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This study reports on the ultralubricity of a high-temperature resilient nanocomposite WS2/a-C tribocoating. The coefficient of friction of this coating remains at around 0.02 independently of a thermal treatment up to ∼500 °C, as confirmed by high-temperature tribotests. Moreover, the coating annealed at 450 °C keeps exhibiting a similar ultralubricity when cooled back down to room temperature and tested there, implying a tribological self-adaptation over a broad temperature range. High-resolution TEM observations of the tribofilms on the wear track unveil that WS2 nanoplatelets form dynamically via atomic rearrangement and extend via unfaulting geometrical defects (bound by partial climb dislocations). The (002) basal planes of the WS2 nanoplatelets, reoriented parallel to the tribo-sliding direction, contribute to a sustainable ultralubricity. The declining triboperformance beyond 500 °C is associated with sulfur loss rather than the transformation of WS2 into inferior WO3 via oxidation as suggested earlier. This self-adaptive WS2/a-C tribocoating holds promise for a constant ultralubrication with excellent thermal performance.

High entropy alloys (HEAs), offering a multi-dimensional compositional space, provide almost limitless design opportunities surpassing the frontiers of structural materials development. However, an in-depth appraisal of the fundamental materials physics behind strengthening in HEAs is essential in order to leverage them to achieve greater flexibility in application oriented materials design. This viewpoint paper concentrates on issues regarding inherent compositional fluctuations in HEAs and corresponding impact on strengthening is highlighted. In particular, metal physics based design criteria in multi-phase HEAs are discussed and comparisons between multi-phase and single-phase HEAs are drawn., Scripta Materialia, 187, ISSN:1359-6462, ISSN:1872-8456

Relative density is a major factor governing the mechanical properties of (nano-)porous materials. In nanoporous gold, a correlation between relative density and the ligaments aspect ratio was recently reported as the result of a meta-study that measured hundreds of published images. The effects of ion-irradiation on nanoporous structures however are not yet well explored. We irradiated samples of nanoporous gold of two different initial characteristic lengths with 30 keV Ga+ ions. The degree of densification was found to be higher for the samples with finer ligaments and to proceed by thickening of ligaments besides the reduction in length also observed in the coarser samples. The proportionality between relative density and aspect ratio in the ion irradiated samples was found to agree well with the previously reported results from specimens of various processing and coarsening routes. The present study points at ion irradiation as a tool to tune these parameters in nanoporous structures and suggests that the correlation between relative density and aspect ratio may be involved in the volume contraction observed during the formation of nanoporous samples by dealloying. (C) 2019 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

This paper reports a three-dimensional (3D) stochastic bicontinuous micron-porous graphene foam (3D-MPGF) developed as lightweight binder-free current collectors for sulfur cathodes of lithium-sulfur batteries. 3D-MPGF is synthesized by a facile process that originally combines the synthesis of porous metals by the reduction of metallic salts and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of graphene in a continuous route. 3D-MPGF presents micron-porous structure with both interconnected tubular pores and nontubular pores of sizes from hundreds nanometers to several microns. By adjusting CVD time, the thickness of graphene wall is tunable from few atomic layers to ten layers. Raman results prove a high crystalline of 3D-MPGF. Attributed to the low density and high quality, 3D-MPGF can be used as promising lightweight binder-free current collectors. The 3D-MPGF loaded with S of 2.5 mg cm−2 exhibited an ultrahigh initial capacity of 844 mAh g−1 (of electrode), and maintain at 400 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 0.1C (167 mA g−1). With increasing the loading of S, the electrodes present higher areal capacities. When the loading of S is 13 mg cm−2, the areal capacity of 3D-MPGF/S reaches 5.9 mAh cm−2 after 50 cycles at 0.1C. The use of 3D micron-porous graphene foam proves considerably enhanced gravimetric capacity densities (of overall electrode), which can be a direction not only for batteries but also for other energy storage devices.

Self-healing tribocoatings are being developed for aerospace applications to improve the lifetime andreduce the surface maintenance of components in motion. Here the tribo-induced self-healing behaviourof a WS 2 /a-C tribocoating has been evaluated for the first time by in-situ scanning electron microscopy(SEM) to evaluate the mechanisms of damage and self-recovery. In-situ SEM imaging reveals that scratchdamage results in coating brittle fracture and spalling, and that Hertzian pressure affects healing rateat early stages of sliding. WS 2 nanocrystallites, formed via atomic rearrangement at flexural interfaces,enable the healing of irregular damages and congruently offer superlubrication in vacuum. Such damagecontrol in tribo-service may make flawless coatings an unnecessary prerequisite in tribo-applications.

The development of three-dimensional aperiodic energy storage devices is in part impeded by the lack of appropriate aperiodic templates that can withstand the thermal conditions required to deposit energy storage materials within their void space. Herein, the feasibility of an aperiodic three-dimensional architecture for energy storage is demonstrated for the first time by constructing a tricontinuous conductor-insulator-conductor (CIC) nanocapacitor on an aperiodic nanoporous gold scaffold. To accomplish this, the scaffold was characterized using in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) during exposure to a thermal environment, revealing that its microstructure eventually stabilizes after undergoing a phase of rapid coarsening, indicating a departure from the 1/4 time-dependent power-law coarsening behavior usually observed at the early stage of the coarsening process. Using this stability regime, we created the CIC by intentionally precoarsening and stabilizing the scaffold before depositing two dissimilar metal oxide films in its void space by atomic layer deposition. Current-voltage characteristics and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements revealed that the un-optimized 3D CIC outperformed its 2D counterpart by μ4× in terms of capacitance. This proof-of-concept device will pave the way to the development of aperiodic three-dimensional energy storage systems with enhanced energy and power densities.

The current review outlines the size-dependent plastic behavior of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) and the underlying deformation mechanisms. Particular focus is laid upon the influence of microstructural design on the small-scale deformation characteristics. The role of defect types as carriers of plasticity is appraised and correlated with the frequently observed mechanical behavior peculiar to the breed of HEAs. Deformation response is classified on the basis of mechanical testing techniques probing intrinsic (nanoindentation techniques) as well as extrinsic size (micro/nanopillar compression) effects. The mechanisms of incipient plasticity and serrated flow behavior in HEAs are discussed. Furthermore, the role of interfaces between crystallographically dissimilar lattices on small-scale deformation behavior in these alloys is assessed. The article provides a clear overview of the existing HEA research in this avenue as well as the critical knowledge gaps that need to be addressed.

Ion-induced bending phenomena were studied in free-standing nano-sized Al cantilevers with thicknesses in the range of 89-200 nm. The objective is to present a predictive and useful model for the fabrication of micro- and nano-sized specimens. Samples were irradiated in a Tescan Lyra dual beam system with 30 kV Ga+ ions normal to the sample surface up to a maximum fluence of similar to 2 x 10(21) m(-2). Irrespective of thickness, all samples bent initially away from the Ga+ beam; as irradiation proceeded, the bending direction was reversed. The Al cantilever bending behavior is discussed in terms of depth-dependent volume change due to implanted Ga atoms, radiation-induced point defects and interstitial clusters. A kinetic model is designed which is based on a set of rate equations for concentrations of vacancies, interstitial atoms, Ga atoms and clusters of interstitial atoms. The bending crossover is explained by the formation of sessile interstitial clusters in a zone beyond the Ga+ penetration range. Model predictions agree with our experimental findings.

In this work, large-area graphene-based carbon films were synthesized through a fast and low-temperature method. The processing route is illustrated on a free surface of Ni catalyst film by vacuum thermal processing of amorphous carbon. Key in the novel approach is that the synthesis is done at low temperatures, i.e. below 350 °C, and within a time as short as 1 min. The nucleation and growth of graphene on the free surface of nickel and along the interface between Ni film and SiO2 substrate are investigated by using a thin film Ni-C-Ni sandwiched structure on a SiO2/Si substrate. Raman spectroscopy demonstrates that the graphene-based carbon films consist of graphitic carbon rich of defects. HR-TEM observations reveal that the graphene-based carbon film grown on the top free surface is composed of thin multilayer graphene segments (3–6 atomic layers) and thick multilayer graphene segments (more than atomic 10 layers), covering the entire surface of Ni film over a large area. Growth parameters such as growth time, growth temperature and carbon/Ni ratio are reported in detail for a control of graphene growth kinetics. The results point at several attractive strategies for the facile synthesis of graphene-based carbon films for industrial applications. Keywords: Graphene film, Growth behavior, Low temperature, Nickel, Microscopy

Au(I) complexes are studied as precursors for focused electron beam induced processing (FEBIP). FEBIP is an advanced direct-write technique for nanometer-scale chemical synthesis. The stability and volatility of the complexes are characterized to design an improved precursor for pure Au deposition. Aurophilic interactions are found to play a key role. The short lifetime of ClAuCO in vacuum is explained by strong, destabilizing Au–Au interactions in the solid phase. While aurophilic interactions do not affect the stability of ClAuPMe3, they leave the complex non-volatile. Comparison of crystal structures of ClAuPMe3 and MeAuPMe3 shows that Au–Au interactions are much weaker or partially even absent for the latter structure. This explains its high volatility. However, MeAuPMe3 dissociates unfavorably during FEBIP, making it an unsuitable precursor. The study shows that Me groups reduce aurophilic interactions, compared to Cl groups, which we attribute to electronic rather than steric effects. Therefore we propose MeAuCO as a potential FEBIP precursor. It is expected to have weak Au–Au interactions, making it volatile. It is stable enough to act as a volatile source for Au deposition, being stabilized by 6.5 kcal/mol. Finally, MeAuCO is likely to dissociate in a single step to pure Au.

A correlative method based on electron back scattered diffraction and focused ion-beam-digital image correlation slit milling technique was used to quantitatively determine spatially resolved stress profiles in the vicinity of grain boundaries in pure titanium. Measured local stress gradients were in good agreement with local average misorientation and experimentally calculated geometrically necessary dislocation densities. Stress profiles within few hundred to thousand nanometers near the grain boundary display a local minimum, followed by a typical Hall-Petch type variation of "one over square root of distance". The observed trends allude to local stress relaxation mechanisms active near grain boundaries. (C) 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Over the past decade, high entropy alloys (HEAs) have transcended the frontiers of material development in terms of their unprecedented structural and functional properties compared to their counterpart conventional alloys. The possibility to explore a vast compositional space further renders this area of research extremely promising in the near future for discovering society-changing materials. The introduction of HEAs has also brought forth a paradigm shift in the existing knowledge about material design and development. It is in this regard that a fundamental understanding of the metal physics of these alloys is critical in propelling mechanism-based HEA design. The current paper highlights some of the critical viewpoints that need greater attention in the future with respect to designing mechanically and functionally advanced materials. In particular, the interplay of large compositional gradients and defect topologies in these alloys and their corresponding impact on overall mechanical response are highlighted. From the point of view of functional response, such chemistry vis-à-vis topology correlations are extended to novel class of nano-porous HEAs that beat thermal coarsening effects despite a high surface to volume ratio owing to retarded diffusion kinetics. Recommendations on material design with regards to their potential use in diverse applications such as energy storage, actuators, and as piezoelectrics are additionally considered., Metals, 10 (2), ISSN:2075-4701

Plastic deformation after indentation of the metallic glass Cu47Ti35Zr11Ni6Si1 at different loading conditions was examined. Discontinuities on the loading curves were observed, the magnitude of which depends on the loading rate. The presence of these discontinuities is influenced by the precise shape of the indentation tip. At lower loading rates and using a cube corner indenter tip the discontinuities on the loading curves are more pronounced. An increase of the loading rate tends to diminish instantaneous plastic deformation as appear by pop-ins. Using a Berkovich type indenter tip the plastic deformation is more steady. It is concluded that the final morphology of the pile-up area strongly depends on the geometry of the indenter tip, whereas no correlation between discontinuities in the loading part of the indentation curve and the formation of shear band patterns was observed.

An amorphous metallic ribbon of Fe40Ni40B20 was used for in-situ observation of the crack propagation and shear band formation during tensile tests. Prior to the tensile tests, two holes (with different positions with respect to the tensile axis) were made by laser ablation as stress concentrators. The nucleation and propagation of shear bands on the ribbon surface during tensile tests were analysed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). At room temperature inhomogeneous plastic deformation of amorphous alloy occurs via the development of primary and secondary shear bands. The influence of the different loading geometry on the topology of shear bands and crack propagation was studied.

This paper reports a versatile template-free method based on the hydrogen reduction of metallic salts for the synthesis of nanoporous Ni and alloys. The approach involves thermal decomposition and reduction of metallic precursors followed with metal cluster nucleation and ligament growth. Topological disordered porous architectures of metals with a controllable distribution of pore size and ligament size ranging from tens of nanometers to micrometers are synthesized. The reduction processes are scrutinized through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The formation mechanism of the nanoporous metal is qualitatively explained. The as-prepared nanoporous Ni was tested as binder-free current collectors for nickel oxalate anodes of lithium ion batteries. The nanoporous Ni electrodes deliver enhanced reversible capacities and cyclic performances compared with commercial Ni foam. It is confirmed that this synthesis method has versatility not only because it is suitable for different types of metallic salts precursors but also for various other metals and alloys.

Nanoindentation and thermomechanical experiments on three types of metallic glasses with different glass forming ability were carried out. The nanoindentation behaviour at room temperature was associated with the creep at elevated temperatures. Different discontinuity populations and their shape observed on the nanoindentation loading curves were compared with morphology of plastic deformed indent regions. The influence of the differences in thermal stability of studied alloys on the nanoindentation in these alloys were studied as well.

In the present study, the effect of resistance spot welding scheme (i.e. single and double pulse welding) on the mechanical behaviour of resistance spot-welded DP1000-GI steel is investigated. It is shown that double pulse welding at low welding current decreases the maximum cross-tension strength and mechanical energy absorption capability of the welds. The factors that lead to the lower mechanical performance of double pulse welds are scrutinised. Local residual stress mapping reveals that the compressive residual stress perpendicular to the plane of the pre-crack either decreases or is fully released at the weld edge of double pulse welds. Orientation imaging microscopy analyses show that the martensite formed in front of the pre-crack of double pulse weld has a lower fraction of high-angle grain boundaries and a coarser structure of Bain groups as opposed to the corresponding area of single pulse weld. Lower mechanical performance of double pulse welds produced at lower welding current is ascribed to the lower compressive residual stress normal to the plane of crack and the formation of martensitic structure in front of the pre-crack with a lower fraction of high-angle grain boundaries and coarser Bain groups.

The current work implements a correlative microscopy method utilizing electron back scatter diffraction, focused ion beam and digital image correlation to accurately determine spatially resolved stress profiles in the vicinity of grain/twin boundaries and tensile deformation twin tips in commercially pure titanium. Measured local stress gradients were in good agreement with local misorientation values. The role of dislocation-boundary interactions on the buildup of local stress gradients is elucidated. Stress gradients across the twin-parent interface were compressive in nature with a maximum stress magnitude at the twin boundary. Stress profiles near certain grain boundaries initially display a local stress minimum, followed by a typically observed “one over square root of distance” variation, as was first postulated by Eshelby, Frank and Nabarro. The observed trends allude to local stress relaxation mechanisms very close to the grain boundaries. Stress states in front of twin tips showed tensile stress gradients, whereas the stress state inside the twin underwent a sign reversal. The findings highlight the important role of deformation twins and their corresponding interaction with grain boundaries on damage nucleation in metals.

The paper concentrates on in situ bending tests and analysis of the failure of materials exhibiting strong anisotropy. As a typical example, Ti2AlC microcantilevers (MCs) were scrutinized. The anisotropic flexural strength of Ti2AlC MCs was measured, and the strength of the strong orientation was found to be two and half times as high as that of the weak orientation. The transition of fracture strength and mechanisms could be evaluated. Our findings have generic implications for future study on the fracture behavior of layered materials. (C) 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In this study experimental and modelling methods are used to examine the microstructural and bending responses of laser-formed commercially pure titanium grade 2. The in situ bending angle response is measured for different processing parameters utilizing 3D digital image correlation. The microstructural changes are observed using electron backscatter diffraction. Finite element modelling is used to analyse the heat transfer and temperature field inside the material. It has been proven that the laser bending process is not only controlled by processing parameters such as laser power and laser beam scanning speed, but also by surface absorption. Grain size appears to have no influence on the final bending angle, however, sandblasted samples showed a considerably higher final bending angle. Experimental and simulation results suggest that the laser power has a larger influence on the final bending angle than that of the laser transverse speed. The microstructure of the laser heat-affected zone consists of small refined grains at the top layer followed by large elongated grains. Deformation mechanisms such as slip and twinning were observed in the heat-affected zone, where their distribution depends on particular processing parameters.

We present the results of our study about the deposition rate of focused electron beam induced processing (FEBIP) as a function of the substrate temperature with the substrate being an electron-transparent amorphous carbon membrane. When W(CO)6 is used as a precursor it is observed that the growth rate is lower at higher substrate temperatures. From Arrhenius plots we calculated the activation energy for desorption, Edes, of W(CO)6. We found an average value for Edes of 20.3 kJ or 0.21 eV, which is 2.5–3.0 times lower than literature values. This difference between estimates for Edes from FEBIP experiments compared to literature values is consistent with earlier findings by other authors. The discrepancy is attributed to electron-stimulated desorption, which is known to occur during electron irradiation. The data suggest that, of the W(CO)6 molecules that are affected by the electron irradiation, the majority desorbs from the surface rather than dissociates to contribute to the deposit. It is important to take this into account during FEBIP experiments, for instance when determining fundamental process parameters such as the activation energy for desorption.

We report on reversible dimensional changes in nanoporous silver made by selective dissolution of Al from Ag-Al alloys. Strain amplitudes of between similar to 0.2 and 0.5% were recorded during cyclic voltammetry experiments in 0.5 M NaOH. These reversible displacements are comparable to, if not higher than, those reported in the noblest nanoporous metals such as Pt and Au under similar experimental conditions. Our new findings indicate that Ag could be a good candidate material for low-cost electrochemical actuation applications. (C) 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The resolution of lithography techniques needs to be extended beyond their current limits to continue the trend of miniaturization and enable new applications. But what is the ultimate spatial resolution? It is known that single atoms can be imaged with a highly focused electron beam. Can single atoms also be written with an electron beam? We verify this with focused electron-beam-induced deposition (FEBID), a direct-write technique that has the current record for the smallest feature written by (electron) optical lithography. We show that the deposition of an organometallic precursor on graphene can be followed molecule-by-molecule with FEBID. The results show that mechanisms that are inherent to the process inhibit a further increase in control over the process. Hence, our results present the resolution limit of (electron) optical lithography techniques. The writing of isolated, subnanometer features with nanometer precision can be used, for instance, for the local modification of graphene and for catalysis.

The controlled positioning of nanostructures with active molecular components is of importance throughout nanoscience and nanotechnology. We present a novel three-step method to produce nanostructures that are selectively decorated with functional molecules. We use fluorophores and nanoparticles to functionalize SiO features with defined shapes and with sizes ranging from micrometers to 25 nm. The method is called MACE-ID: molecular assembly controlled by electron-beam-induced deposition. In the first step, SiO nanostructures are written with focused electron-beam-induced deposition, a direct-writing technique. In the second step, the deposits are selectively silanized. In the final step, the silanes are functionalized with fluorescent dyes, polystyrene spheres, or gold nanoparticles. This recipe gives exciting new possibilities for combining the highly accurate control of top-down patterning (e-beam direct writing) with the rich variety of the bottom-up approach (self-assembly), leading to active or responsive surfaces. An important advantage of MACE-ID is that it can be used on substrates that already contain complex features, such as plasmonic structures, nanoantennas, and cavities.

We have synthesized nanoporous Au with a dual microscopic length scale by exploiting the crystal structure of the alloy precursor. The synthesized mesoscopic material is characterized by stacked Au layers of submicrometer thickness. In addition, each layer displays nanoporosity through the entire bulk. It is shown that the thickness of these layers can be tailored via the grain size of the alloy precursor. The two-length-scale structure enhances the functional properties of nanoporous gold, leading to charge-induced strains of amplitude up to 6%, which are roughly 2 orders of magnitude larger than in nanoporous Au with the standard one-length-scale porous morphology. A model is presented to describe these phenomena.

Tensile tests have been performed on annealed (AN) and heat treated (HT) Duocel open cell aluminum foam (20 PPI) samples for relative densities ranging between 3 and 13%. The long axis of the cell was oriented longitudinal (LD) or transverse (TD) to the loading direction to observe the effect of the cell shape anisotropy on the tensile behavior. During the tensile tests the evolution of damage was monitored by measuring the electrical resistance. All changes in the tensile behavior between orientations, such as the flow stress, peak stress and peak strain, can be explained by both the cell shape anisotropy and the change in damage evolution.

Mechanisms of the propagation of crack fronts along interfaces between a glassy polymer and metal or glass are discussed. Specifically, the systems studied are Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PETG) spin-coated on A1, PETG-glass and PETG hot-pressed on Cr-sputtered glass. Cracks studied propagate in an Assymetric Double Cantilever Beam (ADCB) geometry. Dependence of microscopic crack front geometry on propagation speed is found. The local stress state is found to have an impact on macroscopic as well as microscopic crack front geometry. Simple lattice model calculations of propagating crack fronts illustrate the impact of disorder and residual stress state on propagation mechanisms and macroscopic crack front shape respectively.

The pseudoelastic behavior of Fe3Al single crystals doped with an extra element (e.g. Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Si, Ga, Ge) was investigated. In binary Fe-23.0at.%Al crystals with the D03 structure, 1/4[111] superpartial dislocations moved independently dragging the nearest-neighbor anti-phase boundaries (NNAPB) during loading. During unloading, the NNAPB pulled back the superpartials decreasing its energy resulting in a giant pseudoelasticity of which the recoverable strain is about 5 %. Addition of a third element significantly affected the pseudoelastic behavior of Fe3Al single crystals. Mn- or Ga-doped crystal demonstrated a giant pseudoelasticity. In particular, Ga-doping was found to be effective in the enhancement of the pseudoelasticity. On the other hand, the amount of strain recovery decreased upon doping of the other elements. The frictional stress of the superpartials, the back stress of the NNAPB and ordered domain structure in the crystals changed upon doping, which was closely related to the pseudoelastic behavior.

Hot-dip galvanized transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel sheets were recently developed for automotive applications. The microstructure and the adhesion of zinc coated CMnSi TRIP steel alloyed with P were studied. The α-Zn coating adjacent to the steel substrate consists of a continuous η-Fe2Al5-xZnx inhibition layer with columnar ζ-FeZn13 intermetallic particles on top. Along the interface between the inhibition layer and the steel substrate Mn/Mn-P oxides were frequently observed. Although these oxides at the steel surface reduce the adhesion between the zinc coating and the TRIP steel, they do not cause any bare spots during galvanizing. Upon tensile deformation of the galvanized steel sheet, cracking along the α-zinc grain boundaries preceded fracture of the interface between the α-Zn layer and the inhibition layer. After 4 % deformation the average interface crack length increased linearly with the applied strain. This interface fracture was strongly influenced by the crystalline orientation of the α-Zn grains.

As a tribute to the scientific work of Professor David Brandon, this paper delineates the possibilities of utilizing in situ transmission electron microscopy to unravel dislocation-grain boundary interactions. In particular, we have focused on the deformation characteristics of Al-Mg films. To this end, in situ nanoindentation experiments have been conducted in TEM on ultrafine-grained Al and Al-Mg films with varying Mg contents. The observed propagation of dislocations is markedly different between Al and Al-Mg films, i.e. the presence of solute Mg results in solute drag, evidenced by a jerky-type dislocation motion with a mean jump distance that compares well to earlier theoretical and experimental results. It is proposed that this solute drag accounts for the difference between the load-controlled indentation responses of Al and Al-Mg alloys. In contrast to Al-Mg alloys, several yield excursions are observed during initial indentation of pure Al, which are commonly attributed to the collective motion of dislocations nucleated under the indenter. Displacement-controlled indentation does not result in a qualitative difference between Al and Al-Mg, which can be explained by the specific feedback characteristics providing a more sensitive detection of plastic instabilities and allowing the natural process of load relaxation to occur. The in situ indentation measurements confirm grain boundary motion as an important deformation mechanism in ultrafine-grained Al when it is subjected to a highly inhomogeneous stress field as produced by a Berkovich indenter. It is found that solute Mg effectively pins high-angle grain boundaries during such deformation. The mobility of low-angle boundaries is not affected by the presence of Mg.

Deformed under optimum conditions of temperature and strain rate, coarse-grained aluminum alloys show elongation to failure in excess of 300%. The strain rate sensitivity index and the activation energy point to solute drag creep as the principal mechanism, a mechanism that has virtually no grain size dependence. The present study summarizes microstructural effects that are grain size dependent and which can influence the values of the maximum tensile elongation that can be obtained in coarse-grained aluminum alloys. Such effects like inhomogeneous refinement of the microstructure accompanied by the increase of the ratio of low/high angle grain boundaries and that of the texture contributes to flow stress instabilities leading to necking and premature failure.

TiB/Ti-6Al-4V metal-matrix composite (MMC) layers were produced on Ti-6Al-4V substrates by laser cladding. A TiB2/Ti powder mixture was used as a precursor to obtain a dispersion of TiB needles in the Ti alloy matrix, with the aid of an exothermic reaction between TiB2 and Ti. A eutectic microstructure was obtained that consisted of an extremely homogeneous dispersion of TiB eutectic needles in the Ti alloy matrix, having a volume fraction as high as 0.33. Also, an equilibrium-like microstructure was found, consisting of a dispersion of both primary and eutectic TiB needles inside the Ti alloy matrix. An analysis of the geometry of the layers was performed and proved successful in determining the percentage of B. Further, it correctly predicted the variation of atomic B content as a function of laser power. The relative wear resistance coefficient, defined as the wear coefficient of the uncoated matrix divided by that of coating, shows an improvement by a factor as high as 1500 for the eutectic microstructure.

Nanoindentation experiments at the loading rates from 0.05 to 100 mN.s-1 on the amorphous FeNiB alloy were executed. We found that the serrations in the load-displacement (P-h) curve are more pronounced at lower loading rates and gradually disappear upon increasing loading rate. We have estimated the contribution of the inhomogeneous plastic deformation from pop-in events on the P-h curves. The pop-in population was compared with the morphology of indents.

We have applied a novel approach to the investigation of deformation of nanoporous metals at the nanoscale by exposing nanoporous nanopillars to a Ga+ ion beam. We will show the results that we have obtained with Au nanopillars, but we have also observed similar behaviors in Cu, Al, and Ni nanopillars, i.e., a gradual massive deformation effect of the pillar during Ga ion beam exposure, where the pillar bends toward the ion beam. We derive a relationship between the formation of defects due to ion collisions in the nanopillars and the pillar's deformations and find that the deflection is linearly related to ion fluence. Computational models have shown that the deflection rate can be varied through change in acceleration voltage. This occurs due to the dual influence of a decreasing bending arm which reduces the associated bending moment, as well as the decreasing ion concentration, and thus defect concentration at the peak stress point. The high degree of control over deflection and the variables that influence it open an opportunity for use of ion-induced bending as a characterization technique of mechanical performance.

We have studied Sb segregation at MnO/Ag(Sb) ceramic/metal heterophase interfaces employing three-dimensional atom-probe (3DAP) microscopy. Specimens are prepared by the internal oxidation of Ag(Mn) alloys, leading to the formation of nanometer-size MnO precipitates within a Ag(Mn) matrix. Sb is introduced into the internally oxidized specimens with a vapor diffusion treatment. Appreciable Sb segregation is observed only after a subsequent segregation anneal is performed, and the measured interfacial excess of Sb at the MnO/Ag(Sb) interfaces, ΓSbMnO/Ag, is determined directly. The temporal evolution of the MnO precipitates is followed for the different processing steps employed. It is shown that the concentration of silver within the MnO precipitates decreases from an initial value of 45–50 at.% Ag to less than 5 at.% Ag with increasing annealing time at the different processing temperatures. Thus the MnO precipitates form under paraequilibrium conditions and the precipitates inherit Ag from the matrix. With increasing aging time orthoequilibrium conditions prevail and the MnO precipitates reject the silver atoms they inherited from the matrix.

Metallic muscles made of nanoporous metals suffer from serious drawbacks caused by the usage of an aqueous electrolyte for actuation. An aqueous electrolyte prohibits metallic muscles from operating in dry environments and hampers a high actuation rate due to the low ionic conductivity of electrolytes. In addition, redox reactions involved in electrochemical actuation severely coarsen the ligaments of nanoporous metals, leading to a substantial loss in performance of the actuator. Here we present an electrolyte-free approach to put metallic muscles to work via a metal/polymer interface. A nanocoating of polyaniline doped with sulfuric acid was grown onto the ligaments of nanoporous gold. Dopant sulfate anions coadsorbed into the polymer coating matrix were exploited to tune the nanoporous metal surface stress and subsequently generate macroscopic dimensional changes in the metal. Strain rates achieved in the single-component nanoporous metal/polymer composite actuator are 3 orders of magnitude higher than that of the standard three-component nanoporous metal/electrolyte hybrid actuator.

We present a multi-technique characterisation of graphene grown by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and thereafter transferred to and suspended on a grid for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The properties of the electronic band structure are investigated by angle-resolved photoelectron spectromicroscopy, while the structural and crystalline properties are studied by TEM and Raman spectroscopy. We demonstrate that the suspended graphene membrane locally shows electronic properties comparable with those of samples prepared by micromechanical cleaving of graphite. Measurements show that the area of high quality suspended graphene is limited by the folding of the graphene during the transfer.

Metal nanofoams with a porosity above 50% v/v have recently attracted great. Interest In materials science due to their interesting properties.. We.. demonstrate a new straightforward route to prepare such nanofoams using diblock copolymer-based PS-block-P4VP-(PDP) supramolecules that self-assemble Into a bicontinuous gyroid morphology, consisting of PS network channels in a P4VP(PDP) matrix. After dissolving the PDP, the P4VP. collapses onto the PS struts and a free-standing bicontinuous. gyroid template of 50-100 mu m thickness and interconnected, uniformly sized pores Is formed. The hydrophilic P4VP corona facilitates the penetration of water-based plating reagents into the porous template and enables a successful metal deposition. After plating, the polymer is simply degraded by heating, resulting In a well-ordered inverse gyroid nickel-foam. Essential to this approach Is the removal of only one part of the matrix (i.e., PDP). Therefore, the template accounts for 50% v/v or more. The porosity characteristics (amount, size of pores) can be tuned by selecting the appropriate copolymer and by adjusting the amount of PDP.

A material strength depends on its microstructure, which in turn, is controlled by an engineering process. Strengthening mechanisms like work hardening, precipitate, and grain boundary strengthening can alter the strength of a material in a predictive, quantitative manner and are readily linked to the deformation mechanism. This quantification strongly depends on the characteristic length scale of a particular microstructure, thereby dictating bulk material's strength as a function of, for example, grain or precipitate size, twin boundary spacing, or dislocation density. This microstructural, or intrinsic, size governs the mechanical properties and post-elastic material deformation at all sample dimensions, as the classical definition of "ultimate tensile strength" deems it to be "an intensive property, therefore its value does not depend on the size of the test specimen." Yet in the last 5 years, the vast majority of uniaxial deformation experiments and computations on small-scale metallic structures unambiguously demonstrated that at the micron and sub-micron scales, this definition no longer holds true. In fact, it has been shown that in single crystals the ultimate tensile strength and the yield strength scale with external sample size in a power law fashion, sometimes attaining a significant fraction of material's theoretical strength, and exhibiting the now-commonly-known phenomenon "smaller is stronger." Understanding of this "extrinsic size effect" at small scales is not yet mature and is currently a topic of rigorous investigations. As both the intrinsic (i.e. microstructural) and extrinsic (i.e. sample size) dimensions play a non-trivial role in the mechanical properties and material deformation mechanisms, it is critical to develop an understanding of their interplay and mutual effects on the mechanical properties and material deformation, especially in small-scale structures. This review focuses on providing an overview of metal-based material classes whose properties as a function of external size have been investigated and provides a critical discussion on the combined effects of intrinsic and extrinsic sizes on the material deformation behavior. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Single crystals of MgO (100) were implanted with 10(16) (6)Li ions cm(-2) at an energy of 30 keV. After ion implantation the samples were annealed isochronally in air at temperatures up to 1200K. After implantation and after each annealing step, the defect evolution was monitored with optical absorption spectroscopy and depth-sensitive Doppler Broadening Positron Beam Analysis (PBA). A strong increase in the S-parameter is observed in the implantation layer at a depth of approximately 100 nm. The high value of the S-parameter is ascribed to positron annihilation in small lithium precipitates. The results of 2D-ACAR and X-TEM analysis show evidence of the presence of lithium precipitates. The depth distribution of the implanted (6)Li atoms was monitored with Neutron Depth Profiling (NDP). It was observed that detrapping and diffusion of (6)Li starts at an annealing temperature of 1200K.

The International Meeting on Developments in Materials, Processes and Applications of Nanotechnology (MPA 2008) held at Robinson College, University of Cambridge, UK was the second event of the MPA conference series. The first MPA-2007, held at the University of Ulster, UK officially launched the Society of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology to the international community. After its success as MPA-2007, MPA-2008 aimed to attract a balanced portion of delegates from academia, industry and research institutions and laboratories involved with research and development work. In doing so, the conference provided a binding platform for academics and industrialists to network together, exchange ideas, provide new information and give new insights into overcoming the current challenges facing the academics and the industrialists relating to nanomaterials and the exploitation of their application areas.The topics of MPA 2008 were: Nanocoatings; Nanoparticles/Nanowires/Nanotubes; Nanodevices; Nanofabrication; Nanomanufacturing; Commercialising nanotechnology; Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology.Plenary lectures were given by Professor Gehan Amaratunga, Cambridge University, UK (The focussed start-lip: releasing new technology for optimum benefit) and Dr. Chris Williams, UK Displays Network. Limited, Berkshire, UK (A vision of displays & lighting in 2020 what will it be?).Preparations for the 3rd MPA conference are under-way. MPA 2009 will be held in Manchester (UK) during 21-23 July 2009. The plenary lecture will be given by the Nobel laureate Professor Sir H. W. Kroto (Florida State University, USA). More details on this event can be found from the website www.mpa-meeting.com

This article concentrates on the jerky-type phenomenon of surfaces in relative motion (i.e., a breakdown of the Coulomb friction law) in nanocomposite materials. Physical arguments are provided to understand the dependence of friction on sliding velocity in the sense of self-lubrication. Also described is the influence of water vapor adsorption from the testing environment. Front a structural design viewpoint, nanocomposite coatings exhibit an optimized combination of functionalities when the nanoparticle becomes of approximately the same size as the separation.

Metal foam was made from recycled MMC precursor by the melt route. The original starting material was an Al-9Si alloy containing 20 vol% of SiC particles (10 mm), which are used to stabilize the foam during the foaming process. The starting material has been used to make foam parts from which the residue was recycled and refoamed. During the (re)foaming process Fe is present in the melt. During solidification of the foam, -AlSiFe plates are formed with the surplus of Si and Al present in the alloy. These plates run through the entire thickness of the cell wall (40–50 mm) and their length ranges between 50 and 200 mm. During in-situ tensile tests fracture initiates in the -AlFeSi plates and propagates through other -AlFeSi plates leading to brittle fracture of the cell walls. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.47.2219]