Superior zero thermal expansion dual-phase alloy via boron-migration mediated solid-state reaction
Chengyi Yu1, Kun Lin2, Xin Chen1
1Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, and Institute of Solid State Chemistry, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
Nature Communications
|May 30, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel isotropic zero thermal expansion (ZTE) alloy. This advanced material offers excellent strength, stiffness, and thermal stability for demanding technological applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid-State Physics
- Metallurgy
Background:
- Modern technologies require materials with zero thermal expansion (ZTE) for harsh environments.
- Existing ZTE materials often have limitations in properties like operating temperature, strength, or thermal stability.
- A need exists for advanced ZTE materials with a multi-property profile for practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a superior isotropic zero thermal expansion (ZTE) alloy.
- To achieve a material with a wide operating temperature window, high strength-stiffness, and cyclic thermal stability.
- To establish a new design paradigm for comprehensive performance ZTE alloys.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a boron-migration-mediated solid-state reaction (BMSR) in a dual-phase Er-Fe-B alloy.
- Constructed a unique "plum pudding" microstructure consisting of Er2Fe14B (pudding) and α-Fe (plum) phases.
- Investigated the phase transformation from a precursor ErFe10 phase through boron migration.
Main Results:
- Achieved an isotropic ZTE alloy with a "plum pudding" microstructure.
- The microstructure eliminated crystallographic texture, enabling isotropic ZTE.
- Demonstrated enhanced strength, toughness, and cyclic thermal stability across wide operating temperatures.
Conclusions:
- The boron-migration-mediated solid-state reaction is effective in creating advanced ZTE materials.
- The "plum pudding" microstructure is key to achieving isotropic ZTE and improved mechanical properties.
- This study presents a promising design strategy for developing high-performance ZTE alloys for demanding technological applications.
