The aim of this work was to characterize the microstructure of the as-cast Haynes® 282® alloy. Observations and analyses were carried out using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), wave length dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS), auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and electron energy-loss spectrometry (EELS). The phases identified in the as-cast alloy include: γ (gamma matrix), γʹ (matrix strengthening phase), (TiMoCr)C (primary carbide), TiN (primary nitride), σ (sigma-TCP phase), (TiMo)2SC (carbosulphide) and a lamellar constituent consisting of molybdenum and chromium rich secondary carbide phase together with γ phase. Within the dendrites the γʹ appears mostly in the form of spherical, nanometric precipitates (74 nm), while coarser (113 nm) cubic γʹ precipitates are present in the interdendritic areas. Volume fraction content of the γʹ precipitates in the dendrites and interdendritic areas are 9.6% and 8.5%, respectively. Primary nitrides metallic nitrides (MN), are homogeneously dispersed in the as-cast microstructure, while primary carbides metallic carbides (MC), preferentially precipitate in interdendritic areas. Such preference is also observed in the case of globular σ phase. Lamellar constituents characterized as secondary carbides/γ phases were together with (TiMo)2SC phase always observed adjacent to σ phase precipitates. Crystallographic relations were established in-between the MC, σ, secondary carbides and γ/γʹ matrix.

The aim of the work was to examine the degradation phenomena taking place in the microstructure of the as-cast IN 713C superalloy after stress rupture tests, performed at T = 980°C under a tensile stress of 150 MPa. A directional growth of c¢ phase (rafting) and decomposition of the NbC primary carbides accompanied by the precipitation of M 23 C 6 secondary carbides rich in chromium and of c¢ phase were observed. It was also indicated that the decomposition of the NbC primary carbides may be accompanied by the precipitation of M 3 B 2 borides rich in Mo.

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Magnesium alloys are regarded as potential biodegradable load-bearing biomaterials for orthopedic applications due to their physico-chemical and biomechanical properties. However, their clinical applicability is restricted by their high degradation rate, which limits the physiological reconstruction of the neighbouring tissues. In this work, a multifunctional coating architecture was developed on an AZ31 alloy by conjoining an anodization process with the deposition of a polymeric-based layer consisting of polyether imine reinforced with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, aiming at improved control of the corrosion activity and biological performance of the Mg substrate. Anodization and coating protocols were evaluated either independently or combined for corrosion resistance and biological behaviour, i.e. the irritation potential and angiogenic capability within a chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay, and bone tissue response following tibia implantation within a rabbit model. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis showed that coated Mg constructs, particularly anodized plus coated with AZ31, exhibited excellent stability compared to the anodized alloy and, particularly, to the bare AZ31. Microtomographic evaluation of the implanted samples correlated with these degradation results. Mg constructs displayed a non-irritating behaviour, and were associated with high levels of vascular ingrowth. Bone ingrowth neighbouring the implanted constructs was observed for all samples, with coated and anodized plus coated samples presenting the highest bone formation. Gene expression analysis suggested that the enhanced bone tissue formation was associated with the boost in osteogenic activity through Runx2 upregulation, following the activation of PGC-1α/ERRα signaling. Overall, the developed multifunctional coatings appear to be a promising strategy to obtain safe and bioactive biodegradable Mg-based implants with potential applications within bone tissue.

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of melt-pouring temperature T m and inoculant (cobalt aluminate-CoAl 2 O 4 ) concentration in the prime coat of the shell mold on the macro-and microstructure of the IN713C superalloy. The results show that cobalt aluminate is an effective modifier of the IN713C superalloy, which causes refinement of the equiaxed grains (EX) and a reduction of the fraction and size of the columnar grains on the casting surface. Also, the melt-pouring temperature in the range of 1450-1520°C was found to influence the mean EX grain size. Based on the results of differential thermal analysis of the alloy and detailed microstructure characterization, a sequence of precipitations has been proposed that advances current understanding of processes that take place during alloy solidification and casting cooling.

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The aim of this work which is a part of larger approach, is the surface functionalization by means of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) as a pretreatment prior to the application of biopolymer. The process was developed for the number of magnesium alloys, and AZ31, RZ5 and ZM21 in particular. An oxide layer was formed in two step consecutive process in KOH-Na3PO4 and KOH-NaF solutions. The coatings are built from sub-layers: reach in F at the metal-coating interface containing small pores and top layer with larger pores. An important feature for the surface biocompatibility is a presence and distribution of P within the top part of the coating which create a nucleation sites for the development of calcium phosphates. From the results of long term impedance measurements carried out in simulated body solution (SBF) at 37°C it may be concluded that the best corrosion protection is provided by the anodic layer formed on AZ31 alloy. After the testing the surface of alloys studied in this work was covered by a film of compounds containing calcium and phosphorus.

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