Micro-pillars of solution-treated and aged AZ91 magnesium alloy (Mg-9Al-0.7Zn-0.2Mn) have been used to study the influence of precipitates on plastic deformation mechanisms. The micro-pillars were compressed along $[55\overline{10}9]$ and $[01\overline{1}0]$ directions in order to activate basal slip and $\{01\overline{1}2\}$ twinning, respectively. The critical resolved shear stresses were determined. Precipitates had limited strengthening effect on basal slip, but increased significantly the stress required for twin growth. The precipitates are engulfed by the tension twins during deformation. The back stress generated due to the presence of the precipitates is expected to provide a considerable contribution to strengthening which slows the twin growth. A high density of stacking faults was observed in the aged specimen, particularly in between the precipitates, which may hinder dislocation glide upon further deformation.

This study evaluates the feasibility of producing high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel using advanced wire-fed laser additive manufacturing (LAM-W) and wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technologies. Optimized parameters were independently developed for each heat source, utilizing a self-designed HSLA steel wire as the feedstock. Microstructural features and mechanical properties of the fabricated steels were characterized and compared, taking into account differences in heat input and cooling rates. LAM-W samples exhibited a finer columnar grain microstructure, while both LAM-W- and WAAM-produced steels predominantly showed lower bainite and granular bainite microstructures. LAM-W demonstrated higher strength and hardness, lower ductility, and comparable low-temperature toughness compared to WAAM. Both processes demonstrated an excellent balance between strength and ductility, with absorbed energy exceeding 100 J at −40 °C. The study confirms the feasibility of producing high-strength and tough HSLA steel parts using LAM-W and WAAM technologies, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of each method. These findings assist in selecting the most suitable wire-fed AM process for HSLA steel fabrication at high deposition rates.

To enhance the corrosion resistance of underground pipelines made of low carbon steel, nano-TiO₂-modified polyurea was applied to their surface. The anti-corrosion performance of these nano-TiO₂-modified coatings was tested by immersing them in a NACE (5 wt.% NaCl + 0.5 wt.% CH3COOH) solution under high temperatures and high CO₂ pressures. The mass variation, SEM morphology, and open-circuit potential were determined. EIS tests, neutral salt spray tests, and contact angle measurements were carried out to analyze the effect of nanoparticles on corrosion resistance. Within the same pressure range, the polyurea coating shows the highest corrosion resistance when 5% TiO₂ nanoparticles were added compared to that of polyurea coatings with 0%, 10%, and 15% TiO₂ added. Coatings with 5% TiO₂ nanoparticles showed rapid diffusion after being immersed for 96 h, indicating that the anti-corrosion performance of the coating weakened.

To improve the service life of continuous casting crystallizer, the NiCo-ZrB₂ coating was prepared using nanocomposite plating technology. Uniformly dispersed nano-ZrB₂ particles significantly enhanced the hardness and wear resistance of the coating. Upon testing, the hardness of the coating exceeded 700 HV, with a friction coefficient below 0.2, which was superior to those of pure NiCo or other nanocomposite NiCo coatings reported previously. Microscopic analysis revealed that the addition of dispersants and ultrasonic vibration treatment had facilitated the homogeneous distribution of nano-ZrB₂ within the matrix, thereby promoting the formation of numerous nano-twins. Due to dispersion strengthening, fine grain strengthening, and twinning strengthening, the wear behavior of the coating changed from fatigue wear to abrasive wear, and the wear volume was significantly reduced by 82%. The above findings could potentially extend the service life of the coating, reduce the cost of steel loss per ton, and have broad application prospects in other surface protection fields.