[en] Several stainless steels (Type UNS S30300, S30400, S30403; S31600, S31603 and S42000) with different microstructural characteristics have been used to study the influence of heat treatments on microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Bio corrosion and accelerated electrochemical testing was performed in various microbiological media. Two species of sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) have been used in order to ascertain the influence of microstructure. The morphology of corrosion pits produced in both chloride and chloride plus sulphide-SRB metabolites, was inspected by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) complemented with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Results have shown different behaviours regarding corrosion resistance in each case studied. Sensitized austenitic stainless steels were more affected by the presence of aggressive anions and pitting potential (Ep) values were more cathodic than those of as-received state. A corrosion enhancement is produced by the synergistic action of biogenic sulphides and chloride anions. Pitting corrosion in martensitic stainless steel Type UNS S42000 was found in biocorrosion test. The pitting morphology is correlated to the chemical composition, the microstructure and the electrolyte. (Author) 36 refs

[en] Electrochemical Noise has been one of the more useful analysis methods to the study the corrosion processes due to the fact that it is simple and cheap. The objective of this work is to check the efficiency of this technique when it is applied to the study of Rich Zinc Paints and specifically the Noise Resistance parameter which is very efficiency to study metal-electrolyte systems. Then this technique was applied to Rich Zinc Paints systems of which we have already information by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The outcomes of this paper show the efficiency of applying Noise Resistance technique to explain the behavior of this kind of systems. (Author) 18 refs

[en] In the present investigation, nodular graphite cast iron fracture toughness with different matrices and eutectic cell sizes is studied. Properties of tensile strength , hardness and impact toughness are also studied. The experimental data are compared to the same determined parameters in silicon steel with a chemical composition similar to that of the case iron matrix. A subsequent study of the crack surfaces enables us to establish fracture mechanisms. The joint analysis of the mechanical results and of the fractographic studies allows us to establish the influence of graphite on the different mechanical properties of cast iron and on fracture micromechanisms as well. (Author) 7 refs

[en] An analysis of typical steam turbine and gas turbine rotor failures is carried out. On the base of the rotors different failure causes and their mode of occurring, an evaluation of the weldability of the Cr-Mo-V steels and the classification of the common turbine rotors repair possibilities is presented. The developing of specific in-situ welding repair process of the damaged 20.65 MW gas turbine rotor is described. After repair, the rotor was put back into service. (Author) 15 refs

[en] In order to know the blast furnace thermic state, the thermic exergy can be used, which considers the temperatures level of the process. The magnitude analysis of thermic exergy for blast furnace operation using pulverized coal, natural gas and oxygen injection by tuyeres, shows that natural gas injection is less effective than pulverized coal and enriched blast with oxygen simultaneous injection. (Author) 6 refs

[en] A cellular metallic material with interconnected porosity of controlled size of an order of 10 μm has been developed by electrochemical dissolution of tungsten grains in a W-Ni-Fe heavy alloy. The nickel superalloy with sponge structure and high surface/volume ratio can also be processed recycling chips from heavy metal machining (Patent number p9700191, 1997). Applications for the new materials could be found as support for catalysts, high temperature filters for corrosive fluids, burners, etc. (Author) 10 refs

[en] Over centuries, the hot forming has been employed to provide shape to metals. Nowadays, the deformation at high temperatures gives also the required final mechanical properties. From this point of view, the obtention of a constitutive equation describing the hot flow behaviour of micro alloyed steels in particular is a very important task. The main difficulty in modelling the high temperature flow arises from the simultaneity of two opposite phenomena, namely, work hardening and dynamic softening due to recovery and recrystallization. In this is work a review of constitutive equations (including the effect of the chemical composition) describing the flow behaviour of micro alloyed steels deformed under high temperature conditions. (Author)

[en] A short review of the kinetics models for the formation of Fe-Zn alloy phases in the galvannealing process is presented. It will focus on the continuous process which is often used by the automotive industry. A first mathematical approach of the kinetics growth of the δ phase has been done using a continuous hot-dipping process simulator which resembles the conditions of the galvannealing process in production lines. Hold time and the galvannealing temperature as well as the weight of the coating were varied. The preliminary results of the iron content and proportion of δ phase in the coating are in agreement with the results obtained by other authors. (Author) 16 refs

[en] Has been developed a fast and easy method for to evaluate the efficiency of the process and some or possible stabilities situations in the hot working process for the polycrystalline metallic materials (p.m.m.), by the obtained dates in the Garofalo's equation resolution for the steady state creep and for wide ranges of the work variables, stress, strain rate and temperature. These method use the fitting parameters obtained for the equation mentioned and of their physical meaning. Has been developed the numerical treatment from our previously developed software for the analysis of creep and we can obtained the efficiency energetic maps for the creep and the more generally advises areas for the hot working. Further more has been obtained maps for parameters of great physical significance; f.e. the effective activation energy for different areas of the materials hot working, and in addition has been developed a method for obtained the values of {n_PL} for the different ranges of power-law application, when has been obtained the value of { n_G} in the Garofalo's equation. (Author) 13 refs

[en] Ceramic matrix composites reinforced with metallic particles exhibit good mechanical properties. One research line has involved the fabrication of 3A (alumina-aluminide alloys) composites via in situ consolidation of aluminum reactive powders mixed with a metallic oxide. In this paper the solid state reactions for the Al-MoO₃ system and the effect of the precursor compositions for obtaining Al₂O₃ composites and intermetallic aluminides are studied. The reactions in vacuum for the 25 degree centigree to 750 degree centigree temperature range, and the microstructural evolution up to 1200 degree centigree studied. DTA-TG and DSG were used to determine that a heating rate of 1 degree centigree /min at the critical range of 500-600 degree centigree, resulted in controlled aluminothermic reactions. XRD and SEM showed that in the sintered composites a microstructure composed of an Al₂O₃ matrix and a Mo aluminide/metallic Mo dispersed phase was present. The precursor composition affects the dispersed phase in the composite (Mo aluminides and/or metallic Mo) the relative Al₂O₃/second phase quantities, and the hardness of the composite sintered at 1450 degree centigree. (Author) 15 refs