Publications

From unlikely pairings to functional nanocomposites: FeTi–Cu as a model system

Author(s)
Lukas Schweiger, Daniel Kiener, Michael Burtscher, Erhard Schafler, Gregor Mori, Florian Spieckermann, Jürgen Eckert
Abstract

In order to develop materials for energy storage, a bulk nanocomposite with a composition of FeTi-25 vol% Cu was prepared by high-pressure torsion, with FeTi as functional phase for hydrogen storage and Cu as ductile phase to improve the processability. Despite the use of such a highly ductile auxiliary phase, the processability remained challenging due to strain localization in the softer Cu. This behavior is most pronounced at room temperature, and no nanocomposites were formed. At elevated temperatures, the strong strain rate sensitivity of the flow stress of the nanocrystalline Cu facilitates the formation of a FeTi–Cu nanocomposite due to a self-reinforcing process. Nevertheless, fragmentation of FeTi is limited because the resulting massive strain hardening prevents controlled processing at temperatures 250 °C. Satisfactory microstructural homogeneity is only achieved at the highest deformation temperatures of 550 °C. Overall, this study highlights that for unlikely material pairings, as often required in the pursuit of superior functional materials, the mechanical behavior of the phases involved and their interplay remains critical and must be thoroughly investigated when aiming for controlled structural homogeneity of bulk nanomaterials.

Organisation(s)
Dynamics of Condensed Systems
External organisation(s)
Montanuniversität Leoben, Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften (ÖAW)
Journal
Materials Today Advances
Volume
20
No. of pages
13
ISSN
2590-0498
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtadv.2023.100433
Publication date
12-2023
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
103018 Materials physics, 210004 Nanomaterials
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Materials Science(all), Mechanical Engineering
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/from-unlikely-pairings-to-functional-nanocomposites-feticu-as-a-model-system(73192d8d-23e0-428e-927a-c39945f317f1).html