| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/J018252/1 |
| Title: |
Stability of Colossally Supersaturated Alloys |
| Principal Investigator: |
Dong, Professor H |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Metallurgy and Materials |
| Organisation: |
University of Birmingham |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research |
| Starts: |
01 October 2012 |
Ends: |
31 May 2017 |
Value (£): |
469,821
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| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
The work our groups have carried out on alloys exposed to recently developed processes for low-temperature carburising and nitriding revealed that extraordinarily high concentrations of carbon and nitrogen can be dissolved in Fe-Cr-Ni alloys (austenitic stainless steel). In this process, carbon or nitrogen diffuses into the alloy from the surface at a temperature sufficiently low to suppress the precipitation of carbides or nitrides. This enables the formation of a homogeneous, precipitate-free, superhard " S-phase" consisting with carbon or nitrogen concentrations that exceed the equilibrium solubility limit by about one-hundred-thousand times!
To date, our work has focused on the underlying physical principles of this "colossal supersaturation" (CSS) and the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the as-processed 25-50 micron -thick hardened layer provided by the interstitial solute ("case") below the surface. The work we propose here constitutes a first effort to investigate the reliability and lifetime of this unusual material at elevated temperature and under applied mechanical stress and to further process it by tempering - i. e. exposure to heat treatments. Moreover, we propose to extend the research to Ni-Cr and Co-Cr alloys, for which hardening by colossal supersaturation has great technological importance.
Alloys with a colossal supersaturation of interstitial solute (carbon, nitrogen) constitute unique model systems for fundamental studies of decomposition and precipitation phenomena in metals under unusual conditions. In particular, it will enable understanding the physical principles of carbide and nitride nucleation, growth, and ripening under extremely high supersaturation and how the decomposition affects the remarkable mechanical properties and outstanding corrosion resistance initially provided by CSS. This provides a high potential for "transformative" discoveries. The largely complementary expertise, experience, and instrumentation of the two involved research group will enable significant progress in this important field of surface engineering.
This project will lay the foundation for long-term cooperation of two leading groups in the field of surface engineering. The physical understanding of the decomposition of CSS-hardened alloys under applied temperature and stress we intend to obtain is of great importance for many applications of structural alloys, e. g. bearings, food processing blades, valves, bushings, dies, nuclear reactor components, medical implants and surgical and dental instruments. The increase of reliability and lifetime we hope to enable by understanding their physical foundations will lead to major savings of primary energy resources and conservation of strategic raw materials by avoiding unnecessary production and recycling of alloy parts. The availability of super-hard wear-and corrosion-resistant alloys will strengthen US and UK industry by enabling the design of new products, which can contribute to the creation of new jobs. The long-life body implants can improve the quality of life of patients and reduce UK/US health service costs. The results of the proposed research are highly likely to generate new intellectual property.
The project will have significant impact on student education and training at CWRU and UoB. The results will directly impact the theoretical and practical parts of materials science courses at both universities. Further, the project will enable significant practical participation of undergraduate students and will therefore help to attract excellent undergraduate students to our institutions. The PIs have a record in engaging undergraduate students and women students and in exchanging research students and postdoctoral research associates in their research activities.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.bham.ac.uk |