Miroslav Kursa

Twist channel angular pressing (TCAP) as a method for increasing the efficiency of SPD

The paper proposes a new variation for the application of SPD methods. Suggested TCAP (twisted channel angular pressing) technology obtains the larger imposed strain more effectively while increasing homogeneity of material. The number of passes needed to obtain the ultra-fine to nano-scale grains in bulk materials can be significantly reduced. Commercially pure copper (99.97%) was used for the experimental verification of the suggested process. The thermal stability of extruded copper was studied after the application of two modes of heat treatment. The deformation parameters of the process were also described using the numerical simulation based on FEM analysis. Predicted value of imposed strain, after a single pass, reached approximately 2.3. Measured strength, determined after four passes, achieved values around 440 MPa homogeneously along the cross-section of the extruded material. The grain size, determined after four passes, averaged out 1.2 μm. Homogeneity of deformation was also confirmed by micro-hardness tests.

The Methods of Preparation of Ti-Ni-X Alloys and Their Forming

The continuous development of science and technology in all industrial sectors means connecting and usage of a wide range of new knowledge together with implementation of new modern technologies for production of materials with high functional, specific and special properties. Intermetallic compounds TiNi with shape-memory effect are an interesting group of materials. These materials are used in a wide range of industry, such as electronics, robotics, tele-communication and also in medicine and optics. Shape-memory alloys (SMA) are a group of materials characterized by shape-memory effect (SME) and superelasticity (SE), also called pseudoelasticity.

Hot deformation behaviour and grain refinement of intermetallic compound Ni3Al

The paper describes the preparation of Ni3Al-based intermetallic compounds and investigations of their structures in the ascast, worked, and annealed states. The performed experimental works approved a possibility of hot working of the highly brittle polycrystalline intermetallic compound Ni3Al with large grain cast structure. The facility of originating the recrystallization seems to be surprising in such a material. On the other hand, the growth of recrystallization nuclei is strongly retarded. The case is further complicated by the fact of heterogeneous deformation in the microvolume. Microalloying with boron or zirconium influenced the original structure parameters as well as the optimum deformation temperature. Simultaneously the probability of a transgranular cleavage fracture increased. For the stoichiometric Ni3Al intermetallic compound the optimum deformation temperature 1150 °C has been assessed. At temperature 1250 °C, the alloy Ni3Al + 0,1 at. % B manifested the best plasticity. The special type of rotary working combined with friction heating gave the best results from point of view of obtaining a fully recrystallized region.

Nickel Alloys in Directionally Solidified State – Characterisation of Microstructure and Phase Composition of the Alloys

The paper deals with the characterisation of the structure and phase composition of selected types of nickel alloys. Experimental alloys were prepared by vacuum induction casting. Castings were directionally solidified in corundum tubes with specified apex angle in the two-zone crystallisation furnace. Rate of directional solidification was 100 mm/h. Observation was carried out on the samples in the as-cast and directed state. Influencing of the structure by the process of directional solidification is evident. Porosity and micro-hardness were determined in transverse and longitudinal sections of individual samples and character of the formed structures was evaluated. Microstructural characterisation of materials was performed with use of scanning electron microscope. Distribution of individual elements was captured on X-ray maps, which documented significant chemical heterogeneity of investigated samples. Matrix composition corresponds approximately to the nominal composition of the alloys. The alloys contain moreover with variable content of primary and alloying elements. In the alloys with molybdenum and zirconium the phase enriched by these alloying elements were detected. On the other hand chromium is evenly dispersed in the basic matrix and it does not accumulate in the phases.