Papers by Author: M. Bieda-Niemiec

Abstract: Magnetically hard Fe-Cr-Co-based alloys are distinguished by their good ductility, excellent magnetic properties and low cost. Their superior magnetic properties are obtained by magnetic treatment and multistage tempering, which results in spinodal decomposition of the solid solution into the isomorphous α1 and α2 phases. However, the α1+α2 microstructure causes a reduction in the plasticity and strength of the material. It can often be advantageous for permanent magnets to maintain fine magnetic properties throughout their volume along while retaining good mechanical properties only in the subsurface layer. To improve the mechanical properties of the latter, FeCr30Co8 samples were deformed in tension combined with torsion. Loading was applied at 750°C, which ensured that the conditions for superplastic deformation were fulfilled. Here, we present the results of microstructure investigations of the samples treated in the aforementioned manner. Observations of the longitudinal section of the samples showed the formation of a gradient microstructure with the maximum grain refinement in the surface layer and the characteristic rotation of the elongated α phase grains from positions nearly perpendicular to the tension axis at the surface to positions tilted at approximately 45º to the tension axis inside the material. Deformation at superplastic conditions also activated precipitation of the σ intermetallic phase, particularly in the areas of highest deformation. The refinement of the microstructure and precipitation of the σ-phase resulted in a significant increase in hardness at the surface of the FeCr30Co8 samples.

Abstract: Orientation mapping in transmission electron microscope was successfully applied to study microstructural changes at the initial stage of recrystallization in the aluminum alloy with a bimodal second-phase particle distribution. The alloy samples were reversibly cold rolled resulting in the formation of laminar structure with zones of localized strain around large second-phase particles. Orientation mapping and in-situ investigations carry information about the processes which are active in the deformation zones during annealing.

Abstract: The common feature of the technologies, such as the equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) is the use of a changeable deformation path, which changes the configuration (value and direction) of the acting forces that impose various directions of plastic flow. The changes destabilize a temporary dislocation structure as well as the spatial distribution of the areas with elevated elastic energy cumulated in deformed lattice. The application of that technique results in a potentially large deformation (up to several hundred percent) and plasticity of materials considered to be brittle at ambient temperature. The microstructure effects accompanied with intensive and large deformation are reflected in the space orientation of grains (crystallographic texture) as well as in the configuration of the residual stresses existing in deformed material. The presented results based on experimental data registered by X-ray diffraction and TEM techniques are helpful in interpreting deformation mechanisms operating in the bend-zone of the ECAP tool during processing Ti-ingot by the mentioned method of severe plastic deformation.