Selective atomic sieving across metal/oxide interface for super-oxidation resistance.

Surface passivation, a desirable natural consequence during initial oxidation of alloys, is the foundation for functioning of corrosion and oxidation resistant alloys ranging from industrial stainless steel to kitchen utensils. This initial oxidation has been long perceived to vary with crystal facet, however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, using in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy, we gain atomic details on crystal facet dependent initial oxidation behavior in a model Ni-5Cr alloy.

Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of Mechanically Alloyed Ni-TiC Composites Processed via Spark Plasma Sintering.

Titanium carbide (TiC) reinforced nickel (Ni) matrix composites were processed via mechanical alloying (MA) followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS) process. Mechanical alloying has gained special attention as a powerful non-equilibrium process for fabricating amorphous and nanocrystalline materials, whereas spark plasma sintering (SPS) is a unique technique for processing dense and near net shape bulk alloys with homogenous microstructure. TiC reinforcement varied from 5 to 50 wt.