordering processes responsible for the formation of these faults. These findings are further supported using density functional theory calculations and High Angle Annular Dark Field (HAADF) STEM image simulations.

STEM-EDS↗

Energy landscape in Ni-Co-Cr and related alloys

Among multi-principal element alloys, the NiCoCr middle-entropy alloy has an outstanding combination of strength and ductility at both low and elevated temperatures. Equiatomic NiCoCr is a single-phase alloy with the face centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. A low stacking fault energy in the fcc matrix is a cause of a relatively low creep in this alloy. The hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure differs from the fcc by a stacking of atomic layers. The energy difference between the hcp and fcc structures is known to correlate with the stacking fault energy in the fcc phase. We compute formation and relative structural energies versus composition in the Ni-Co-Cr ternary and related quaternary systems, discuss possibilities of compositional adjustments, and compare theoretical predictions with experiment. We acknowledge funding by NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) via Transformational Tools and Technologies (TTT) Project.

NiCoCr↗

Energy landscape in Ni-Co-Cr and related alloys

Among multi-principal element alloys, the NiCoCr middle-entropy alloy has an outstanding combination of strength and ductility at both low and elevated temperatures. Equiatomic NiCoCr is a single-phase alloy with the face centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. A low stacking fault energy in the fcc matrix is a cause of a relatively low creep in this alloy. The hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure differs from the fcc by a stacking of atomic layers. The energy difference between the hcp and fcc structures is known to correlate with the stacking fault energy in the fcc phase. We compute formation and relative structural energies versus composition in the Ni-Co-Cr ternary and related quaternary systems, discuss possibilities of compositional adjustments, and compare theoretical predictions with experiment. We acknowledge funding by NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) via Transformational Tools and Technologies (TTT) Project.

Multiscale↗

Giant Magnetic and Optical Anisotropy in Cerium-Substituted M-Type Strontium Hexaferrite Driven by $4f$ Electrons

By performing density-functional calculations, we find a giant magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) constant in abundant element cerium $\mathrm{Ce}$ substituted M-type hexaferrite, in the energetically favorable strontium site, assisted by a quantum confined electron transfer from $\mathrm{Ce}$ to a specific iron $\mathrm{2a}$ site. Remarkably, the calculated electronic structure shows that the electron transfer leads to the formation of $\mathrm{Ce}^{3+}$ and $\mathrm{Fe}^{2+}$ at the $\mathrm{2a}$ site producing an occupied $\mathrm{Ce}$$(4f^1)$ state below the Fermi level that adds a significant contribution to MCA and magnetic moment. A half $\mathrm{Ce}$ substitution forms a metallic state, while a full substitution retains the semiconducting state of the strontium hexaferrite (host). In the latter, the band gap is reduced due to the formation of charge-transferred states in the gap region of the host. The optical absorption coefficient shows an enhanced anisotropy between light polarization in parallel and perpendicular directions. Calculated formation energies, including the analysis of probable competing phases, and elastic constants confirm that both compositions are chemically and mechanically stable. With successful synthesis, the $\mathrm{Ce}$ hexaferrite can be an alternative high-performing critical-element-free permanent magnet material adapted for use in devices such as automotive traction drive motors.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Analysis of Colloidal Crystals and Replica Materials Made from L-Arginine-Stabilized Silica Nanoparticles

Colloidal crystals made from sub-100 nm silica nanoparticles have provided a versatile platform for the template-assisted synthesis of three-dimensionally interconnected semiconducting, metallic, and magnetic replicas. However, the detailed structure of these materials has not yet been characterized. Here, we investigated the structures of colloidal crystalline films and germanium replicas by scanning electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering. The structures of colloidal crystals made by evaporative assembly depends on the size of L-arginine-capped silica nanoparticles. Particles smaller than ~31 nm diameter assemble into non-close-packed arrangements (bcc) whereas particles larger than 31 nm assemble into random close-packed structures with disordered hexagonal phase. Polycrystalline films of these materials retain their structures and long-range order upon infiltration at high temperature and pressure, and the structure is preserved in Ge replicas. The shear force during deposition and dispersity of silica nanoparticles contributes to the size-based variation in the structure and to the size of crystal domains in the colloidal crystal films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Novel Class of Rhenium Borides Based on Hexagonal Boron Networks Interconnected by Short B 2 Dumbbells

Transition metal borides are known due to their attractive mechanical, electronic, refractive, and other properties. A new class of rhenium borides was identified by synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments in laser-heated diamond anvil cells between 26 and 75 GPa. Recoverable to ambient conditions, compounds rhenium triboride (ReB 3 ) and rhenium tetraboride (ReB 4 ) consist of close-packed single layers of rhenium atoms alternating with boron networks built from puckered hexagonal layers, which link short bonded (~ 1.7 angstrom) axially oriented B 2 dumbbells. The short and incompressible Re-B and B-B bonds oriented along the hexagonal c-axis contribute to low axial compressibility comparable with the linear compressibility of diamond. Sub-millimeter samples of ReB 3 and ReB 4 were synthesized in a large-volume press at pressures as low as 33 GPa and used for material characterization. Crystals of both compounds are metallic and hard (Vickers hardness, H V = 34(3) GPa). Geometrical, crystal-chemical, and theoretical analysis considerations suggest that potential ReB x compounds with x > 4 can be based on the same principle of structural organization as in ReB 3 and ReB 4 and possess similar mechanical and electronic properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Permanently Magnetized Insulating Thin-Film Devices by Reduction

A reduction-based manufacturing process for creating technologically important multilayer structures from lattice-matched ferromagnetic insulators and ferromagnetic conductors is reported. The process is demonstrated by growing a permanently magnetized double-layer structure, consisting of lattice-matched conducting (Ni,Co) and insulating (Ni 0.4 Co 0.6 ) 3 O 3 layers, through a single deposition cycle. The orientation of the metal cation network is preserved after reduction. Close-packing displacements of Ni and Co take place in such a manner that the in-plane hexagonal arrangement is preserved. This is critical for ensuring high-quality interfaces joining the layers. At room temperature the hysteresis loop is centered. At low temperature the oxide layer becomes ferrimagnetically ordered, accompanied by a shift of the hysteresis loop along the magnetic field axis. The shift is assigned to exchange bias phenomenon. Biaxial compressive strain is responsible for the required ferrimagnetic ordering. Finally, spin valves and closely related magnetoresistance random access memory and spin-transfer-torque magnetic random access memory devices are addressed as potential applications.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Capillary Pressure of a Liquid Between Uniform Spheres Arranged in a Square-Packed Layer

The capillary pressure in the pores defined by equidimensional close-packed spheres is analyzed numerically. In the absence of gravity the menisci shapes are constructed using Surface Evolver code. This permits calculation the free surface mean curvature and hence the capillary pressure. The dependences of capillary pressure on the liquid volume constructed here for a set of contact angles allow one to determine the evolution of basic capillary characteristics under quasi-static infiltration and drainage. The maximum pressure difference between liquid and gas required for a meniscus passing through a pore is calculated and compared with that for hexagonal packing and with approximate solution given by Mason and Morrow [l]. The lower and upper critical liquid volumes that determine the stability limits for the equilibrium capillary liquid in contact with square packed array of spheres are tabulated for a set of contact angles.

Alexader, J. Iwan D.↗