Precipitation in a Ni–Al–Mo Directionally Solidified Eutectic Composite
The most recently developed high temperature materials are known as in-situ composites or directionally solidified eutectics. Since the composites are formed during solidification, they have excellent morphological stabilities up to near their melting temperatures. The Ni-Al-Mo system has received the greatest attention for recent several years(1)~(3) since the alloy is expected to form a structure consisting of ductile α-Mo fibers aligned in aductile γ+γ' matrix†. However variations in microstructures and the resultant strength by thermal treatments have not been investigated in earlier papers(1)~(3). In a separate paper(4) the present authors have reported the detailed microstructural analysis of as-grown composite and the microstructural and strength variations of the composite due to quenching from high annealing temperatures. The present paper describes the microstructural changes occurring during ageing of a Ni-12.7at%Al-21.6at%Mo alloy composite after quenching from 1533K studied by transmission electron microscopy
An FIM/TEM study of ordered precipitates in a Ni-Mo-Al alloy
Abstract D0 22 -type and Pt 2 Mo-type ordered precipitates appearing in Ni(75)-Mo(20)-Al(5)(at%) were studied with field ion microscopy (FIM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The details of the microstructure of both types of precipitates and their interface, such as three-dimensional shape, size, distribution and interface structure, are described. The characteristics of both precipitates in the FIM image are also described.
Experimental investigation of the geotechnical properties and microstructure of lime-stabilized saline soils under freeze-thaw cycling
Abstract The Song-Nen Plain in northeastern China holds one of the three largest expanses of soda saline-alkali soil in the world. Due to its disadvantageous geotechnical properties, the saline soil in this area is unable to meet the needs of construction projects. This study evaluates the stabilizing effect of adding lime to such soils. Specifically, it investigates how the physicochemical and mechanical properties and microstructure of soda saline-alkali soil are altered by lime and how these changes are affected by both freeze-thaw cycling and the duration of curing. The results reveal that adding lime to saline soil transforms clay particles into sand and silt particles and causes the pore size distribution (PSD) to become bimodal, with small-pore and macropore populations. An increase in lime content leads to an increase in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) but a gradual decrease in both the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and plastic index. Freeze-thaw cycles break up coarse particles and aggregate finer particles, increasing the diameter of macropores and decreasing the USC; however, the effect on specimens with >9% lime is negligible. It is further shown that the geotechnical properties of the soil change immediately after the addition of lime, indicating that the cation exchange reaction takes place very quickly. Furthermore, the pozzolanic reaction leads to an increase in the percentage of sand-sized particles and a decrease in porosity after 28 days of curing. Overall, these results indicate that it is feasible to use lime to improve the engineering properties of soda saline-alkali soil in this area.