I. Kalemba-Rec

Characterization of the μ and P phase precipitates in the CMSX‐4 single crystal superalloy

A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning‐transmission electron microscopy (STEM) using high‐angle annular‐dark‐field (HAADF) imaging, focussed ion beam‐ scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) tomography, selected area electron diffraction with beam precession (PED), as well as spatially resolved energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), was used to investigate topologically close‐packed (TCP) phases, occurring in the CMSX‐4 superalloy subjected to high temperature annealing and creep deformation. Structural and chemical analyses were performed to identify the TCP phases and provide information concerning the compositional partitioning of elements between them. The results of SEM and FIB‐SEM tomography revealed the presence of merged TCP particles, which were identified by TEM and PED analysis as coprecipitates of the μ and P phases. Inside the TCP particles that were several micrometres in size, platelets of alternating μ and P phases of nanometric width were found. The combination of STEM‐HAADF imaging with spatially resolved EDS and EELS microanalysis allowed determination of the significant partitioning of the constituent elements between the μ and P phases.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded 5083 and 7075 Aluminum Alloys

Through microscopy, mechanical testing, and numerical modeling, the microstructure and mechanical performance of friction stir welded aluminum alloys 7075-T651 and 5083-H111 were characterized. In particular, the influence of the weld configuration, i.e., the locations of the 7075 and 5083 alloys alternately on the advancing and retreating sides, on material flow, microstructure, and mechanical properties was considered. Thermographic data in conjunction with a process simulation demonstrated that the weld configuration significantly impacts heat generation during friction stir welding. The microstructure in the stir zone was a clear visualization of the material flow and was characterized by a vortex-like structure with alternating bands of the alloys being joined. These bands differed in elemental content and grain size. The microstructure became more complex when greater heat generation (higher temperatures) occurred. The weld configuration strongly influenced the material flow, but did not impact the tensile properties (such as yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation). The configuration of 5083 on the advancing side and 7075 on the retreating side produced the most uniform material flow. The joint efficiencies of all tested welds were above 100%.

Surface Characterization of 309 and 310 Steel after the Corrosion in Wood Biomass Ash

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of biomass ashes — specifically wood biomass ash — on the surface of austenitic stainless steel 309 and 310. The process was carried out for 1000 h at 650 ◦C. The microstructure and chemical composition of corrosion products were examined by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. Phase analysis of corrosion product were done by X-ray diffraction and ash composition was investigated by X-ray fluorescence. It was observed that wood biomass ash caused the corrosion of the steel surface. On the surface of the steels exposed to wood biomass ash the layer of corrosion products was observed, mostly chromium, nickel and iron oxide. The thickness of mill scale formed during the process was in the range of h = 15−30μm.