Tailoring M7C3 carbide via electron work function-guided modification. (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guo, Liqiu; Tang, Yunqing; Cui, Juan; Li, Jiaqi; Yang, Jer-Ren; Li, D.Y.
• Is Part Of: Scripta materialia. Number 190(2021)
• Page Start: 168
• Page End: 173
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: M7C3 carbides -- Mechanical properties -- Electron work function -- Atomic force microscopy -- First-principle calculation; Materials -- Periodicals; Metallurgy -- Periodicals; Metalen; Legeringen; Materiaalkunde; Metals, metalworking and machinery industries; Metals; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2020.09.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-6462

Abstract

Abstract: M7 C3 carbide [M: metallic element] is the primary reinforcement in white cast irons. Further improving its properties for maximized benefits is highly desired. However, no clear clues are available to guide the modification. Through atomic force microscopy in-situ analysis and first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that (Fe, Cr)7 C3 carbide's strength is governed by its metallic bond component. We theoretically prove that M7 C3 carbide is tailorable by partially replacing its metallic elements with substitutes selected based on their work function as an indicator. This study provides an insight into the electronic origin of carbide's mechanical behaviour, helping guide developing high-performance M7 C3 carbides. Graphical abstract: Image, graphical abstract