J. Konieczny

Employment of the artificial neural networks for prediction of magnetic properties of the metallic amorphous alloys

The aim of this work is to employ the artificial neural networks for modelling the magnetic properties of the amorphous alloys with the iron and cobalt matrix. The artificial neural networks implemented in StatSoft Statistica Neural Network PL 4.0F were used to determine the relationship between the chemical compositions of amorphous alloys, heat treatment parameters and magnetic properties. The attempt to use the artificial neural networks for predicting the effect of the chemical composition and heat treatment parameters on the magnetic flux density BS succeeded, as the level of the obtained results was acceptable, as the level of the obtained results was acceptable. For different magnetic properties of soft magnetic materials, further calculations are planned. The results of calculation makes it possible to design new advantageous combinations of concentrations of the particular elements to develop grades of the soft magnetic alloys. This paper employs the artificial neural networks for modelling chemical composition and heat treatment parameters of amorphous soft magnetic alloys to obtain the best magnetic properties. [Received 15 August 2007; Accepted 20 October 2007]

Thermo-derivative analysis of Al–Si–Cu alloy used for surface treatment

The only effective way to design, produce, analyse and optimise new and existing industrial thermal processes and also laser-based processes is to develop a quantitative knowledge and understanding of the dependence between temperature and time, which allow the desired forming of properties of the final products. The purpose of this paper was the performance of thermo-derivative analysis using the UMSA platform of aluminium alloy cooled at chosen rate, for obtaining characteristics used later for laser treatment and its influence on the microstructure and properties of the surface layer of heat-treated Al–Si–Cu cast aluminium alloys, using the high-power diode laser. The performed laser treatment involves remelting and feeding of ceramic powder into the aluminium surface. The carried out investigations allow to conclude that as a result of alloying of the heat-treated cast aluminium alloys with oxide ceramic powder, a surface layer was obtained with higher hardness compared to non-laser-treated material. The surface layer can be enriched with the powder particle, and in some cases a high-quality top layer is possible to obtain. Also a microstructure refinement of the surface layer was achieved due to the high laser power use and consequently high cooling rate during the crystallisation process. Concerning original practical implications of this work, there was important to investigate the appliance possibility of thermal analysis for further surface treatment for enhancement of the aluminium surface properties, especially the wear resistance and hardness. The scientific reason was also to describe microstructure changes and processes occurred in the laser remelted surface aluminium layer after laser treatment.

Softmagnetic Nanocomposite with Silicon Polymer Matrix and Powdered Co68Fe4Mo1Si13,5B13,5

Structure, magnetic and mechanical properties of the nanocrystalline composite material of the SILAME® type were tested. The composite material was obtained by solidification of the nanocrystalline powder obtained in the high energy grinding of the initially crystallized Co68Fe4Mo1Si13,5B13,5 amorphous strip with the silicon polymer. The metallic powder was mixed with the silicon polymer in a different weight ratio and next the effect of Co68Fe4Mo1Si13,5B13,5 powder weight ratio on the magnetic and physical properties of the composite was investigated.

Forming of the Structure and Functional Properties of the Precipitation-Strengthened CuNi2Si1 Alloy

The work presents the results on the structure of CuNi2Si1 copper alloy. The alloy was treated in two variants: supersaturation - aging (variant I) and supersaturation - cold rolling - aging (Variant II).The structure of the CuNi2Si1 alloyed copper were analyzed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The TEM investigation showed in the Cu matrix after applying cold rolling after solution heat treatment, during aging at 600°C, causes the Ni2Si phase occurrence immediately after the begin of aging. Cold rolling (50% reduction) of the CuNi2Si1 alloy after supersaturation changes the mechanism and kinetics of precipitation and provides possibilities for production of broader sets of functional properties.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of the annealed 6060 aluminium alloy processed by ECAP method

Purpose: The main goal of this paper is to present the investigation results of microstructural evolution and mechanical properties changes in commercial EN AW 6060) aluminium alloy after intensive plastic deformation, obtained by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) techniques in an annealed state. Design/methodology/approach: Annealing heat treatment was used to remove various types of internal stress in a commercially available alloy in order to increase workability of the material. The evolution of its properties and material behaviour was evaluated after 2,4,6,and 8 passes of the ECAP process. Findings: It was found that the mechanical properties and microstructure during intensive plastic deformation, such as that during the ECAP process, were changed. Plastic deformation refined grains in the aluminium alloy and increased its mechanical properties. Research limitations/implications: The presented study shows results of the investigated material in an annealed state. Practical implications: The applied processing route allows development of materials characterized by high strength and ultrafine grain microstructure compared to un-deformed annealed aluminium alloy. Originality/value: The work presents data about the influence of intensive plastic deformation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 6060 aluminium alloy after annealing.

Electron Microscopy Investigation of Cast Aluminium Alloy after Laser Feeding with Ceramic Powder

This paper presents the results of an investigation using transmission electron microscopy concerning the structure of AlSi7Cu2 cast aluminium alloy after alloying and remelting with a high power diode laser (HPDL). In particular, the changes in the particle/precipitation type, size and shape were determined, concerning especially the SiC and TiC particles added to the initial material. The aim of this work was also to present the laser treatment technology which will be used for further alloying and remelting with ceramic powders – especially carbides and oxides. The innovatory arrangement of this investigation is based on the mixing of two different powders, which were fed simultaneously to the laser-treated aluminium surface. The overview focuses on the laser power required to achieve good layer hardness to prevent hot work tool steel from losing its work stability and to make the tool surface more resistant to action in external conditions.

Structure and Functional Properties of Surface Layer Produced on Cast Aluminium Light Alloys by Appliance of Anodisation

The aim of the work is presents the influence of casting method and anodic treatment parameters on properties, thickness and structure of an anodic layer formed on aluminium casting alloys. Investigations were carried out on the laser profile measurement gauge MicroProf from company FRT, abrasive wear test was made with using ABR-8251 equipment delivered by TCD Teknologi ApS and microstructure investigations were made with using a light microscope equipped with an electronic camera configured with a computer on two casting aluminium alloys which both were founding by pressure die casting and gravity casting. The researches included analyse of the influence of chemical composition, geometry, roughness and abrasive wear resistant of anodic layer obtained on aluminium casts.Research limitations/implications Contributes to research on anodic layer for aluminium casting alloys. Practical implications Conducted investigations lay out the areas of later researches, especially in the direction of the possible, next optimization anodisation process of aluminium casting alloys, e.g. in the range of raising resistance on corrosion. Originality of this research was to describe the range of possible applications increases for example as materials on working building constructions, elements in electronics and construction parts in air and motorization industry in the aggressive environment.

Microstructure of CrAlSiN+DLC Coating Deposited onto Hot Work Tool Steel

The work presents the results on the microstructure of CrAlSiN+DLC coating deposited onto X40CrMoV5-1 hot work tool steel. The films were produced using a two-step method. In the first phase the physical vapour deposition (PVD) method was applied, whereas in the second Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) method was used. The microstructure and morphology of the CrAlSiN+DLC coating were analyzed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) respectively. It was found that tested coatings have nanostructural character with fine crystallites, while their average size is between 11-25 nm. The TEM investigation showed a sharp interface between the coting and steel substrate. The AFM studies showed that the topography of the CrAlSiN and DLC layers were similar on the macroscopic scale

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of PVD Nanoncrystalline Layers

This work presents the research results on the structure and mechanical properties of coatings deposited by PVD methods on the X40CrMoV5-1 hot work tool steel substrates. It was found that tested coatings have nanostructural character with fine crystallites, while their average size fitted within the range 10–15 nm, depending on the coating type. The morphology of the fracture of coatings is characterized by a dense microstructure. The coatings demonstrated good adhesion to the substrate, the latter not only being the effect of interatomic and intermolecular interactions, but also by the transition zone between the coating and the substrate, developed as a result of diffusion and high-energy ion action that caused mixing of the elements in the interface zone and the compression stresses values. The critical load LC2 lies within the range 66–85 N, depending on the coating type. The coatings demonstrate a high hardness (4000 HV).