Materials Science Forum

Preface

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196

Wear Behavior Prediction of Mg/2.5wt.%BN Composite Using Artificial Neural Networks in MATLAB

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): S. C. Ramesh Kumar, R. Vara Prasad Kaviti, L. Mahesh
The research aims to examine the wear characteristics of a Magnesium (Mg) and Boron Nitride (BN) nanocomposite. Mg reinforced with 2.5 weight percent BN exhibits dry sliding wear characteristics. This study investigates these characteristics using the pin-on-disk wear testing apparatus outlined in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard G99. This study examined wear factors such as load, Sliding Velocity (SV), and Sliding Distance (SD). The wear rate assessments were performed according to the specifications outlined in ASTM Standard G99. The Levenberg-Marquardt (trainlm) algorithm, within MATLAB R2021a's Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Toolbox, estimates a wear rate for Mg reinforced with BN (2.5 wt.%). This algorithm's feed-forward neural network training employs a 3-5-1 architecture, with 3 input neurons, 5 hidden neurons within a single hidden layer, and 1 output neuron. ANNs were developed using experimental data from the pin-on-disk wear test. The average percentage discrepancy between the experimental data and the predicted values from the ANN was 3.49%, indicating that the inaccuracy in wear loss prediction for Mg reinforced with BN (2.5 wt.%) is 15.58%.

Investigation of Mechanical Properties in Nanoclay-Filled GRP Composites for Large-Scale Applications

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Umeshchandra J. Jadhao, Nitin H. Ambhore
This research explores the impact of the addition of nanoclay on mechanical properties of glass-reinforced polymer (GRP) composites for large-scale applications. Nanoclays (0, 1, 3, and 5 wt.%) were added to an epoxy matrix via VARTM and ultrasonication. The outcome indicates that 3 wt.% nanoclay gives the best improvement, increasing tensile modulus by 226%, tensile strength by 8.5%, and fatigue life by 194% as compared to the unmodified GRP. SEM and XRD analysis validated enhanced fiber–matrix bonding and intercalation. Higher than 5 wt.% nanoclay resulted in agglomeration and decreased toughness. The optimized nanoclay-filled GRP composites have better mechanical performance and are thus appropriate for aerospace, automotive, marine, and infrastructure applications.

Initial Research on Core Material Modeling for Testing High Temperature and Wind Mixtures in Aluminum Composite Panels

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Prantasi Harmi Tjahjanti, A'Rasy Fahruddin, Majdi Ervandrie Wicaksono
An aluminum composite panel (ACP) is a flat panel composed of stiff, sturdy, yet relatively light aluminum plates or sheets. A core material, often composed of polyethylene (PE) and polyurethane (PU), is sandwiched between the two plates. It is imperative to develop alternatives to these two fundamental materials because they are combustible and cannot withstand high temperatures or heat. It can withstand extreme temperatures and flames. Using Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) and PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE)/Teflon, the research aims to model core material changes that will subsequently be compared with the ACP core from Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). In order to model temperature variation input (150°C, 200°C, and 250°C) and wind onslaught for wind speeds of 13.8 m/s (strong), 16 m/s (hazardous), and 33 m/s (storm), Ansys 2024 R2 software is utilized. According to the data, ACP with PEEK core material softens at 167.02°C and is better resistant to temperatures up to 250°C. Compared to PTFE/Teflon and LDPE core materials, this one is more resistant to high temperatures. However, the core material from PTFE/Teflon is subject to a powerful storm wind onslaught, with a maximum stress of 1010.12 Pa, which is more than that of PTFE/Teflon, let alone LDPE.

Damping Properties of Magnesium Alloy-S45 Composites with Varying Diameter of Specimen

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Kwangmo Park, Kenjiro Sugio, Gen Sasaki
With the advancement of equipment and machinery in industrial activities, vibrations generated during operation can adversely affect machine performance. Therefore, in this study, a magnesium alloy was selected as a vibration damping material. A magnesium alloy containing 5 wt.% zinc was produced to enhance corrosion resistance and strength. Carbon steel (S45) was employed in the fabrication of magnesium alloy-based composites. For the optimization of the damping composite, holes with diameters of Ø6 and Ø8 mm were made in the center of the S45 cylindrical rods. The damping properties of the composites were evaluated by measuring the loss factor. Among the composites, the Ø6 specimen exhibited a significantly higher loss factor compared to the Ø8 specimen. This enhanced damping performance of the Ø6 composite is attributed to improved capillary pressure during the manufacturing process, which led to better infiltration, stronger interfacial bonding, and more effective energy dissipation mechanisms. At the contact interface of the Ø6 composite, intermetallic compounds such as MgZn2, Mg4Zn7, and Fe3Mg7Zn3 were observed. These compounds promote energy dissipation through mechanisms such as interfacial slip and microcrack arrest, thereby improving the loss factor.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Tungsten Fiber-Reinforced Composites Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Hong Huiseong, Kenjiro Sugio, Gen Sasaki
Tungsten has attracted considerable attention as a candidate material for plasma-facing components in future fusion reactors due to its superior high-temperature strength and plasma erosion resistance. However, its inherent brittleness and crack formation under operating conditions remain critical issues, often leading to premature failure and limiting its lifetime. In this study, tungsten matrix composites reinforced with both short and long tungsten fibers were fabricated using spark plasma sintering (SPS) to improve fracture toughness and mechanical stability. The relative densities of bulk tungsten sintered at 1300 °C was measured to be 93.2 %, demonstrating that sintering temperature plays a significant role in densification. Additionally, fiber-reinforced composites exhibited relative densities of 90.5 % (short fiber) and 85.1% (long fiber). Microstructural observations using optical microscopy revealed that higher sintering temperatures reduced both the number and size of open pores, contributing to enhanced mechanical properties. Vickers hardness testing confirmed this trend, with bulk tungsten sintered at 1300°C achieving the highest hardness of 538 Hv. Furthermore, long fiber-reinforced composites exhibited a higher hardness of 543 Hv compared to short fiber composites, which recorded below 200 Hv. This difference is attributed to the aligned fiber structure in the long fiber composites, which promotes a more stable matrix-particle bonding compared to the random distribution in short fiber composites. These findings show that it is essential for optimizing the manufacturing process of tungsten fiber reinforced composites and securing productivity.

Study of Structure–Property Relationships in Methacrylate-Functionalized POSS Nanocomposites Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Chandra Mouli R. Madhuranthakam
Methacrylate-based polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocomposites have emerged as promising candidates for dental resin applications due to their tunable mechanical and sorption properties. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are employed to investigate the structural and functional behavior of dental resins incorporating monofunctional methacryl isobutyl POSS (MIPOSS) and multifunctional methacryl POSS (MAPOSS). By varying POSS content (1–10 wt%), key macroscopic properties such as density, elastic moduli, and crystallinity are evaluated and compared with experimental data. Furthermore, water sorption behavior in both MAPOSS and MIPOSS composites is explored through hydrogen bonding analysis, density projection, and water diffusion coefficients. Results reveal that MAPOSS composites exhibit superior mechanical strength and lower water uptake compared to MIPOSS, indicating enhanced durability for dental applications. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of MD simulations in guiding the rational design of advanced nanocomposites for long-lasting dental restorations.

Future Perspectives of Natural Fibers and Natural Fiber-Based Composites in Various Applications

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Naik Venkatesh, K. Mohan Kumar, Das Soma
With an emphasis on their growing applications in a variety of industries this paper attempts to investigate the prospects for natural fibers and their composites in the future. The goals include a thorough analysis of current developments in the field, a look at new applications, a discussion of performance-boosting techniques, a look at sustainability issues and the determination of important research avenues. Even with the notable advancements there are still a number of obstacles to the broad use of natural fibers and their composites. Nevertheless these difficulties also offer important chances for further study and advancement. Their increasing use in a variety of fields such as construction, automotive, aerospace and biomedicine highlights their adaptability and rising significance.

Eco-Friendly Polypropylene Composites Filled with Crab Shell Powder: A Review

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): I. Gede Putu Agus Suryawan, Juan Loandruw, I. Putu Lokantara, Winardi Tjahyo Baskoro
Shell Powder is a new material in the field of sustainable composite materials. In this study crab shell powder, an abundant natural waste resource, is used as a filler in polypropylene composites to improve mechanical properties and be friendly to the environment. The use of crab shell powder not only reduces waste entering the environment but also provides added value to the composite product. Polypropylene, a frequently used thermoplastic polymer, was chosen as the matrix due to its processability and good resistance to various chemical environments. These composites exhibit improved mechanical properties, including tensile strength and flexibility, compared to pure polypropylene. In addition, they also exhibit improved thermal stability and resistance to environmental degradation. Thus, these composites offer a promising alternative to conventional materials in a wide range of applications, including home appliances, automotive, and sports equipment, 3D printing, Medical Applications, fishing industry and food packaging while minimizing environmental impact.

Isotropic Properties of Polyester/Basal Laminate Composites at Weave Angle Orientations Based on Tensile Strength

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): I. Gede Putu Agus Suryawan, Juan Loandruw, Muhamad Arsyi Alfatin, Ngakan Putu Gede Suardana, Anak Agung Istri Agung Sri Komaladewi, I. Nyoman Artana
Composite research has been conducted using natural materials that do not have a negative impact on the environment. In this study, the fibers used are environmentally friendly basalt fibers, which are derived from basalt rock. In studies of the mechanical properties of materials, isotropic means having identical values in all directions. Isotropic materials are useful because they have the same physical properties in all directions, and their behavior is easier to predict. The research question is: What are the isotropic properties of basalt polyester fiber laminate when tested for tensile strength in two dimensions, specifically the X and Y planes of the test specimen. The purpose of this study is to determine the isotropic properties of polyester composite basal lamina specimens consisting of 7 layers of fibers oriented at 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°, as well as a 10-layer fiber specimen with fiber orientations of 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, and 90°. This study uses variations in specimen cutting angles, namely 0°, 10°, 30°, 45°, 50°, 60°, and random. The tests to be conducted are tensile tests using the Tensilon RTG-1250 testing machine (ASTM D 638). The highest tensile strength test results were obtained by specimens with a 0° cutting angle, with an average tensile strength of 134.907 MPa in composites with 7 layers of fiber and 180.922 MPa in composites with 10 layers of fiber. The lowest tensile strength was observed in specimens with a 45° cutting angle, with an average tensile strength of 110.46 MPa in the composite with 7 layers of fiber and 126.531 MPa in the composite with 10 layers of fiber. The 7-layer fiber composite is more isotropic than the 10-layer fiber composite, as evidenced by better adhesion properties observed via SEM and improved mechanical interlocking.

Analysis of Hydraulic Compression Load and Fly Ash Volume Fraction on the Impact Strength of Sugarcane Fiber Reinforced Composite Materials Using the Compression Molding Method

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Mirza Pramudia, Rifky Maulana Yusron, Yusril Yahya Maulana
Utilizing these wastes not only helps reduce the volume of industrial waste but also adds value to the final product. The fabrication of test materials in this study employed the compression moulding method with variations in fly ash volume fractions of 5%, 10%, and 15%, as well as variations in compaction loads of 1 ton, 2 tons, and 3 tons. This study aims to investigate the effect of hydraulic compression load and fly ash volume fraction on the impact strength of sugarcane fiber-reinforced composite materials using the compression molding method. The compression moulding specimens were then subjected to impact testing to determine the impact strength and macro photography to analyze the fracture pattern of the material. The results showed that the higher the fly ash volume fraction at the same compression load and the higher the hydraulic load variation at the same volume fraction, the greater the increase in the material's impact strength. The average impact strength values for fly ash volume fractions of 5%, 10%, and 15% with a 1-ton load were 0.068 Joules/mm2, 0.073 Joules/mm2, and 0.085 Joules/mm2, respectively. The average impact strength for specimens with a fly ash volume fraction of 5%, 10%, and 15% with a 2-tons load were 0.071 Joules/mm2, 0.076 Joules/mm2, and 0.087 Joules/mm2. In the case of composite specimens with a fly ash volume fraction of 5%, 10%, and 15% with a 3-tons load, the impact strength values were 0.072 Joules/mm2, 0.082 Joules/mm2, and 0.096 Joules/mm2, respectively.

Optimization of Tensile Strength in Unidirectional Banana Midrib Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Ari Wahjudi, Firman Maulana Ishaq, Djarot B. Darmadi, Anindito Purnowidodo, Agung Sugeng Widodo, Khairul Anam
Natural fiber-reinforced composites have emerged as sustainable alternatives to synthetic composites owing to their biodegradability, high availability, and low cost. Among them, banana midrib fiber offers great potential as reinforcement due to its high cellulose content and abundance as agricultural waste. This study investigates the optimization of tensile strength in unidirectional banana midrib fiber-reinforced composites by examining the influence of fiber volume fraction. Banana midrib fibers were treated with 3% and 4% Natrium Hydroxide (NaOH) solutions to enhance interfacial bonding and then combined with polyester matrix to fabricate composite specimens. Tensile strength was evaluated experimentally according to ASTM D638 standards, while theoretical predictions based on the Rule of Mixtures and statistical modeling using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were employed for validation and optimization. The results show that tensile strength increased with fiber content up to a critical volume fraction, which fiber agglomeration led to reduced performance. The maximum tensile strength of 44.4 MPa was achieved at a fiber volume fraction of approximately 42% with 4% NaOH solution. RSM demonstrated strong predictive accuracy, with results closely matching experimental data. These findings confirm that both fiber treatment and optimized fiber loading play a decisive role in achieving superior mechanical performance, supporting the use of banana midrib fibers in sustainable engineering applications.

A Review: Utilization of Natural Abaca Fiber in Sandwich Composites and Prospects for Abaca Fiber Utilization in the Shipbuilding Industry

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Rochmad Eko Prasetyaning Utomo, Prabuditya Bhisma Wisnu Wardhana, I. Gusti Ngurah Agung Satria Prasetya Dharma Yuda
The growing environmental awareness has driven material industries to seek sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers. Abaca fiber (Musa textilis), a superior natural fiber with excellent tensile strength and seawater resistance, presents significant potential for sandwich composite applications. This review paper aims to synthesize recent advancements in utilizing abaca fiber as a core and face sheet material in sandwich composite structures. A systematic literature review of indexed journal articles from the last decade was conducted. The review identifies that chemical treatments and hybrid configurations with other fibers significantly enhance the mechanical properties and moisture resistance of abaca-based sandwich composites. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the prospects and challenges of integrating this material into the shipbuilding industry, particularly for interior panels, partitions, and lightweight non-structural components. The analysis shows that while promising, widespread adoption in marine applications requires further research on long-term durability, material standardization, and life cycle analysis to comprehensively demonstrate its economic and environmental advantages.

Evaluating the Reliability of Theoretical Predictions for Tensile Strength in Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Khairul Anam, Anugrah Herland Priambodo, Hastono Wijaya, Putu Hadi Setyarini
Natural fibers are increasingly recognized as sustainable alternatives to synthetic reinforcements in polymer composites due to their biodegradability, high availability, and low production cost. However, their mechanical performance is often inconsistent, making it crucial to evaluate predictive models that estimate tensile strength. This study investigates the reliability of theoretical predictions based on the Rule of Mixtures (ROM) in unidirectional composites reinforced with various natural fibers, including bamboo, coconut, pineapple, banana midrib, and sugar palm fibers. Fibers were subjected to alkali treatment prior to composite fabrication with a polyester matrix, and tensile tests were performed following ASTM D-638 standards. Theoretical predictions of optimum tensile strength were determined at minimum, Vmin and critical, Vcrit fiber volume fractions. The tensile strength based on theoretical prediction are then compared to the experimental results. The results show that bamboo fiber achieve optimum tensile strength of 51.92 MPa with relatively low fiber volume fractions. In contrast, the banana fiber achieves the lowest tensile strength of 39.10 MPa. Overall, the theoretical approach exhibited good agreement with experimental trends, particularly in predicting optimum fiber fractions, validating its utility as a preliminary design tool for natural fiber-reinforced composites.

Environmentally Friendly Bioplastic Innovation Based on Banana Peel Waste as a Solution to Reduce Conventional Plastic

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Isa Yuanata Abdulloh, Adimashqi Maulana, Aris Al Nur Rachman, Moch Kharis Ashrori, Dewi Puspitasari, Arya Mahendra Sakti, Diah Wulandari, Dyah Riandadari, Aji Nugroho, Firman Yasa Utama, Andita Nataria Fitri Ganda
Conventional plastic waste poses a serious environmental problem due to its resistance to degradation. This study developed an eco-friendly bioplastic made from banana peel waste, reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) as a filler. The bioplastics were synthesized using the melt-blending method with GO concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%. Tensile strength tests showed that the bioplastic with 2% GO exhibited the highest mechanical performance, with a tensile strength of 26.15 N/cm2 and a Young’s modulus of 130.73 MPa, compared to the non-graphene sample which only reached 22.64 N/cm2 and 113.23 MPa. Biodegradability tests using the soil burial method over 6 days revealed that the non-graphene sample had the fastest degradation rate, with a weight loss of up to 45%, outperforming the graphene-reinforced variants. The results indicate that while GO enhances mechanical properties, it reduces the biodegradation rate. Therefore, banana peel-based bioplastic offers a promising, sustainable alternative to conventional plastics adaptable either for high-strength applications or for products designed to degrade more rapidly in natural environments.

Experimental Investigation of Effect of Recycled Epoxy Micro Powder Reinforcement on Flexural, Hardness and Impact Behavior of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): G. Narasimhaiah, H. S. Kumara Swamy, C. K. Umesh
Epoxy is the most commonly used thermosetting polymer in various parts of aircraft, spacecraft, sports cars and construction owing to their long life, light weight and high strength. As epoxy is a thermosetting polymer, its recycling is a big challenge. After its usage, most of it goes to landfilling, which has a greater impact on soil pollution and degradation of soil fertility. In order to overcome this drawback, recycling of thermoset epoxy is necessary to save the environment as well as to reduce the supply of new material. This article describes the effect of recycled epoxy microparticle reinforcement on the flexural, hardness and impact behaviour of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. In the process, specimens of composite with virgin ABS as a matrix material and recycled epoxy microparticles as a reinforcement are fabricated using a micro compounder with an injection moulding machine. The specimens are tested to assess mechanical properties such as flexural strength, impact strength and Shore D hardness. The ABS Epoxy (ABSE) composite mechanical properties have been slightly influenced by the cross-linked epoxy microfillers. The flexural strength increases with an increase in the proportion of cross-linked epoxy microparticles of up to 10%, then later reduces slightly compared to neat ABS. Izod Impact resistance of the composite decreases with an increase in cross-linked epoxy microparticle percentage. Shore D hardness of the composite increases with increases in epoxy proportion, and the maximum value of Shore D hardness is obtained for 20% cross-linked epoxy proportion. SEM images confirm uniform dispersal of filler material and shows fracture behaviour of the composite in correlation with test results obtained. ABSE composite with enhanced flexural property and hardness can be successfully used in structural and other engineering applications with more durability and sustainability as well.

A Brief Review on Fabricating Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor by Electrodeposition Method

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Marlis Nurut Agusutrisno, Irma Saraswati, Teguh Firmansyah, Imamul Muttakin, Ahmad Ramadhani, Mohd Khairi
Diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS) have the unique ability to manipulate both the spin and charge of electrons simultaneously. This property makes them potentially useful in spintronics and quantum computing, two fields that have attracted prolonged attention. The achievement of ferromagnetism at room temperature and the revelation of the origin of ferromagnetism of DMS pave the way for fabricating this material on an industrial scale. To date, reports of DMS achieving ferromagnetism at room temperature have mostly been carried out using sputtering, pulsed laser deposition, and sol-gel method. However, the lack of research reports on electrodeposition techniques for DMS films remains a notable gap in current knowledge. This review focuses on recent progress in fabricating DMS using the electrodeposition method, which is a non-vacuum, simple, and low-cost technique. This review aims to reveal the challenges and opportunities involved in developing this fabrication method. The important properties of DMS films fabricated by electrodeposition, such as their crystal structure, optical properties, morphology, and magnetic properties will be reviewed.

The Effect of α-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 as Transport Layer on the Photovoltaic Performance of Perovskite-Based Solar Cells

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Yus Rama Denny, Tubagus Hafid, Muhammad Iman Santoso, Indrianto Indrianto, Meyhart Bangkit Sitorus, Rocky Alfanz, Jakobus Kariongan, Asan Asan
In this work, iron oxide materials α-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 were investigated as alternative electron and hole transport layers (ETL and HTL) in planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Devices were fabricated with the configuration ITO/α-Fe2O3/PCBM/Perovskite/Fe3O4/PEDOT:PSS/Ag using a spin-coating method. Structural, optical, and electrical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and current–voltage (J–V) measurements. XRD confirmed the presence of distinct α-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 crystalline phases, while UV–Vis analysis revealed enhanced absorption and a reduced optical bandgap of 2.04 eV. Devices incorporating both oxide layers achieved improved charge separation and interfacial contact, leading to a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.83%, nearly 30 times higher than the reference device without oxide layers. These findings highlight α-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 as promising low-cost, stable transport layers for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of PSCs.

In-Situ SEM Study of Temperature Effects on Austenite Grain Growth and Boundaries Migration

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Sen Liu, Xian Jue Ye, Yue Fei Zhang
In this work, the growth behavior of individual austenite grains of C45 alloy at 1000-1300 °C was recorded by in-situ SEM and austenite growth kinetics was analyzed. The result shows that the equivalent grain size and the annealing time conformed to the Beck relation, and the mechanism of grain growth is discussed. Based on the grain boundary migration theory, the relationship between triple junctions and the velocity of grain boundary migration is also considered, and the effect of grain boundary curvature on grain boundary migration is analyzed. The results indicate that it is not rigorous to rely only on curvature to describe the rate of grain boundary migration in polycrystal, and that the role of triple junctions has often been underestimated in previous studies of polycrystalline grain boundary migration.

Effect of Carbon Equivalent on Thermal Conductivity of Titanium-Alloyed Gray Cast Iron

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Kittirat Worakhut, Worachot Boonyarit, Sirintra Mangmee, Wachira Hansongkhram, Tanaporn Soipornmat, Hathaichanok Khochadklang, Panya Buahombura, Sarum Boonmee
Gray iron remains the dominant material for automotive brake discs due to its excellent thermal conductivity, wear resistance, castability, and cost-effectiveness. To enhance its performance, this study investigates the effect of varying carbon equivalent (CE) on the thermal conductivity of titanium-alloyed gray iron. Four compositions with CE ranging from 3.89 to 4.77 were cast and analyzed. Microstructural examination revealed a transition from hypoeutectic to hypereutectic structures, with increasing graphite size and reduced dendritic austenite as CE increased. Thermal conductivity measurements, conducted using the Hot Disk Thermal Constant Analyzer, showed that higher CE improved thermal conductivity, attributed to the presence of larger graphite flakes and reduced primary austenite. These results indicate that optimizing CE in Ti-alloyed gray iron can significantly enhance heat dissipation in brake discs, offering improved performance without substantial cost increases.

Microstructural Evolution and Coupling Behavior of Dynamic Softening and Phase Transformation in TC18 Alloy during Hot Compression

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 30 June 2026
Source: Materials Science Forum Vol. 1196
Author(s): Kaiyao Wang, Gen Sasaki, Kenjiro Sugio, Ying Guo
This study investigates the hot deformation behavior of a near-β TC18 titanium alloy at 750 °C, with a focus on the interplay between dynamic softening mechanisms and α/β phase transformation. Compression tests were conducted at varying strain rates (0.01–1 s-1) and true strains (40% to 80%). The results show that increasing strain rate and deformation promote dislocation accumulation, which leads to enhanced stored energy. This drives a transform from dynamic recovery (DRV) to dynamic recrystallization (DRX) as the dominant softening mechanism and concurrently accelerates dynamic phase transformation. Meanwhile, intensified α-phase spheroidization is also observed.The strong coupling between DRX and phase transformation contributes to microstructural refinement, ultimately improving mechanical properties by balancing strength and ductility. These findings provide new insights into deformation mechanisms and offer guidance for optimizing thermomechanical processing of near-β titanium alloys.