Nickel-manganese-aluminum-silicon alloy target materials consist of melting and processing Ni, Mn, Al, and Si, which are nickel, manganese, aluminum, and silicon, respectively, in certain proportions. These materials can be adjusted in composition depending on the application. Generally, materials contain a significant portion of nickel, approximately 10%-20% of aluminum, 3%-8% of silicon, and 2%-5% of manganese. Some target bulk products are composed of NiMnAlSi 95-2-2-1 (wt%) and have a purity of 99.95%.
Preparation of Nickel-Manganese-Aluminum-Silicon Alloy Targets
Raw Material Preparation: The selection and preparation of high-quality raw materials includes nickel, manganese, aluminum, and silicon. Metal blocks may be required and can be replaced with granules. Blocks and granules are usually 99.95% pure or higher. Based on the alloy composition of the target material (i.e., NiMnAlSi 95/2/2/1 wt%), make adequate adjustments to the quantities of each metal. This should take into consideration the amounts that will be lost to melting (somewhat volatile manganese) and aluminum (which will oxidize).
Vacuum Induction Melting: The raw materials are contained in an alumina or graphite crucible. The air is pumped out, and the crucible is protected with high-purity argon. Induction heating is applied, and upon complete melting, the metal is poured into a water-cooled copper mold to form a cylindrical ingot.
Homogenization Annealing: The ingot is heated to a specific temperature, which varies by alloy. This is followed by furnace cooling or air cooling.
Plastic Processing and Forming: Heat the homogenized ingot, perform initial upsetting/drawing to break down coarse grains, and then perform multi-pass rolling, with intermediate annealing to eliminate work hardening; for complex-shaped target materials, a reverse extrusion process can be used, where the billet is heated and extruded to form a rod directly.
Machining: Process the hot-worked plate/rod to the target dimensions using wire cutting, grinding, and other processes.
Applications of Nickel-Manganese-Aluminum-Silicon Alloy Targets
Precision Tool and Mold Coatings: Depositing a thin film of this alloy on the surface of cutting tools and stamping dies can significantly improve their hardness, wear resistance, and service life, especially in dry cutting or high-speed machining. High-temperature protective coatings: Used for aircraft engine components, gas turbine blades, etc., providing oxidation and hot corrosion protection at high temperatures.
Corrosion-resistant coatings: Applied to protect the surfaces of critical components in harsh environments such as marine environments, chemical equipment, and nuclear power facilities.
Decorative and protective coatings: Due to the formation of a dense, chemically stable oxide layer on the surface, these coatings provide a metallic luster while offering long-lasting protection and are used in high-end consumer products.
