The mechanical properties such as compressive strength and nanohardness were investigated for Pinctada margaritifera mollusk shells. The compressive strength was evaluated through a uniaxial static compression test performed along the load directions parallel and perpendicular to the shell axis, respectively, while the hardness and Young modulus were measured using nanoindentation. In order to observe the crack propagation, for the first time for such material, the in-situ X-ray microscopy (nano-XCT) imaging (together with 3D reconstruction based on the acquired images) during the indentation tests was performed. The results were compared with these obtained during the micro-indentation test done with the help of conventional Vickers indenter and subsequent scanning electron microscopy observations. The results revealed that the cracks formed during the indentation start to propagate in the calcite prism until they reach a ductile organic matrix where most of them are stopped. The obtained results confirm a strong anisotropy of both crack propagation and the mechanical strength caused by the formation of the prismatic structure in the outer layer of P. margaritifera shell.

Ni-base alloys, like Inconel 625, exhibit a high temperature corrosion and oxidation resistance. For this reason, these alloys are typically used as a one of the most important coating material and can be applied in a different environments and elements of devices having various applications. In this work, Inconel 625 was deposited onto a carbon steel P235GH by Cold Metal Transfer method. Due to the segregation of Ni, Cr, Nb and Mo elements the Inconel 625 weld overlays cladded on boiler pipes P235GH obtained the dendritic structure, with the formation of a second phases at the end of solidification. The presence of γ (with high dislocation density), the Laves and (Nb,Ti)C phases was revealed by means of TEM examinations. The multipoint EDS analysis confirmed the presence of low Fe concentration in the Inconel 625 alloy coatings. The concentration profiles of Ni, Cr, Mo and Nb performed across the dendritic structure showed segregation of these elements.

In this study, the laser metal deposition (LMD) of the Inconel 625–tungsten carbide (WC) metal matrix composite was investigated. The composite coating was deposited on Inconel 625 substrate by powder method. A powder mixture containing 10 wt% of WC (5 µm) was prepared by wet mixing with dextrin binder. Coating samples obtained by low-power LMD were pore- and crack-free. Ceramic reinforcement was distributed homogenously in the whole volume of the material. Topologically close-packed (TCP) phases were formed at grain boundaries between WC and Inconel 625 matrix as a result of partial dissolution of WC in a nickel-based alloy. Line analysis of the elements revealed very small interference of the coating in the substrate material when compared to conventional coating methods. The average Vickers hardness of the coating was about 25% higher than the hardness of pure Inconel 625 reference samples.