A new control casting technique was designed for making homogeneity immiscible alloy in earth gravity field by Marangoni migration of the secondary phase drops in the melting alloy under a temperature gradient. In the technique, the droplet of the secondary phase ahead the solid-liquid interface of the melt of the immiscible alloy will make Stokes movement in gravity field and Marangoni movement in the opposite direction of gravity field in temperature gradient field. As a result, the net velocity of the droplets in the melt will be dependent on the size of the droplets. When the size of the droplets is very small,Marangoni movement of the droplets will dominate, otherwise Stokes movement will dominate. When the net velocity is zero, there will be a critical size of the droplet. By controlling the stability of the solidification process, an ingot with uniform distribution of the dropletscan be obtained. The critical size of the secondary phase droplets was estimated by the following equation Solidification test on Al-Bi and Al-Pb alloy showed that the size of the Bi or Pb particles in Al matrix is roughly the same order of magnitude as that obtained by above equation.Finally, a new conception, precipitation incubation period, was suggested in the discussion.(Correspondent. XIAN Aiping. professor, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Scienoes, Shenyang110015)

Based on correspondence between solidification cell and Saffman-Taylor finger, a solidification model of rod eutectic is proposed and used to indicate that the law of phase spacing selection can be expressed by. The effectiveness of the model is experimentally verified by MnSb/Sb eutectic growth. It is found that nf/nf MnSb/Sb and f/nf Si/Al, MnBi/Bi rod eutectics have a nearly same coupling parameter σeff and the similarity of phase spacing selection in microstructure.(Correspondent. PAN Ye, associate professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University,Nanjing 210018)

The formation and inheritance of the transformation texture and microstructure during cyclic α→β→α phase transformation in cold rolled Ti sheet have been investigated by means of the crystalline orientation distribution function (CODF) analysis,the technique of TEM and high temperature X-ray diffraction (HTXRD). The results show that, after 1 cycle of α→β→α phase transformation, the original cold rolling texture component (2116)[2641] and the recrystallization texture component (1013)[1210] are almost completely suppressed, and the [2110]∥ ND transformation fibre texture is formed. And after 3 cycles of α→β→α transformation, the [2110]∥ND fibre texture is inherited, and the rolling texture components, such as (2115)[0110] etc, are partially recovered. Afterα→β→α transformation, the microstructure exhibits the typical Widmanstatten lamellar structure, and is also inherited after 3 cycles of α→β→α transformation. The orientation of β phase at 950 ℃ has been measured by HTXRD and predicted by Burgers' relationship with variant selection.(Correspondent: ZHU Zhishou, P.O. Box No. 15, Beijing Institute of Aeronautical Materials, Beijing 100095)

The morphology and fine structure of phase interface in ZrO2-Ni functionally gradient material (FGM) were investigated by TEM and HREM. Most of the interfaces between ZrO2 and Ni components in the FGM are directly connected and no interface reaction has been detected. The t / m interface in ZrO2 component is coherent and contains structural steps. Furthermore, there are quite many growth defects-Frank dislocations near the Ni twin boundary.(Correspondent: ZHU Jingchuan, Campus Post Box 433, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001)

Phase diagram of YCl3-SrCl2 binary system has been measured by means of DTA method, and a new phase in this system was observed by X-ray diffraction. The phase diagrams and thermodynamic properties of the YCl3-AECl2(AE=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) systems have been assessed and optimized by using CALPHAD technique. The optimized phase diagrams are consistent with thermodynamical data. (Correspondent: QIAO Zhiyu, professor, Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083)

An assembly for performing EMF measurements using a CaF2 single crystal as a solid state electrolyte has been constructed. From the EMF data, the standard Gibbs energies of formation of member oxides in the Sm-Ba-Cu-O system were calculated. It is found that the thermodynamic stability of the complex oxide Sm_(1+x)Ba_(2-x)Cu_3O_y(0≤x≤0.4）decreases with the increase in the solid solubility x.(Correspondent: XING Xianran, associate professor-Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083.)

It has been found by comparative experiments that Al-5Ti-1B master alloys with different structures have different grain refinement efficiency. The microstructure of the master alloys have been characterized using metallograph, SEM and TEM. The effect of structural heredity on grain refinement efficiency is discussed. The experimental results show that the AlTiB master alloy manufactured by rapid solidification method comprises fine TiAl_3 phases and seperate array of boride microparticles, and has the best grain refinement efficiency.(Correspondent LIU Xiangfa, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Jinan 250014)

Microstructures of Ti-48Al alloy deformed under compression at RT, 600℃ and 800℃ have been studied by TEM. The result shows that the intersection of mechanical twin and lamellar boundary is along〈101]. But the mechanical twinning intersecting lamellar boundary along〈110] can hardly occur during compression deformation whether at room temperature or at high temperatures.Correspondent: LIANG Wei, Centre of Testing and Measurement, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan030024

The morphology and distribution of Nb-rich phases in chilled cast iron were studied by using STEM. The results demonstrate that there are three morphologies of Nb-rich phases in chilled cast iron, which are lumpy NbC, complicated strip-like phase, and compound with pearlite structure.(Correspondent: FU Li, professor, Foundry Division, Shenyang High School of Industry, Shenyang 110044)

The tensile properties and fracture behaviour of AI-3.8Li-0.8Mg-0.4Cu-0.13Zr alloy, prepared by spray deposition have been investigated. The alloy aged at 190℃ for 10 h has the best properties(UTS=534 MPa, 0.2 YS=480 MPa and El.=10 %). Fractrue surface of the as-quenched alloy is totally dimple-transgranular type, while the failure mode of the aged alloy is a mixed type with the intergranular and transgranular fracture. The intergranular fracture is due to the formation of PFZs and equilibrium phases along grain boundary.(Correspondent: CUI Chengsong, Campus Post Box 434, Harbin institute of Technology, Harbin 150001)

Based on the studies of the gas-flow, combustion and heat transfer in the top-blown converter, a general and coupling mathematical model has been proposed. The post-combustion ratio and heat-transfer efficiency in a 180t basic oxygen furnace (BOF) for the different design of oxygen lance were calculated by using this model. The obtained results are very important for understanding the post-combustion mechanism and improving the equipment of the post-combustion as well as raising the utilizing ratio of post-combustion heat. This model can be also extended to study the post-combustion at any time in the converter with a low foam slag layer.(Correspondent: LI Baowei, Department of Metallurgy, Baotou Institute of Iron and Steel, Baotou 014010)

The creep curves of alloy IC6 in the temperature range of 993-1073 K and the stress range of 774-874 MPa were determined. The microstructures of the alloy during different creep stages at 1033 K, 824 MPa have been analyzed by TEM.The results show that the stacking faults on different planes shear γ' phase and interact on each other to form Lomer-Cottrell dislocation which controls the creep rate.(Correspondent: XIAO Chengbo, Beijing institute of Aeronautical Materials, Beijing 100095)

The thermal cycling oxidation resistance of Ni with a Ni-La_2O_3 electrodeposited composite film of 30 μm in thickness is significantly improved in comparison to Ni with and without Ni-plating for 100 h-cyclic oxidation at 1273 K. The rapid growth and severe cracking of scale-on Ni with or without Ni-plating occurred during the thermal cycling process, but the application of Ni-La_2O_3 electrodeposited composite film on Ni resulted in a markable reduction of NiO growth and the scale has finer grain, non-cracking morphology. Electron probe microanalyses revealed that in the total NiO scale with an average thickness of about 50 μm, La_2O_3 was located in the region of about 31 μm near the scale / gas interface. High resolution electron microscopy showed that in the codeposited film La_2O_3 nanoparticles below 5 nm is in the dispersive or cluster state- Therefore, it is proposed that the modification of oxidation mechanism and mechanical property of the scale of Ni With Ni-La_2O_3 electrodeposited composite film may resulted from the partial dissolution of La_2O_3 with nano-size, and the segregation of La~(3+) at the NiO grain boundaries, which prevent the short distance diffusion of Ni~(2+).(Correspondent. PENG Xiao, Institute of Corrosion and Protection of Metals, Chinese Academy of Sciences,Shenyang 110015)

The DTA and XRD techniques were employed to study the oxidation process of highly pure WS_2. The activation energy, 100.l kJ / mol, and the orders of oxidation reaction, 0.80,have been obtained according to Doyle-Ozawa and Kissinger methods.The oxidation reaction occurs mainly in steps of:WS_2→W_3O→WO_2→W_(18)O_(49)→WO_(2.9)→WO_3(Correspondent: XING Pengfei, Department of Non-Ferrous Metallurgy, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110006)

Corrosion test at 800℃ was carried out in mixed sulfur atmosphere for Fe-Cr-Mn alloys containing various contents of C ranging from 0.50 % to 2.63 %. The types and relative contents of corrosion scale were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The distribution of elements and corrosion behaviour of eutectic carbide were examined. Results show that the corrosion resistance of the studied alloys is better than that of high Ni heat resisteant steel. The corrosion behaviour of alloys under tested conditions is controlled by the sulphuration and oxidation corrosion and so make a peak value of the mass gain of the alloys.With the strengthening of oxidational atmosphere the peak value is moved toward low carbon side. The eutectic carbide is more corrosion resistant than matrix.(Correspondent: XING Jiandong, professor, College of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University,Xi'an 710049)

The behaviours of high temperature hot corrosion of NiAl, NiAl-20%Fe (atom fraction) without and with aluminized coating in the presence of Na_2SO_4 film at 950℃in air were conducted. NiAl alloy shows hot corrosion resistance to some extent by the formation of Al_2O_3 scale. But, the cracking and dissolution of Al_2O_3 scale may cause its rapid hot corrosion. Additives of 20%Fe may deteriorate the hot corrosion resistance owing to the absence of an Al_2O_3 scale. Aluminizing treatment may improve corrosion resistance of NiAl-20%Fe by promoting the formation of an Al_2O_3 scale. NiAl-20%Fe with aluminide coating has slower corrosion rate than NiAl alloy, which may be attributed to that the aluminide coating has higher Al content, and the Al_2O_3 scale in coating has better cracking resistance than NiAl alloy.(Correspondent: ZENG Chaoliu, Institute of Corrosion and Protection of Metals, Chinese Academy of Sciences,Shenyang 110015)

Activation energies for the ductile-brittle transition, structural relaxation and crystallization of the amorphous Fe_(79)B_(16)Si_5 alloy have been determined. The relations of annealing embrittlement with structural relaxation and crystallization have been investigated.The activation energy for ductile-brittle transition is 125 kJ/ mol, which is close to the activation energy for the change of atomic interactions during structural relaxation (85kJ/ mol), but is much lower than that for the formation of α-Fe during the early stage of crystallization (374-399 kJ/ mol). It is apparent that the annealing embrittlement of amorphous Fe_(79)B_(16)Si_5 alloy is related to the atomic short range ordering during structural relaxation. And there is no relationship between the embrittlement behaviour and crystallization.(Correspondent: CHE Xiaozhou, post doctoral, Department of Materials Science, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030)

The effect of the addition of a small amount of rare earth element Y on the magnetic properties of nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloys was investigated. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and Mossbauer spectroscopy were employed to study the phase structure and the local environment of an Fe atom in each phase. An addition of 0.5% of Y much improves its soft magnetic properties. A minor amount of Y may dissolve in α-Fe(Si)solid solution. With the increase in Y, the Y atoms may segregate and Y phase was precipitated, as a result, the crystallization process was obviously inhibitted.(Correspondent: MA Ruzhang, professor, Department of Material Physics, University of Science TechnologyBeijing, Beijing 100083)

Mossbauer spectroscopy was employed to investigate the magnetic texture in The nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy Fe_(73.5)Cu_1Nb_3Si_(13.5)B_9. After crystallization a wide magnetic domain appeared obviously, which oriented preferently along the long axis of the ribbon plane and may be associated with the shape effect of the ribbon sample.(Correspondent: LIU Tao, Department of Materials Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing,Beijing 100083)

A novel structure and high strength aluminium alloy can be synthesised directly by rapid quenching from liquid to form a fine dispersion of Al particles homgeneously distributed in an amorphous matrix. The composite structure has been examined by X-ray diffraction, conventional TEM and HREM. The preliminary studies show that the Al particles are free of defects and distribute randomly, but the interfacial structures between Al par ticle and amorphous matrix are very complicate and need further studies carefully.(Correspondent: ZHONG Zhenchen Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, U.K.)

A new line shape was chosen for curve fitting of XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) data. In general. the GLP(Gauss-Lorentz product function) orGLS(Gauss-Lorentz sum function) was used as the line shape of XPS, but they are not strict because the true line shape is a convolution of many comments. A convoluted line shape is chosen in fitting procedure. The new algorithm is called ‘combination algorithm' . A detec tion was taken with Cu 3p spectrum and O ls spectra of Fe-Mn-Al alloy. It is shown that the combination algorithm is more effective for the process of XPS data than GLP and GLS.(Correspondent: GONG Yandong, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110015)