Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
5
The use of nanotechnology to improve
the bulk and surface properties of steel
for structural applications
X. S H I, Montana State University, USA,
Z. X I A O, Shenzhen Jinzhou Precision Technology Corp., China
and J. WU, Wuhan Polytechnic University, China
DOI:
10.1533/9780857098832.1.75
Abstract
: This chapter discusses the utilization of nanotechnology to
greatly enhance the properties of steels, by modifying the chemical
composition and/or microstructure of bulk material or surface layer. It
starts with a brief discussion of the relevant knowledge base, including:
microstructure and chemical composition of steel, infl uence of nano-
modifi cation and processing approaches, and modeling of
nanocomposite steel. Then, it provides a review of technological
advances in the use of nanotechnology to produce high performance
steels with outstanding mechanical properties or corrosion resistance.
The chapter concludes with a discussion of future developments
expected on the subject.
Key
words
: plastic deformation, thermomechanical treatment,
nanotechnology, nanostructured, nano/ultrafi ne grain size, high
performance steel.
5.1
Introduction
Steel is a versatile material of technological importance and its outstanding
recyclability and ease of manufacturing greatly contribute to eco-effi cient
construction. Steel is a type of widely used engineering material in many
industries, e.g., transportation, construction, defense, healthcare, energy,
aeronautics, manufacturing, and chemical processing. It has found diverse
applications in transport vehicles and components, ships, buildings, civil
structures, offshore structures, aircraft landing gears, bulletproof sheets and
vests, household appliances, medical tools, pipelines, heat exchangers, solar
panels, equipment, nuts and bolts, bearings, packaging, etc. Steel is the most
widely used metallic alloy in modern industries, with its usage approxi-
mately 80% by weight of all alloys (Smith, 1981).
Over the last two decades, great strides have been made to improve the
engineering properties of steels through research, development and imple-
mentation. In supporting such innnovative technological advances, nano-
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