{"title":"Lead whisker growth characteristics on satellites in Earth orbit","authors":"Shinichiro Ichimaru , Tsuyoshi Nakagawa , Norio Nemoto , Katsuaki Suganuma , Hiroaki Tatsumi , Hiroshi Nishikawa","doi":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102470","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102470","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study was undertaken to facilitate the use of lead-free, tin-based, parts in satellites using an exposed experiment handrail attachment mechanism on Kibo, the outboard platform of the International Space Station, and to investigate the growth mechanism of whiskers on satellites in Earth orbit. Pure tin-plated, lead-free parts soldered with a eutectic tin-lead alloy formed lead whiskers in orbit. The lead whiskers were generated specifically from the lead areas on the tin plating of the electrodes owing to the wetting of the solder during soldering. The lead-tin whiskers were also observed on the tin plating. These whiskers were nearly 20 µm long or less; however, their morphology was thin and straight. For comparison with the orbital experiments, thermal cycling tests were performed on the ground in air. The lead-tin whiskers were observed on the ground test samples but were thicker and shorter than those in orbit and were curved. It was confirmed that the growth characteristics of these whiskers in orbit differed from those generated on the ground in air. The presence or absence of oxygen influenced the shape of these whiskers. In addition, striation rings perpendicular to the growth axis were observed on the surface of the whiskers in orbit. This indicates that these whiskers on satellites in orbit were generated by thermal cycling. At the higher temperature of the thermal cycling, the tin grains in tin plating expanded, and the lead in the tin-plated grain boundaries was compressed and squeezed out, leading to the formation of lead whiskers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47623,"journal":{"name":"Materialia","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 102470"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144781247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
MaterialiaPub Date : 2025-06-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102469
L.Y. Mao , Manquan Fang , Chongyu Shen , C. Huang , M.R. Fan , M.K. Wang , Z.A. Luo
{"title":"Optimizing hydrogen resistance in fusion energy structural stainless steel via controlled uniaxial strain","authors":"L.Y. Mao , Manquan Fang , Chongyu Shen , C. Huang , M.R. Fan , M.K. Wang , Z.A. Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102469","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102469","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fusion energy as a sustainable clean power shaping our future. However, the prevalent issue of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of secondary processing structural materials in fusion energy systems has been widely concerned. This study explored the effect of secondary deformation on HE resistance of nickel-economized stainless steel (NEASS) used in tritium plant through varying degrees of uniaxial pre-strain. Unexpectedly, the high pre-strained NEASS with H-charging simultaneously exhibited high ultimate strength and low HE susceptibility. The increase in ultimate strength comes from the strain hardening effect caused by dislocation multiplication, while the improvement of HE resistance is contributed by the synergistic effect of deformation substructure, preferred orientation, and dislocation configuration. The interplay of these effects altered the hydrogen distribution inside the material, the hydrogen trapping capacity of microstructure, and the initiation behavior of hydrogen-induced cracks (HICs). Consequently, the NEASS exhibited low HE susceptibility during subsequent slow- strain rate tensile deformation, eventually resulting in shallower brittle fracture region, fewer HICs, and lower elongation loss after fracture with H-charging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47623,"journal":{"name":"Materialia","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102469"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144364367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
MaterialiaPub Date : 2025-06-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102468
I. Skordilis , S. Delannoy , F. Prima , N. Bozzolo
{"title":"Microstructural evolution during beta annealing after hot deformation in the alpha+beta field of metastable-beta Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy","authors":"I. Skordilis , S. Delannoy , F. Prima , N. Bozzolo","doi":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102468","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102468","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In metastable-β titanium alloys, heating to the β field to carry out β recrystallization induces the transformation of the α phase to the β phase. The dissolving α phase directly affects the progress of the stored energy release processes in the β phase. In this study, the behavior of the β and α phases during heating and annealing in the β field of hot-forged Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al is investigated using SEM/EBSD. The experimental data indicate a strong pinning effect of the β boundaries by α precipitates, controlling the extent of recovery and recrystallization in the β phase. Overall, the results of this investigation provide a clearer view of the material’s behavior during this processing step and enable a refinement of the recrystallized β grains.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47623,"journal":{"name":"Materialia","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102468"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144516975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
MaterialiaPub Date : 2025-06-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102467
I. Castro-Cabrera , A. Chénier , A. Blanchard , J.F. Gérard , F. Lortie , J. Rumeau-Duchet
{"title":"Methodical approach to interface design: Role of sizing in the micro-mechanical performance and durability of basalt fibers-based composites","authors":"I. Castro-Cabrera , A. Chénier , A. Blanchard , J.F. Gérard , F. Lortie , J. Rumeau-Duchet","doi":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102467","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102467","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Basalt fibers are renowned for their outstanding mechanical performance and promising end-of-life recyclability, while maintaining adequate performance compared to glass fibers. While their use is expanding, a deep comprehension of the fiber surface chemistry and particularly sizing is crucial. This thin layer, mainly made of film formers, organosilanes, among other components, governs the interface properties and thus the global performance of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. This study investigates the surface properties of basalt fibers treated with a range of film former, employing advanced surface characterization techniques. These including XPS, TGA, SEM-EDX, wettability, and five-parameter Weibull statistical analysis. The results show that the film former, polymeric versus oligomeric, strongly influences surface morphology, coverage, and flaw distribution. Oligomeric sizing, such as epoxy-based, achieves a coating with a narrower interfacial shear strength distribution. Polymeric film formers, generate thicker and more heterogeneous coatings, exhibiting dynamic rearrangements under hygrothermal conditions, showing a time-dependent healing effect. Its status modifies the surface key properties for further adhesion with polymer matrices. Beyond the insights into sizing-dependent surface performance, this work proposes a structured framework for characterizing and interpreting fiber surface to understand composite performance. By mapping different properties, the study encourages the transition from empirical, trial-and-error material development, still prevalent in industrial settings, towards more predictive, data-informed composite design. Our findings aim to contribute to a collaborative and continuous effort concerning interphase engineering in the growing field of basalt fiber composites. By positioning on fiber surface understanding, this work looks for unlocking the full potential of polymer-reinforced materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47623,"journal":{"name":"Materialia","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102467"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144480852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
MaterialiaPub Date : 2025-06-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102464
M.A. Gómez , J.M. Casal , L. González-Gil , C. Álvarez-Bermúdez , J. Porteiro
{"title":"CFD-integrated kinetic model for high-temperature iron oxidation in multispecies reactive environments","authors":"M.A. Gómez , J.M. Casal , L. González-Gil , C. Álvarez-Bermúdez , J. Porteiro","doi":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102464","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102464","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper introduces a novel model that integrates the high-temperature kinetics of iron oxidation into a CFD framework, aiming to predict oxide scale evolution in complex systems such as combustion furnaces. Considering atmospheres with O<sub>2</sub>, CO<sub>2</sub>, CO, H<sub>2</sub>O, and H<sub>2</sub> as reactive species, the model employs CFD techniques to accurately forecast local gas composition, enabling the application of the oxidation model to each element of the iron surface. The scale evolution is represented by either linear or parabolic growth, depending on whether oxidation kinetics or ion diffusion across the scale is the limiting factor.</div><div>Simulations are conducted on an experimental reactor where low-carbon iron samples undergo oxidation in various atmospheres and temperatures (900 °C to 1200 °C). Comparisons with the measured gained mass show satisfactory agreement, particularly in oxygen atmospheres at high temperatures and regarding the linear growth predicted in 10 % CO<sub>2</sub> or 10 % H<sub>2</sub>O atmospheres. The model also performs reasonably well in quaternary atmospheres, with discrepancies attributed to initial linear constants at lower temperatures. Despite these challenges, the model demonstrates favorable performance in representing the parabolic growth observed in the tests. Overall, in intricate operational scenarios with numerous parameters, the model's performance is reasonably favorable, which allows the simulation of iron oxidation in complex reactors or combustion systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47623,"journal":{"name":"Materialia","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102464"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144364366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
MaterialiaPub Date : 2025-06-18DOI: 10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102466
Zhangjing Shi , Keqian Gong , Zifeng Song , Zheng Liu , Chao Zhou , Yangyang Cai , Yanfei Sun , Cheng Ren , Yong Zhang
{"title":"Effect of precompression on the thermal cycling stability of glass-to-metal seals","authors":"Zhangjing Shi , Keqian Gong , Zifeng Song , Zheng Liu , Chao Zhou , Yangyang Cai , Yanfei Sun , Cheng Ren , Yong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102466","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hermeticity is a critical performance attribute of glass-to-metal (GTM) compressive seals, whose long-term reliability is often compromised by crack initiation and propagation. These failures primarily originate from the nonuniform stress distribution on the GTM seal surface and the inherent material properties, such as the weak mechanical strength, both of which exacerbate structural vulnerabilities over prolonged service periods. In this study, precompression was introduced during the heat treatment stage as a means to increase the thermal cycling stability of GTM seals. The results indicated a proportional relationship between the precompression stress and the thermal cycling stability of GTM seals. Porosity analysis was conducted on three different samples, which demonstrated that precompression improved the distribution of bubbles within the GTM seals, as evidenced by a reduction in the porosity and a decrease in the bubble size. In addition, the mechanical properties of the sealing glass were enhanced, thereby reducing the probability of leakage. Furthermore, nanoindentation measurements and finite element analysis of the surface stress distribution revealed that precompression led to an increase in residual compressive stress. The alleviation of stress concentration regions significantly lowered the probability of crack initiation during thermal cycling, thus establishing a more uniform stress distribution and enhancing the thermal stability of GTM seals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47623,"journal":{"name":"Materialia","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102466"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144331297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
MaterialiaPub Date : 2025-06-16DOI: 10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102448
J.R. Famelton , C.A. Williams , C. Barbatti , P.A.J. Bagot , M.P. Moody
{"title":"The role of solute clusters in the nucleation of precipitates in Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloys","authors":"J.R. Famelton , C.A. Williams , C. Barbatti , P.A.J. Bagot , M.P. Moody","doi":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102448","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102448","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this work the precipitation behaviour of both high and low Cu variants of a Al-6xxx alloy were investigated with and without natural ageing. The material yield strength was greater in the high Cu alloy and without natural ageing. The strength was seen to correspond to changes in precipitate number density and a mechanism of dislocation bowing around these precipitates. In the samples without natural ageing, Cu was seen to increase the number density of nuclei and hence the final precipitate number density. In the samples with natural ageing, solute clusters were observed to dissolve during subsequent artificial ageing, but a higher proportion remained in the high Cu alloy and acted as nucleation sites for further precipitation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47623,"journal":{"name":"Materialia","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102448"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144571946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
MaterialiaPub Date : 2025-06-13DOI: 10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102463
Vikrant Saumitra , Avinash Gonnabattula , V. Anil Kumar , Anand K Kanjarla
{"title":"Slip vs. Twin martensite in additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V: A grain boundary perspective","authors":"Vikrant Saumitra , Avinash Gonnabattula , V. Anil Kumar , Anand K Kanjarla","doi":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102463","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102463","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is an ongoing debate regarding whether martensitic transformation in Ti alloys is governed by slip or twin-based mechanisms. The mechanism that predominates depends on lattice parameter changes caused by composition. For instance, CP-Ti typically under- goes slip-based transformation, while Ti-6Al-4V tends to favor twin-based transformation. However, processing conditions, particularly in additive manufacturing (AM), can introduce lattice strains and alter lattice parameters, resulting in distinct martensitic transformation mechanisms. Both mechanisms influence the variant selection and the formation of character- istic variant cluster morphologies, such as triangular (slip-based) and V-shaped (twin-based), which in turn dictate the selection of intervariant boundaries (IBs). This study explores the characteristics and network of IBs in Ti-6Al-4V for two distinct AM processes: Laser-Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) and Wire Laser-Direct Energy Deposition (L-DED). The sympathetic approach to variant selection is extended to the selection of IB and twin boundaries. Key features of the IB network, including triple points and dihedral angles, are examined to pro- vide a deeper understanding of the stability, configuration, and correlation of grain boundary networks with variant selection mechanisms. It is observed that V-shaped clusters dominate in L-DED, while triangular clusters are more common in L-PBF. Furthermore, L-DED ex- hibits a higher fraction of Σ13<em>b</em> twin boundaries than L-PBF samples. These findings suggest that martensitic transformation in L-DED is primarily twin-based, whereas in L-PBF, it is more likely to be slip-based. The sympathetic approach provides valuable insights into the martensitic transformation mechanisms in Ti alloys.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47623,"journal":{"name":"Materialia","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102463"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144297865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
MaterialiaPub Date : 2025-06-12DOI: 10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102462
Chuang Wang , Pengcheng Liu , Xingxing Cheng , Yiteng Zhang , Zhiqiang Wang
{"title":"Preparation and thermal properties of a new hydrated salt phase change material without phase separation","authors":"Chuang Wang , Pengcheng Liu , Xingxing Cheng , Yiteng Zhang , Zhiqiang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article discusses the use of hydrated salts as phase change materials for heat accumulators in distributed energy systems. Despite their potential, challenges like phase separation and supercooling hinder their widespread use. Common solutions with nucleating agents and thickeners often fall short. The study explores permanent solutions through composite materials and investigates new ways to maintain stability. Two new eutectic hydrated salts are introduced: SAT+SMN (sodium acetate trihydrate + sodium metasilicate nonahydrate) and SAT+LAD (sodium acetate trihydrate + lithium acetate dihydrate). The common ion effect reduces the solubility of nucleating agents, creating durable crystal seeds to trigger nucleation and reduce supercooling. In terms of thermal properties, SAT+SMN with a 20 % SMN mass fraction has a melting point of 52.2 °C and a latent heat of 248.4 J/g. SAT+LAD with a 10 % LAD mass fraction melts at 49.7 °C with a latent heat of 212.8 J/g. Supercooling in SAT+SMN is reduced to less than 0.5 °C, and in SAT+LAD, it drops to less than 3 °C. After 500 cycles, SAT+SMN maintains a supercooling degree within 0.5 °C with only a 0.02 % decrease in latent heat, demonstrating excellent thermal stability. The introduction of hydrated salts with more polar molecules in SAT increases the difference in the number of hydrogen bonds and bond energy between the solid and liquid states. This leads to new crystals with different lattice parameters and smaller cell sizes. While traditional stirring achieves uniform mixing up to 2 μm, ultrasonic mixing allows for a more even distribution, crucial for effective heat storage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47623,"journal":{"name":"Materialia","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102462"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144605615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
MaterialiaPub Date : 2025-06-11DOI: 10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102460
Zhe Li , Leiting Yu , Shi Qiu , Baoli Zhou , Shaoyuan Lyu , Wei Li , Minfang Chen
{"title":"Compression properties, in vitro degradation behavior and biocompatibility of porous Mg-1Zn-1Ca-0.5Mn scaffolds with different pore structures","authors":"Zhe Li , Leiting Yu , Shi Qiu , Baoli Zhou , Shaoyuan Lyu , Wei Li , Minfang Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102460","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102460","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The pore shape and connectivity of porous Mg alloy scaffolds are of crucial significance for their mechanical properties, degradability, and biocompatibility. In this study, porous Mg-1Zn-1Ca-0.5Mn scaffolds with different pore structures were designed and manufactured using negative salt templates and infiltration casting to compare their properties. The results show that in terms of mechanical properties, the yield strength of the porous spherical scaffold, reaching 13.5 MPa, is higher than that of the porous cubic scaffold (4.9 MPa). Regarding degradability, the corrosion rate of the spherical scaffold (0.69±0.09 mm/year) is lower than cubic scaffold (1.09±0.12 mm/year), For biocompatibility, the pore structure of the porous spherical scaffold shows better cell adhesion compared to the cubic scaffold. The better mechanical property of the spherical scaffold can be attributed to the unique connectivity of its spherical pore structure, which enables more efficient stress dispersion, thus strengthening the overall mechanical strength. The better corrosion resistance is because the spherical scaffold has the more uniform pores and less contact area with the HBSS. As for biocompatibility, the uniform curvature of the spherical pore edges minimizes stress concentration, creating a stable mechanical environment for cells. The spherical shape closely aligns with the natural morphology of cells, which may promote cell spread and migration. Also, the continuous edges and absence of sharp corners in spherical pores reduce the mechanical stress during cell adhesion and have certain effects on enhancing cell adhesion and proliferation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47623,"journal":{"name":"Materialia","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102460"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144270872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}