The goal of this work is to establish a life prediction methodology for thermomechanical loading of the Ni-base superalloy Mar-M247 over a larger temperature range than previous work. The work presented in this thesis extends the predictive capability of the Sehitoglu-Boismier unified thermo-viscoplasticity constitutive model and thermomechanical life model from a maximum temperature of 871C to a maximum temperature of 1038C. The constitutive model, which is suitable for predicting stress-strain history under thermomechanical loading, is adapted and calibrated using the response from isothermal cyclic experiments conducted at temperatures from 500C to 1038C at different strain rates with and without dwells. In the constitutive model, the flow rule function and parameters as well as the temperature dependence of the evolution equation for kinematic hardening are established. In the elevated temperature regime, creep and stress relaxation are critical behaviors captured by the constitutive model. The life model accounts for fatigue, creep, and environmental-fatigue damage under both isothermal and thermomechanical fatigue. At elevated temperatures, the damage terms must be calibrated to account for thermally activated damage mechanisms which change with increasing temperature. At lower temperatures and higher strain rates, fatigue damage dominates life prediction, while at higher temperatures and slower strain rates, environmental-fatigue and creep damage dominate life prediction. Under thermomechanical loading, both environmental-fatigue and creep damage depend strongly on the relative phasing of the thermal and mechanical strain rates, with environmental-fatigue damage dominating during out-of-phase thermomechanical loading and creep damage dominating in-phase thermomechanical loading. The coarse-grained polycrystalline microstructure of the alloy studied causes a significant variation in the elastic response, which can be linked to the crystallographic orientation of the large grains. This variation in the elastic response presents difficulties for both the constitutive and life models, which depend upon the assumption of an isotropic material. The extreme effects of a large grained microstructure on the life predictions is demonstrated, and a suitable modeling framework is proposed to account for these effects in future work.

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a polymer commonly used in various applications, particularly in hip joint replacements. Despite its good performance, it is susceptible to oxidation degradation, which can be mitigated with the addition of vitamin E, and to excessive wear against metal countersurfaces, which can potentially be improved with the addition of nanoparticles. In this work, sixteen newly developed UHMWPE nanocomposites with different nanofillers (multi-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide and nanodiamonds), blended with and without vitamin E, and both irradiation crosslinked and non-crosslinked were studied. Thermomechanical characterisation (dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis) and tribological pin-on-disc testing showed that both nanofillers and the addition of vitamin E ensured improved the performance of the nanocomposites compared to the virgin UHMWPE. Vitamin E improved the oxidative and thermal stability of UHMWPE, decreased the wear and increased the coefficient of friction. The nanoparticle reinforcements contributed to improved thermal stability to some degree and decreased the wear. Crosslinking was also shown to result in improved thermomechanical performance, although it appears that the addition of vitamin E inhibits the crosslinking process.

O objetivo deste estudo foi confeccionar uma nova macroestrutura de implantes de Zircônia (Y- TZP) e Titânio (Grau 4) e posteriormente avaliar comparativamente a transmissão de força e a resistência flexural, submetidos à fadiga mecânica e termomecânica. Foram obtidos 33 implantes de Zircônia e de titânio Grau 4. As tensões geradas em torno dos implantes foram observadas em 3 espécimes inicialmente por meio de análise fotoelástica, com forca de 200N aplicada no longo eixo dos implantes. Em seguida, os implantes foram incluídos em resina de poliuretano (F-16, AXSON Technologies) com inclinação de 30° e aleatoriamente separados em grupos (n=10),, segundo o tipo de tratamento a que foram submetidos: Controle (sem tratamento) (Zr e Ti), fadiga mecânica (ZrM e TiM) e fadiga termomecânica (ZrTM e TiTM). A máquina de fadiga mecânica foi programada para aplicar carga de 133 N, com frequência de120 ciclos por minuto (2 Hz), totalizando 2.000.000 ciclos em cada espécime. A ciclagem térmica foi configurada com a temperatura mínima entre 2o a 5oC e temperatura máxima entre 50° a 55° C com exposição de 30 segundos para cada faixa e 5 segundos para troca dos líquidos. Após o ensaio de fadiga mastigatória, todos os grupos foram submetidos ao ensaio de tensão flexural. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística (2-way ANOVA, teste de Bonferroni, p<0,05) e verificou-se que nao houve diferença estatisticamente significante na quantificação da transmissão de força entre os implantes de Zircônia e Titânio. Os implantes de Titânio apresentaram maior resistência flexural, com diferença estatisticamente significante (p<0.05) em relação aos implantes de Zircônia. Concluiu-se que foi possível obter um design de implante de zircônia compatível com as condições de forças aplicadas em ambiente bucal. A fadiga mecânica e termomecânica não influenciaram a resistência flexural dos implantes de Titânio nem dos implantes de Zircônia. / The aim of this study was to develop a new Zirconia (Y-TZP) and Titanium (Grade 4) implant macrostructure to make an accurate comparative evaluation of the stress transmission and flexural strength after both materials were subjected to mechanical and thermomechanical fatigue. Thirty three Zirconia and Titanium Grade 4 implants were obtained. A force of 200N was applied to the long axis of the implants and the distribution of the generated stress around implants was initially observed in three specimens by photoelastic analysis. Then, the implants were embedded in polyurethane resin (F-16, AXSON Technologies) with an inclination of 30°and randomly divided into groups (n = 10), according to the type of treatment they were subjected to: Control (no treatment ) (Zr and Ti), mechanical fatigue (ZRM and TiM) and thermomechanical fatigue (ZrTM and TiTM). The mechanical fatigue testing machine was programmed to apply a load of 133 N, with a frequency of 120 cycles per minute (2 Hz) and a total of 2,000,000 cycles in each specimen. The thermocycling was set with the minimum temperature between 2°-5°C and maximum temperature between 50°-55°C with 30 seconds exposure for each track and 5 seconds for the exchange of fluids. Following the fatigue test (chewing simulation), all groups were subjected to flexural strength test. The data were subjected to statistical analysis (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni test, p <0.05) and the results showed no statistically significant difference between Zirconia and Titanium implants\'s stress transmission values. Titanium implants showed higher flexural strength, which was statistically significant (p <0.05) compared with Zirconia implants. It was concluded that it was possible to obtain a Zirconia implant design compatible with the forces applied in the oral environment. Moreover, the mechanical and thermomechanical fatigue had no influence on the flexural strength of both Titanium and Zirconia implants.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a resistência de união à zircônia após diferentes tratamentos de superfície e o comportamento mecânico de pilares e coroas de zircônia associados aos mesmos tratamentos. Na primeira fase, 95 discos em zircônia foram obtidos e divididos em cinco grupos (n = 19): GC (grupo controle, sem nenhum tipo de tratamento); GAL (jateamento com partículas de Al2O3 antes da sinterização); GALS (jateamento com partículas de Al2O3 após sinterização); GRO (silanização com sistema Rocatec antes da sinterização) e GROS (silanização com sistema Rocatec após sinterização). Três amostras de cada grupo tiveram a superfície analisada em MEV e MCVL. Dez amostras de cada grupo foram submetidas a ensaio de microcisalhamento e as seis restantes foram submetidas à análise de interface por meio de MEV. A análise estatística utilizou modelo de regressão linear com efeitos mistos e teste de Tukey (p < 0,01). Na segunda fase, 70 pilares do tipo hexágono externo foram obtidos em zircônia e associados a coroas totais com copings de zircônia. Os conjuntos análogo-pilar-coroa também foram divididos em cinco grupos (n=14) e submetidos aos mesmos tratamentos previamente descritos. Ainda, foram realizadas mensurações para verificação da adaptação dos copings sobre os pilares e rugosidade superficial dos discos, copings e pilares em MCVL. Foi realizado ensaio de fadiga mecânica dos conjuntos com carga progressiva de 80, 120, 160, 200, 240, 280 e 320 N, frequência de 5 Hz, totalizando 20.000 ciclos em cada estágio. A ciclagem térmica foi realizada com temperaturas entre 5º C e 55º C. Após os ensaios mecânicos, os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística (probabilidade de sobrevida, teste de Log-Rang, p < 0,05) Os resultados apontaram que o grupo ROS apresentou valores de resistência de união significativamente superiores (p < 0,01) e que a rugosidade superficial foi semelhante para discos e copings (p = 0,22) e para discos e pilares (p = 0,96), e diferente entre copings e pilares (p < 0,01). A desadaptação marginal foi maior para o grupo RO (p < 0,01) e a probabilidade de sobrevida dos conjuntos foi similar para todos os grupos testados (p = 0,57). Concluiu-se que a utilização do Rocatec aumenta os valores de resistência de união à zircônia, não compromete o comportamento mecânico do material e sua utilização é viável em peças já sinterizadas. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond strength to zirconia after different surface treatments and to evaluate the mechanical behavior of zirconia abutments and crowns associated with these treatments. In the first phase, 95 discs in zirconia were obtained and divided into five groups (n = 19): GC (control group, without any treatment), GAL (air particle abrasion with Al2O3 particles before sintering), GALS (air particle abrasion with Al2O3 particles after sintering), GRO (silanization with Rocatec system before sintering) and GROS (silanization with Rocatec system after sintering). Three samples of each group had the surfaces analyzed in SEM and CLSM. Ten samples of each group were subjected to microshear test and the other remaining six had their interface examined by SEM. The statistical analysis used a linear regression model with mixed effects and Tukey test (p <0.01). In the second stage, 70 external hex abutments were obtained in zirconia and associated with crowns and zirconia copings. The analog-abutment-crown assemblies were also divided into five groups (n = 14) and subjected to the same treatments described previously. Measurements to verify the adaptation of copings on the abutments and surface roughness of the discs, copings and abutments were performed in CLSM. A fatigue test was carried with progressive load of 80, 120, 160, 200, 240, 280 and 320 N, frequency of 5 Hz and 20,000 cycles at each stage. Thermal cycling was performed with temperatures between 5° C and 55° C. After mechanical tests, the results were subjected to statistical analysis (survival probability, Log-Rang test, p <0.05) The results showed that the ROS group had significantly higher bond strength values (p < 0.01) and that the surface roughness was similar for discs and copings (p = 0.22) and for discs and abutments (p = 0.96), and was different between copings and abutments (p < 0.01). The marginal gap was higher for RO group (p < 0.01) and the survival probability of the sets was similar for all tested groups (p = 0.57). It was concluded that the use of Rocatec increases the bond strength values to zirconia, does not compromise the mechanical behavior of the material and its use is now feasible in sintered parts.

L’enjeu du projet MATTE est de proposer à terme un mode de transformation novateur utilisant des technologies parfaitement maîtrisées, pour la production haute cadence de structures composites hautes performances à fibres continues et résines thermoplastiques (composites TPFC) ou thermodure. Ce système fait partie des techniques dites Heat&Cool, bien connues dans le domaine de l’injection plastique. Il s’agit ici d’étendre ces techniques au domaine des matériaux composites structuraux. Par rapport aux moyens existant, ce procédé permettra d’intégrer en production : de nouvelles fonctions de contrôle, de réduire les consommations énergétique de l’ordre de 80%, les investissements périphériques de 30% et de tendre vers un temps de cycle complet inférieur à 3 minutes. Le procédé similaire dans les composite déjà existant est le RTM lourd, cependant il est très énergivore et ne permet de faire que de la moyen cadence dû à des cycles de cuisson assez long. Il est donc la référence pour quantifier les performances de la technologie MATTE / The issue of MATTE project is to propose an innovative process using perfectly controlled technologies for the production of structural composites high speed high performance with continuous fibers and thermoplastic resins (composites TPFC) or thermoset. This system is one of the techniques known as Heat & Cool, well known in the field of plastic injection. The aim of this technology is to extend these techniques to the field of structural composites. Compared to existing resources, this process will integrate in production: new monitoring functions, reduce energy consumption by about 80%, peripheral investments by 30% and to pursue a complete cycle time of less than 3 minutes. The similar method in the existing composite is the RTM, however, it is high energy consumption technology and do not allow high production rate. It is therefore the reference to quantify the performance of the MATTE technology

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a resistência de união à zircônia após diferentes tratamentos de superfície e o comportamento mecânico de pilares e coroas de zircônia associados aos mesmos tratamentos. Na primeira fase, 95 discos em zircônia foram obtidos e divididos em cinco grupos (n = 19): GC (grupo controle, sem nenhum tipo de tratamento); GAL (jateamento com partículas de Al2O3 antes da sinterização); GALS (jateamento com partículas de Al2O3 após sinterização); GRO (silanização com sistema Rocatec antes da sinterização) e GROS (silanização com sistema Rocatec após sinterização). Três amostras de cada grupo tiveram a superfície analisada em MEV e MCVL. Dez amostras de cada grupo foram submetidas a ensaio de microcisalhamento e as seis restantes foram submetidas à análise de interface por meio de MEV. A análise estatística utilizou modelo de regressão linear com efeitos mistos e teste de Tukey (p < 0,01). Na segunda fase, 70 pilares do tipo hexágono externo foram obtidos em zircônia e associados a coroas totais com copings de zircônia. Os conjuntos análogo-pilar-coroa também foram divididos em cinco grupos (n=14) e submetidos aos mesmos tratamentos previamente descritos. Ainda, foram realizadas mensurações para verificação da adaptação dos copings sobre os pilares e rugosidade superficial dos discos, copings e pilares em MCVL. Foi realizado ensaio de fadiga mecânica dos conjuntos com carga progressiva de 80, 120, 160, 200, 240, 280 e 320 N, frequência de 5 Hz, totalizando 20.000 ciclos em cada estágio. A ciclagem térmica foi realizada com temperaturas entre 5º C e 55º C. Após os ensaios mecânicos, os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística (probabilidade de sobrevida, teste de Log-Rang, p < 0,05) Os resultados apontaram que o grupo ROS apresentou valores de resistência de união significativamente superiores (p < 0,01) e que a rugosidade superficial foi semelhante para discos e copings (p = 0,22) e para discos e pilares (p = 0,96), e diferente entre copings e pilares (p < 0,01). A desadaptação marginal foi maior para o grupo RO (p < 0,01) e a probabilidade de sobrevida dos conjuntos foi similar para todos os grupos testados (p = 0,57). Concluiu-se que a utilização do Rocatec aumenta os valores de resistência de união à zircônia, não compromete o comportamento mecânico do material e sua utilização é viável em peças já sinterizadas. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond strength to zirconia after different surface treatments and to evaluate the mechanical behavior of zirconia abutments and crowns associated with these treatments. In the first phase, 95 discs in zirconia were obtained and divided into five groups (n = 19): GC (control group, without any treatment), GAL (air particle abrasion with Al2O3 particles before sintering), GALS (air particle abrasion with Al2O3 particles after sintering), GRO (silanization with Rocatec system before sintering) and GROS (silanization with Rocatec system after sintering). Three samples of each group had the surfaces analyzed in SEM and CLSM. Ten samples of each group were subjected to microshear test and the other remaining six had their interface examined by SEM. The statistical analysis used a linear regression model with mixed effects and Tukey test (p <0.01). In the second stage, 70 external hex abutments were obtained in zirconia and associated with crowns and zirconia copings. The analog-abutment-crown assemblies were also divided into five groups (n = 14) and subjected to the same treatments described previously. Measurements to verify the adaptation of copings on the abutments and surface roughness of the discs, copings and abutments were performed in CLSM. A fatigue test was carried with progressive load of 80, 120, 160, 200, 240, 280 and 320 N, frequency of 5 Hz and 20,000 cycles at each stage. Thermal cycling was performed with temperatures between 5° C and 55° C. After mechanical tests, the results were subjected to statistical analysis (survival probability, Log-Rang test, p <0.05) The results showed that the ROS group had significantly higher bond strength values (p < 0.01) and that the surface roughness was similar for discs and copings (p = 0.22) and for discs and abutments (p = 0.96), and was different between copings and abutments (p < 0.01). The marginal gap was higher for RO group (p < 0.01) and the survival probability of the sets was similar for all tested groups (p = 0.57). It was concluded that the use of Rocatec increases the bond strength values to zirconia, does not compromise the mechanical behavior of the material and its use is now feasible in sintered parts.

O objetivo deste estudo foi confeccionar uma nova macroestrutura de implantes de Zircônia (Y- TZP) e Titânio (Grau 4) e posteriormente avaliar comparativamente a transmissão de força e a resistência flexural, submetidos à fadiga mecânica e termomecânica. Foram obtidos 33 implantes de Zircônia e de titânio Grau 4. As tensões geradas em torno dos implantes foram observadas em 3 espécimes inicialmente por meio de análise fotoelástica, com forca de 200N aplicada no longo eixo dos implantes. Em seguida, os implantes foram incluídos em resina de poliuretano (F-16, AXSON Technologies) com inclinação de 30° e aleatoriamente separados em grupos (n=10),, segundo o tipo de tratamento a que foram submetidos: Controle (sem tratamento) (Zr e Ti), fadiga mecânica (ZrM e TiM) e fadiga termomecânica (ZrTM e TiTM). A máquina de fadiga mecânica foi programada para aplicar carga de 133 N, com frequência de120 ciclos por minuto (2 Hz), totalizando 2.000.000 ciclos em cada espécime. A ciclagem térmica foi configurada com a temperatura mínima entre 2o a 5oC e temperatura máxima entre 50° a 55° C com exposição de 30 segundos para cada faixa e 5 segundos para troca dos líquidos. Após o ensaio de fadiga mastigatória, todos os grupos foram submetidos ao ensaio de tensão flexural. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística (2-way ANOVA, teste de Bonferroni, p<0,05) e verificou-se que nao houve diferença estatisticamente significante na quantificação da transmissão de força entre os implantes de Zircônia e Titânio. Os implantes de Titânio apresentaram maior resistência flexural, com diferença estatisticamente significante (p<0.05) em relação aos implantes de Zircônia. Concluiu-se que foi possível obter um design de implante de zircônia compatível com as condições de forças aplicadas em ambiente bucal. A fadiga mecânica e termomecânica não influenciaram a resistência flexural dos implantes de Titânio nem dos implantes de Zircônia. / The aim of this study was to develop a new Zirconia (Y-TZP) and Titanium (Grade 4) implant macrostructure to make an accurate comparative evaluation of the stress transmission and flexural strength after both materials were subjected to mechanical and thermomechanical fatigue. Thirty three Zirconia and Titanium Grade 4 implants were obtained. A force of 200N was applied to the long axis of the implants and the distribution of the generated stress around implants was initially observed in three specimens by photoelastic analysis. Then, the implants were embedded in polyurethane resin (F-16, AXSON Technologies) with an inclination of 30°and randomly divided into groups (n = 10), according to the type of treatment they were subjected to: Control (no treatment ) (Zr and Ti), mechanical fatigue (ZRM and TiM) and thermomechanical fatigue (ZrTM and TiTM). The mechanical fatigue testing machine was programmed to apply a load of 133 N, with a frequency of 120 cycles per minute (2 Hz) and a total of 2,000,000 cycles in each specimen. The thermocycling was set with the minimum temperature between 2°-5°C and maximum temperature between 50°-55°C with 30 seconds exposure for each track and 5 seconds for the exchange of fluids. Following the fatigue test (chewing simulation), all groups were subjected to flexural strength test. The data were subjected to statistical analysis (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni test, p <0.05) and the results showed no statistically significant difference between Zirconia and Titanium implants\'s stress transmission values. Titanium implants showed higher flexural strength, which was statistically significant (p <0.05) compared with Zirconia implants. It was concluded that it was possible to obtain a Zirconia implant design compatible with the forces applied in the oral environment. Moreover, the mechanical and thermomechanical fatigue had no influence on the flexural strength of both Titanium and Zirconia implants.

Este trabalho visa analisar a influência das taxas de resfriamento e temperatura no último passe de laminação a quente de fio máquina de um aço DIN 41Cr4 sobre a microestrutura obtida após a laminação e a sua correlação com aquela resultante do tratamento térmico de esferoidização. Foi avaliado a influência da microestrutura prévia de laminação nos tempos e taxa de resfriamento do tratamento térmico necessários para garantir adequada microestrutura do aço DIN 41Cr4. Foram aplicados conceitos de laminação termomecânica através da variação dos parâmetros: temperatura no último passe de laminação (acabador) e após o último passe de laminação (formador de espiras); velocidade das esteiras do “cooling conveyor” e consequente tempo de permanência das espiras sobre a região de ventiladores e alguns parâmetros no ciclo de tratamento térmico: tempo em patamar e taxa de resfriamento durante a produção de fio máquina redondo de bitolas entre 15,88mm e 16,15mm. A avaliação da resposta às variações impostas ao processo foi realizada através de análises metalográficas de microestrutura no material laminado e no material esferoidizado (grau de esferoidização), descarbonetação e de ensaios de propriedades mecânicas como dureza e tração. A partir dos resultados buscou-se determinar a influência dos parâmetros de laminação na microestrutura do material laminado e a influência desta na resposta ao tratamento térmico de esferoidização. Foram analisadas oito diferentes condições e os resultados mostraram que maiores taxas de resfriamento resultam em microestruturas mais refinadas proporcionando uma simplificação no tratamento térmico, atendendo as propriedades desejáveis no produto final (fio máquina redondo esferoidizado). / This work aims to analyze the influence of the cooling rate, the temperature of the finishing pass and at the coil-forming during hot rolling of DIN 41Cr4 steel wire rod on the microstructure and its influence on plateau times and cooling rate during the spheroidizing heat treatment. For this study thermomechanical rolling concepts were applied through the variation of some hot rolling parameters such as: temperature at the finishing pass and at the coils-former, the cooling conveyor belts velocity and some parameters in the heat treatment cycle: soak temperature and cooling rate during the production of round wire rod with 15,88 mm and 16,15 mm diameter. The evaluation response to changes imposed on the process was evaluated by metallographic analysis of microstructure in hot rolled and spheroidized material (spheroidizing degree), hardness, decarburization and tensile test. Eight rolling conditions and cooling rates were analyzed and results showed that higher cooling rates result in finer microstructures allowing a reduction in heat treatment time to achieve the desirable properties in the final product (spheroidized round wire rod).

<p>The purpose of this diploma work was to investigate the problem of insufficient fibre recovery in the dissolved air flotation-cell at the new thermomechanical pulping-line at Braviken Paper Mill. An investigation of the effect of process parameters on the removal efficiency in the micro-flotation process was undertaken.</p><p>The experiments were carried out for two setups at the Noss pilot plant with a small-scale flotation unit. Factorial design helped plan the experiments and four factors were controlled; temperature, fibre-size distribution, water quality and feed concentration. Three samples, feed, overflow and filtrate, were taken from each experiment and concentration measurements were made. The results were analyzed using the software MODDE.</p><p>The results from showed an influence from the fibre-size distribution. To see if the fibre-size distribution really had an effect on the results, follow-up experiments were carried out. These experiments showed no influence from temperature, fibre-size distribution or water quality. This concludes that none of those three factors influenced the results significantly.</p><p>Additional experiments were done to examine the influence from concentration and fibre-size distribution on the flotation efficiency and these showed an influence from the feed concentration. When increasing the feed concentration the efficiency of the flotation process decreased.</p>

For ecological reasons, the current main challenge of the automotive industry is to reduce the fuel consumption of vehicles and then emissions of greenhouse gas. In this context, steelmakers and automotive manufacturers decided for some years now to join their efforts to promote the development and use of advanced high strength steels such as TRIP steels. A combination of high strength and large elongation is obtained thanks to the TRansformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) effect. However, improvement of the mechanical properties is still possible, especially by the refinement of the matrix. In this work, two main ways were followed in order to reach improved properties. The classical way consisting of the annealing of cold-rolled samples and an innovative way consisting of obtaining the desired microstructure by direct hot rolling of the samples. In the classical way, this refinement can be obtained by acting on the chemical composition (with such alloying elements like Cu and Nb). It was observed that complete recrystallisation of the ferrite matrix is quite impossible in presence of Cu precipitates. In addition, if the ferrite recrystallisation is not completed before reaching the eutectoid temperature, the recrystallisation will be slowed down by a large way. An innovative heat treatment consisting in keeping the copper in solid solution in the high-Cu steel was developed. Therefore, ferrite recrystallises quite easily and very fine ferrite grains (~1µm) were obtained. In the innovative way, the effects of hot-rolling conditions on TRIP-assisted multiphase steels are of major importance for industrial practice and could open new dimensions for the TRIP steels (i.e. thanks to precipitation mechanisms leading to additive strengthening). Impressive mechanical properties (true stress at maximum load of 1500 MPa and true strain at uniform elongation of 0.22) were obtained with a relatively easy thermomechanical process, the role played by Nb being essential.