ABSTRACT:The stabilization reactions of a high-molarmass poly(acrylonitrile-co-itaconic acid) precursor in air at 200, 220, and 240°C were studied with Fourier transform infrared. Principally, the cyclization of nitrile groups leading to the ladder structures of tetrahydropyridine occurred. Evidence for oxidative reactions causing the conversion of the COC structure to CAC and generating groups such as OOH and CAO was also obtained. As the temperature of stabilization was increased, the rate of the reaction increased without causing great changes in the Fourier transform infrared spectral patterns. The maximum nitrile conversion achievable was limited by the temperature of stabilization. Although the reaction stagnated at 40 and 80% at 200 and 220°C, it was practically complete in about an hour at 240°C.Higher temperatures also favored the formation of extended conjugated structures. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction studies of the polymer stabilized at 300 and 400°C in argon confirmed that the aromatization index value and the crystallinity of the polymer increased proportionally to the temperature of pyrolysis. An analysis of the wide-angle X-ray diffraction pattern and the elemental composition of the stabilized polymer implied the formation of the tetrahydropyridine structure at 400°C. The higher pyrolysis temperature favored the formation of the lattice constituted by this group.

The mechanism of austenite reversion in 18 Ni Co‐free maraging steel (250 grade) has been established by conducting extensive X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) under differently aged conditions. It has been proposed that contrary to the precipitate dissolution mechanism suggested for the initiation of austenite reversion in 18Ni‐8Co‐5Mo type maraging steels, the initiation of transformation of martensite to austenite in this type of maraging steel is due to the diffusion of Ni from matrix to the dislocations and other defect structures on prolonged/high temperature ageing. This results in local enrichment of Ni which lowers both AS and MS temperatures of the region. Lowering of these transformation temperatures is responsible for the early reversion of martensite to Ni‐enriched stable austenite which, on subsequent cooling to room temperature, does not transform back to martensite.

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For the development of processing maps for various magnesium alloys from the flow stress data, a simple instability condition based on Ziegler's continuum principles as applied to large plastic flow is extended to delineate the regions of unstable metal flow or the occurrence of fractures or defects. The measured flow stress data is fitted to a constitutive equation. The applicability of the processing maps developed has been examined by comparing with reported microstructural observations of deformed compression specimens of various magnesium alloys. Optimum hot working conditions for the material are suggested, based on the maximum values of the strain rate sensitivity index.

A simple instability condition based on Ziegler's continuum principles as applied to large plastic flow is extended to define the deformation processing maps that delineate 'safe' and 'non-safe' hot working conditions. Processing maps were developed utilising the measured flow stress data of nickel based powder metallurgy superalloys in a constitutive equation. The applicability of the processing maps developed has been examined by comparing with the reported microstructural observations of deformed compression specimens. Optimum hot working conditions for the materials are suggested, based on the maximum values of the strain rate sensitivity index.