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Design, Characterization and Applications of Advanced Rare Earth Materials

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Materials Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 May 2023) | Viewed by 12307

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Prof. Dr. Guangming Li

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Guest Editor

School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, China
Interests: synthesis, structure, luminescence and magnetism of lanthanum complexes; catalysis of metal organic framework (MOF)

Dr. Jingfang Li

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Guest Editor

School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, China
Interests: advanced materials; lightweight metals; stimuli-responsive materials; rare earth functional materials; hybrid materials; materials design and processing; microstructure
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Dear Colleagues,

The rare earth elements play an important role in improving the properties of materials, such as improving the strength, plasticity, toughness, fatigue resistance, high-temperature performance, and corrosion resistance of alloys. Moreover, rare earth elements also can enrich the function of the materials, such as luminescence, magnetism, catalysis, etc. In recent years, the research on rare earth develops very actively, and papers on the latest progress in this field demonstrate a hotspot all the time. This reflects the high academic standards and new progress in the field of rare earth materials. Thus, the Special Issue will focus on Design, Characterization, and Applications of Advanced Rare Earth Materials. This Special Issue covers all research and application of 17 rare earth elements, including rare earth alloys, rare earth processing, rare earth luminescence materials, rare earth magnetic materials, rare earth catalysis, rare earth chemistry, rare earth metallography, advanced rare earth new materials, rare earth applications, etc.

We would like to invite you with great pleasure to submit a manuscript for this Special Issue. Full articles, short communications, and review papers are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Guangming Li
Dr. Jingfang Li
Guest Editors

Dr. Sicong Zhao
Assistant Guest Editor

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Keywords

rare earth elements
lightweight metals
materials design and processing
microstructure and texture
grain size
strengthening mechanism
mechanical properties
advanced materials
hybrid material
luminescence
magnetism
catalysis
stimuli-responsive materials

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 12645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Microstructure on High-Speed Tensile Mechanical Properties of Ti-1300 Alloy

by Zhu-Ye Zhang, Dong-Rong Liu and Zhen-Peng Pu

Materials 2023, 16(13), 4725; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma16134725 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 750

Abstract

It is usually required that Ti-1300 alloys be able to withstand a greater load under special conditions, such as the controllable collision of a space shuttle and rapid collision of an automobile. Because of a good combination of strength and toughness, Ti-1300 alloys are widely applied in the aerospace industry. However, during the service process, the alloy components inevitably bear extreme loads. This paper uses high-speed tensile technology to systematically study the effects of different strain rates on the deformation of the microstructure and deformation mechanism of Ti-1300 alloys and to clarify a relation between the microstructure and mechanical properties. The results show that no phase transformation occurs during the high-speed tensile process at strain rates of 200 s⁻¹ and 500 s⁻¹. The deformation mechanism is mainly due to dislocation slip. The fracture mode is ductile fracture at the two strain rates, due to the connection between micro-voids promoted by dislocation slip. The ultimate tensile strengths are 1227 MPa and 1368 MPa, the yield strengths are 1050 MPa and 1220 MPa, and the elongations are 11.3% and 10.4%, respectively. The present results provide theoretical guidance for the further application of metastable β titanium alloys in working environments with high strain rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Applications of Advanced Rare Earth Materials)

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11 pages, 11501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strengthening of Mg Alloy with Multiple RE Elements with Ag and Zn Doping via Heat Treatment

by Rui Fan, Lei Wang, Sicong Zhao, Liping Wang and Erjun Guo

Materials 2023, 16(11), 4155; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma16114155 - 02 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1003

Abstract

Strengthening Mg alloys with rare earth elements has been a research focus for several decades. To minimize the usage of rare earth elements while enhancing mechanical properties, we adopted the strategy of alloying with multiple rare earth elements, namely Gd, Y, Nd, and Sm. Additionally, to promote the precipitation of basal precipitate, Ag and Zn doping was also induced. Thus, we designed a new cast Mg-2Gd-2Y-2Nd-2Sm-1Ag-1Zn-0.5Zr (wt.%) alloy. The microstructure of the alloy and its relevance to mechanical properties in various heat treatment conditions were investigated. After undergoing a heat treatment process, the alloy demonstrated exceptional mechanical properties, with a yield strength of 228 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 330 MPa achieved through peak-aging for 72 h at 200 °C. The excellent tensile properties are due to the synergistic effect of basal γ″ precipitate and prismatic β′ precipitate. In its as-cast state, its primary mode of fracture is inter-granular, whereas in the solid-solution and peak-aging conditions, the predominant mode of fracture is a mixture of trans-granular and inter-granular fractures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Applications of Advanced Rare Earth Materials)

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11 pages, 9045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Annealing Temperature on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of CoCrFeNiNb_0.2Mo_0.2 High Entropy Alloy

by Rui Fan, Sicong Zhao, Liping Wang, Lei Wang and Erjun Guo

Materials 2023, 16(11), 3987; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma16113987 - 26 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1167

Abstract

Strengthening the CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy with a face-center cubic structure has become a research prospect in the last decade. Alloying with double elements, Nb and Mo, is an effective method. In this paper, to further enhance the strength of the Nb and Mo contained high entropy alloy, CoCrFeNiNb_0.2Mo_0.2 was annealing treated at different temperatures for 24 h. As a result, a new kind of Cr₂Nb type nano-scale precipitate with a hexagonal close-packed structure was formed, which is semi-coherent with the matrix. Moreover, by adjusting the annealing temperature, the precipitate was tailored with a considerable quantity and fine size. The best overall mechanical properties were achieved in the alloy annealed at 700 °C. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation are 727 MPa, 1.05 GPa, and 8.38%, respectively. The fracture mode of the annealed alloy is a mixture of cleavage and necking-featured ductile fracture. The approach employed in this study offers a theoretical foundation for enhancing the mechanical properties of face-centered cubic high entropy alloys via annealing treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Applications of Advanced Rare Earth Materials)

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11 pages, 7478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Properties of Organically Modified Na-Montmorillonite

by Yan Qian, Zeen Huang, Guantao Zhou, Chenan Chen, Yuhang Sang, Zuolong Yu, Legao Jiang, Yuning Mei and Yunxiao Wei

Materials 2023, 16(8), 3184; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma16083184 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1274

Abstract

This study investigates the montmorillonite (MMT) content, rotational viscosity, and colloidal index of sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) as a function of the sodium agent dosage, reaction time, reaction temperature, and stirring time. Na-MMT was modified using different octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (OTAC) dosages under optimal sodification conditions. The organically modified MMT products were characterized via infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the Na-MMT with good properties (i.e., the maximum rotational viscosity and highest Na-MMT content with no decrease in the colloid index) was obtained at a 2.8% sodium carbonate dosage (measured based on the MMT mass), a temperature of 25 °C, and a reaction time of two hours. Upon organic modification of the optimized Na-MMT, OTAC entered the NA-MMT interlayer, and the contact angle was increased from 20.0° to 61.4°, the layer spacing was increased from 1.58 to 2.47 nm, and the thermal stability was conspicuously increased. Thus, MMT and Na-MMT were modified by the OTAC modifier. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Applications of Advanced Rare Earth Materials)

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13 pages, 4966 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Solution Treatment Time on Microstructure Evolution and Properties of Mg-3Y-4Nd-2Al Alloy

by Lili Zhao, Sicong Zhao, Yicheng Feng, Lei Wang, Rui Fan, Tao Ma and Liping Wang

Materials 2023, 16(6), 2512; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma16062512 - 22 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1188

Abstract

In order to explore the microstructure evolution of an Mg-RE alloy refined by Al during solution treatment, an Mg-3Y-4Nd-2Al alloy was treated at 545 °C for different time periods. Phase evolution of the alloy was investigated. After solution treatment, the Mg-RE eutectic phase in the Mg-3Y-4Nd-2Al alloy dissolves, the granular Al₂RE phase does not change, the acicular Al₁₁RE₃ phase breaks into the short rod-like Al₂RE phase, and the lamellar Al₂RE phase precipitates in the grains. With the extension of solution time, the precipitated phase of the lamellar Al₂RE increased at first and then decreased, and its orientation relationship with the matrix is

{< 112 >}_{{Al}_{2} RE} {/ / < 2 \bar{1} \bar{1} 0 >}_{Mg}

and

{111}_{{Al}_{2} RE} {/ / {0002}}_{Mg}

. The undissolved granular Al₂RE phase can improve the thermal stability of the alloy grain by pinning the grain boundary, and the grain size did not change after solution treatment. Solution treatment significantly improved the plasticity of the alloy. After 48 h of solution treatment, the elongation increased to 17.5% from 8.5% in the as-cast state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Applications of Advanced Rare Earth Materials)

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10 pages, 6766 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of EK30 Alloy Synergistically Reinforced by Ag Alloying and Hot Extrusion for Aerospace Applications

by Daohe Zhang, Sicong Zhao, Hongtao Chen, Yicheng Feng, Erjun Guo and Jingfang Li

Materials 2022, 15(23), 8613; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15238613 - 02 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 887

Abstract

Enhancing the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys to meet the urgent need for their lightweight applications in the aerospace field has always been a great challenge. Herein, the effect of Ag on the microstructure and tensile properties of the Mg−2.5Nd−1.0Sm−0.4Zn−0.1Ca−0.5Zr (EK30) alloy prepared by integrated extrusion and equal-channel angular pressing is studied. The microstructure of as-extruded alloys consists of α-Mg grains and the β phase. The addition of Ag increases the β-phase content. The β phase can promote dynamic recrystallization by inducing a particle-stimulated nucleation mechanism and inhibiting grain growth, which leads to grain refinement and texture weakening. At 250 °C, the ultimate tensile strength of the EK30–2.0Ag alloy (225.9 MPa) increased by 13.8% compared to the Ag-free alloy (198.4 MPa). When the tensile temperature increased from 25 °C to 250 °C, the ultimate tensile strength of the EK30–2.0Ag alloy decreased by 14.3%, from 263.7 MPa to 225.9 MPa. Notably, the addition of Ag slightly reduced the elongation of the alloy at 250 °C; the elongations of the EK30–2.0Ag alloy and the EK30 alloy are 41.5% and 37.0%, respectively. The elongation of the EK30–2.0Ag alloy increased from 22.7% at 25 °C to 52.7% at 275 °C. All alloy tensile fractures exhibited typical plastic fracture characteristics. This study provides an effective way to enhance the high-temperature mechanical properties of magnesium alloys by Ag alloying and a special severe plastic deformation method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Applications of Advanced Rare Earth Materials)

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16 pages, 5198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Radiation Effect on Structural and Optical Properties of GaAs under High-Energy Electron Irradiation

by Authit Phakkhawan, Aparporn Sakulkalavek, Siritorn Buranurak, Pawinee Klangtakai, Karnwalee Pangza, Nongnuch Jangsawang, Sawinee Nasompag, Mati Horprathum, Suphakan Kijamnajsuk and Sakuntam Sanorpim

Materials 2022, 15(17), 5897; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15175897 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1576

Abstract

A systematic investigation of the changes in structural and optical properties of a semi-insulating GaAs (001) wafer under high-energy electron irradiation is presented in this study. GaAs wafers were exposed to high-energy electron beams under different energies of 10, 15, and 20 MeV for absorbed doses ranging from 0–2.0 MGy. The study showed high-energy electron bombardments caused roughening on the surface of the irradiated GaAs samples. At the maximum delivered energy of 20 MeV electrons, the observed root mean square (RMS) roughness increased from 5.993 (0.0 MGy) to 14.944 nm (2.0 MGy). The increased RMS roughness with radiation doses was consistent with an increased hole size of incident electrons on the GaAs surface from 0.015 (0.5 MGy) to 0.066 nm (2.0 MGy) at 20 MeV electrons. Interestingly, roughness on the surface of irradiated GaAs samples affected an increase in material wettability. The study also observed the changes in bandgap energy of GaAs samples after irradiation with 10, 15, and 20 MeV electrons. The band gap energy was found in the 1.364 to 1.397 eV range, and the observed intense UV-VIS spectra were higher than in non-irradiated samples. The results revealed an increase of light absorption in irradiated GaAs samples to be higher than in original-based samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Applications of Advanced Rare Earth Materials)

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12 pages, 4950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of In Situ ZrB₂-SiC-ZrC Coating on ZrC-SiC Substrate by Reactive Plasma Spraying

by Bao-Xia Ma, Yang Wang, Si-Cong Zhao, Hao-Nan Wu and Yang Qiao

Materials 2022, 15(6), 2217; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15062217 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1104

Abstract

In situ synthesis feasibility of ZrB₂-SiC-ZrC composite coatings on ZrC ceramics by reactive plasma spraying (RPS) was investigated. To help to understand the phase evolution during plasma spraying process, reaction behavior in the ZrH₂-Si-B₄C system was explored carefully by differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicated that the phase transformation sequence in the ZrH₂-Si-B₄C system could be described as ZrH_1.66, Zr₃O, ZrC, ZrB₂, Zr₂Si, ZrSi, and SiC. The prior formation of ZrC was due to high diffusion rate of C atoms from B₄C. ZrB₂ was produced above 1100 °C. As the temperature increased, SiC were finally formed by the reaction of ZrC with ZrSi and B₄C. The RPS composite coatings mainly consisted of ZrB₂, SiC, and ZrC phases, except for a small fraction of ZrO₂ phase. The microstructural characterization exhibited more dense melted splats, which appears to increase gradually with the increase in spraying currents and distances. The coatings had typical lamellar structure and adhered to the substrate well. The microhardness values were higher than 1000 HV₁, but there were few variations with varying spraying currents and distances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Applications of Advanced Rare Earth Materials)

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17 pages, 67637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Modeling of Segregation Behavior during Solidification of a Sn-6 wt.% Pb Alloy

by Jian Guan, Zhen-Peng Pu, Si-Cong Zhao and Dong-Rong Liu

Materials 2022, 15(4), 1298; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15041298 - 10 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1389

Abstract

In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) solidification model was developed that uses a SOLA algorithm to solve momentum equations and accelerate iterative convergence. The macrosegregation behavior of a sand-cast Sn-6 wt.% Pb alloy was numerically investigated by the developed 3D model. The experiment was carried out for a casting with one side in contact with a graphite chill and the other sides in contact with resin sand. The necessary precision of in-house-developed codes was validated by comparisons with experimentally measured cooling curves and lead concentration distribution. The limitations of the model in fitting experimental results well were discussed. A comparative study between simulations in two-dimensional (2D) and 3D cavities showed that although the general distribution pattern of macrosegregation was slightly affected, the details regarding segregation degree, solute composition distribution over the solidifying domain, solidification time and fluid flow pattern were different. For 2D simulations without boundary walls, the convection behavior was less complicated, and the cooling process was slowed down both in the casting and in the mold. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Applications of Advanced Rare Earth Materials)

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11 pages, 8411 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Al Content on Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of As-Cast Mg-11Gd-2Y-1Zn Alloy

by Yuanke Fu, Liping Wang, Sicong Zhao, Yicheng Feng and Lei Wang

Materials 2021, 14(23), 7145; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14237145 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1253

Abstract

In the present paper, the Mg-11Gd-2Y-1Zn alloys with different Al addition were fabricated by the gravity permanent mold method. The effect of Al content on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-11Gd-2Y-1Zn alloy was studied by metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscope, XRD and tensile testing. The experimental results showed that the microstructure of as-cast Mg-11Gd-2Y-1Zn alloy consisted of α-Mg phase and island-shaped Mg₃ (RE, Zn) phase. When Al element was added, Al₂RE phase and lamellar Mg₁₂REZn (LPSO) phase were formed in the Mg-11Gd-2Y-1Zn alloy. With increasing Al content, LPSO phase and Mg₃ (RE, Zn) phase gradually decreased, while Al₂RE phase gradually increased. There were only α-Mg and Al₂RE phases in the Mg-11Gd-2Y-1Zn-5Al alloy. With the increase of Al content, the grain size decreased firstly and then increased. When the Al content was 1 wt.%, the grain size of the alloy was the minimum value (28.9 μm). The ultimate tensile strength and elongation increased firstly and then decreased with increasing Al addition. And the fracture mode changed from intergranular fracture to transgranular fracture with increasing addition. When Al addition was 1 wt.%, the maximum ultimate tensile strength reached 225.6 MPa, and the elongation was 7.8%. When the content of Al element was 3 wt.%, the maximum elongation reached 10.2% and the ultimate tensile strength was 207.7 MPa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization and Applications of Advanced Rare Earth Materials)

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