Most of my research time in January I devoted to preparation of samples from my composites (AA7475 with different additions of AlN) for compressive tests and then performing those tests using INSTRON 3382 mechanical testing machine.

On the very first day of February, which was not particularly frosty from what I can recall, the beforehand annealed samples (annealing is performed in order to ensure a satisfactory chemical homogeneity) were prepared to be sealed in quartz tubes. Annealing at 900 ºC for 1 hour and rapid quenching in water followed suit. This was done in order to induce martensitic transition.
This month we also studied by TEM one of the ribbons containing 3 at. % of aluminum namely the sample of the following chemical composition Ni48Mn39.5Sn9.5Al3. The analysis revealed the presence of martenistic phase.

My research carried out in January

- The analysis of chemical composition was obtained with the scanning electron microscope EDS / SEM for newly purchased alloys: Al - 25% Zr and Al - 3% Mg - 0.25% Zr in order to verify the chemical composition comparing with certificate of analysis issued by the manufacturer. Specimens were taken from the corners of the ingot for each of materials. Then prepared for observation of the desired surface - grinding on abrasive papers and polishing (without electropolishing). Due to the very low content of zirconium - its measurement error is large and there is need to be verified by the other method - using optical emission spectrometer.
- Implementation of the orientation maps for alloys (Al-Zr and Al-Mg-Zr). Microstructure as ordered - is seen small precipitates of Al3Zr.
- Processing through the channel angular (ECAP) samples of material AA3004with road A - three times and six times. Next samples will be cut up into smaller specimens to prepare the surface for EBSD research on the scanning electron microscope (SEM).
- Implementation of orientation maps using the technique of EBSD / SEM for aluminum alloys: AA1050 - for initial state in cross-section TD-RD and in the deformed state after three passages in cross-section TD-ND and for AA3004 alloy - for initial state in the cross section ND-RD and ND-TD.

On the very first day of February, which was not particularly frosty from what I can recall, the beforehand annealed samples (annealing is performed in order to ensure a satisfactory chemical homogeneity) were prepared to be sealed in quartz tubes. Annealing at 900 ºC for 1 hour and rapid quenching in water followed suit. This was done in order to induce martensitic transition.
This month we also studied by TEM one of the ribbons containing 3 at. % of aluminum namely the sample of the following chemical composition Ni48Mn39.5Sn9.5Al3. The analysis revealed the presence of martenistic phase.

January was rather heavy on didactic side of phd studies, which means that we had an exam to pass, and a couple of seminars to present, and preparation for these took a bit of time. However some scientific development also took place, mainly thanks to newly established cooperation with Professor Korbel and Bochniak from AGH, inventors of KoBo method for metal plastic forming. We received sample of pure zinc extruded by KoBo method along with samples of reference (initial) material. Zinc is a hexagonal material same as titanium, so it is expected that it might demonstrate some similarities in way it behaves during plastic deformation. Samples for EBSD investigation was prepared from both deformed and initial material. Preparation of samples proven to be a little bit challenging, as zinc is rather soft material and it is easily contaminated during grinding on SiC papers. Electrolytic polishing was also a bit tricky but finally I've managed to get some workable surfaces for EBSD tests. Initial orientation maps showed what was expected - big equiaxed grains in reference and smaller grains in deformed material. It also showed that metalographic preparation of samples was done more or less properly so it can be repeated/improved on for upcoming investigations.