Features of film growth during plasma anodizing of Al 2024/SiC metal matrix composite

Plasma anodizing is a novel promising process to fabricate corrosion-resistant protective films on metal matrix composites. The corrosion-resistant films were prepared by plasma anodizing on SiC reinforced aluminum matrix composite. The morphology and microstructure of films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Specifically, the morphology of residual SiC reinforcement particles in the film was observed. It is found that the most SiC reinforcement particles have been molten to become silicon oxide, but a few tiny SiC particles still remain in the film close to the composite/film interface. This interface is irregular due to the hindering effect of SiC particles on the film growth. Morphology and distribution of residual SiC particles in film provide direct evidence to identify the local melt occurs in the interior of plasma anodizing film even near the composite/film interface. A model of film growth by plasma anodizing on metal matrix composites was proposed.     

Metal Matrix Composites for Thermal Management: A Review

The most challenging objective in the electronic industries is to develop materials that demonstrate a tunable thermal property with today's microelectronic devices. The development of composite material with balanced thermal properties is highly appreciated and currently competing the traditional monolithic conductive material. However, the tailored thermal properties of the composite are significantly influenced by the composites constituents and their fabrication routes. This article presents a review of thermal properties of particulate as well as fiber-reinforced composite proportional to matrix microstructure, reinforcement architecture. The processing techniques used to fabricate composites have been addressed with an objective to achieve suitable thermal properties. The developments in the analytical and numerical simulation approach to predict the thermal conductivity and CTE of the developed composites have been critically reviewed. Lastly, future work needs attention is summarized.     

Interfaces in metal matrix composites

The interface region in a given composite has a great deal of importance in determining the ultimate properties of the composite. An interface is, by definition, a bidimensional region through which there occurs a discontinuity in one or more material parameters. In practice, there is always some volume associated with the interface region over which a gradual transition in material parameter(s) occurs. The importance of the interface region in composites stems from two main reasons: (i) the interface occupies a very large area in composites, and (ii) in general, the reinforcement and the metal matrix will form a system that is not in thermodynamic equilibrium. One can discuss the interface in a composite at various levels. An optimum one should be neither so simple that it covers only a few special cases nor so complex that it is not useful in designing composites from processing and applications points of view. In this paper, my objective is to give examples of interface microstructure in different metal matrix composite systems and suggest some ways of controlling the interface characteristics in order to control the properties of the composite. I shall give examples of the interface microstructure in different metal matrix composites (particle and fiber reinforced as well as laminates) and discuss some of the important implications on various aspects of metal matrix composites, from the processing stage to ultimate performance of the composite.     

Mechanical behaviour of ceramic matrix composites

Thermomechanical ceramics have interesting properties: mainly high hardness, high wear resistance, good chemical resistance, good mechanical strength at high temperatures and generally low thermal conductivity. But, the engineering use of ceramics as structural parts is at the moment limited by their inherent brittleness. The toughness values of ceramics are between about to 5 MPa √m whereas the toughness values of metals are much higher (from 20 to 200 MPa √m). To avoid this brittleness, composite ceramics have to be used. Two types of composite materials can be developed: particle-reinforced composites and fiber-reinforced composites. In this paper, some examples of reinforcement of ceramics are presented. Two cases will be developed: second-phase reinforcement with zirconia particles or other particles, and the composites reinforced by fibers or whiskers.     

Short sisal fiber reinforced polypropylene composites: the role of interface modification on ultimate properties

Sisal fibers have been used for the reinforcement of polypropylene matrix. The compatibilization between the hydrophilic cellulose fiber and hydrophobic PP has been achieved through treatment of cellulose fibers with sodium hydroxide, isocyanates, maleic anhydride modified polypropylene (MAPP), benzyl chloride and by using permanganate. Various fiber treatments enhanced the tensile properties of the composites considerably, but to varying degrees. The SEM photomicrographs of fracture surfaces of the treated composites clearly indicated the extent of fiber–matrix interface adhesion, fiber pullout and fiber surface topography. Surface fibrillation is found to occur during alkali treatment which improves interfacial adhesion between the fiber and PP matrix. The grafting of the fibers by MAPP enhances the tensile strength of the resulting composite. It has been found that the urethane derivative of polypropylene glycol and cardanol treatments reduced the hydrophilic nature of sisal fiber and thereby enhanced the tensile properties of the sisal–PP composites, as evident from the SEM photomicrographs of the fracture surface. The IR spectrum of the urethane derivative of polypropylene glycol gave evidence for the existence of a urethane linkage. Benzoylation of the fiber improves the adhesion of the fiber to the PP matrix. The benzoylated fiber was analyzed by IR spectroscopy. Experimental results indicated a better compatibility between benzoylated fiber and PP. The observed enhancement in tensile properties of permanganate-treated composites at a low concentration is due to the permanganate-induced grafting of PP on to sisal fibers. Among the various treatments, MAPP treatment gave superior mechanical properties. Finally, experimental results of the mechanical properties of the composite have been compared with theoretical predictions.     

铁电/铁磁三相颗粒复合材料的磁电性能计算

采用格林函数方法给出了三相复合材料的磁电系数的解析式，对稀土-铁合金/压电陶瓷/高分子（Terfenol-D/PZT/PVDF）三相颗粒复合材料的磁电系数进行了计算.计算结果给出了复合材料的磁电性能与材料显微结构的关系，包括三相颗粒复合材料的磁电性能随组分、颗粒的长径比、PZT颗粒的电极化方向以及外磁场的变化趋势，可为实验设计提供参考和指导.通过合理设计，三相磁电复合材料的性能可以达到数百mV/A.作为一种新的磁电复合材料，三相颗粒复合材料有望成为一种新型高性能易制备的磁电材料. 关键词： 磁电效应 复合材料 格林函数     

Factors affecting the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-Al3Ti core-shell-structured particle-reinforced Al matrix composites

This work studied the effects of matrix powder and sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of in situ formed Ti–Al₃Ti core–shell-structured particle-reinforced pure Al-based composites. It has been shown that both factors have significant effects on the morphology of the reinforcements and densification behaviour of the composites. Due to the strong interfacial bonding and the limitation of the crack propagation in the intermetallic shell during deformation by soft Al matrix and Ti core, the composite fabricated using fine spherical-shaped Al powder and sintered at 570 °C for 5 h has the optimal combination of the overall mechanical properties. The study provides a direction for the optimum combination of high strength and ductility of the composites by adjusting the fabrication parameters.     

The Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Aramid (Twaron) Fabric/Polytetrafluoroethylene Composites

A series of composites with Twaron fabric as reinforcement and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as matrix were fabricated with various contents of PTFE, viz. 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 vol%. The Rockwell hardness and tensile strength of the composites were tested according to the corresponding standards. The composites were also evaluated for their tribological behaviors on an MPX-2000A friction and wear tester. The worn surface and wear debris of the composites were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the mechanism is discussed. The PTFE content in the composites had a great influence on both the mechanical and tribological properties. The composite with 40 vol% PTFE provided the proper wetting of the fibers and the best load transfer efficiency and, hence, showed the best mechanical properties and tribological behaviors.     

A Review of Advanced Composite and Nanostructured Coatings by Solid-State Cold Spraying Process

Cold spraying (CS) has been widely explored over the last decade due to its low process temperature and limited thermal effect on spray materials. As a solid-state process, the inherent deficiencies of traditional thermal spraying such as oxidation, decomposition, and grain growth are avoided. This article summarizes the research work on the fabrication of composites and nanostructured coatings by the promising CS process. After a brief introduction to CS and its deposition mechanisms, the preparation methods of spray powders are classified. Different methods are appropriate for particles of various properties, and the tendency is to design composite powders by combined methods in order to create coatings with specified properties. Then, the co-deposition mechanism of composite particles as well as research findings on metal–metal, metal–ceramic, and metal–intermetallic composite coatings are reviewed concerning the deposition characteristics, microstructure and its relation to properties. Moreover, CS has been used to deposit a variety of nanostructured materials, including metals, metal–ceramic composites, and even ceramics, retaining their nanocrystalline nature in the coating without grain growth or phase transformation. Finally, the potential applications of CS and issues to be addressed in coating deposition are discussed.     

Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Titanium Metal Matrix Composites Prepared by Powder Metallurgy—A Review

Titanium-based metal composites (TMCs) are showing great potential to replace existing traditional materials in aerospace, automotive, and other high temperature engineering applications. This is due to their excellent mechanical, thermal, and physical properties and improved strength to weight ratio. Weight savings in the aerospace industry results in higher efficiency. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), because of their low density and high Young's modulus, are considered to be an excellent reinforcement for metal matrix composites (MMCs). In the last 20 years extensive research has been carried out to investigate the combination of carbon nanotubes with aluminum, nickel, copper, magnesium, and other metal matrices. The production techniques such as mechanical alloying through powder metallurgy routes and their effects on the mechanical properties of CNT reinforced TMCs are reviewed in this article. The role of the volume fraction of carbon nanotubes and their dispersion into the metal matrix are highlighted. Governing equations to predict the mechanical and tribological properties of CNT reinforced titanium matrix composites are deduced. With the help of this initial prediction of properties, the optimal processing parameters can be optimized. Successful development of CNT reinforced TMCs would result in better wear and mechanical behavior and enhance their ability to withstand high temperature and structural loading environments.     

Recent Advances in Friction Stir Welding/Processing of Aluminum Alloys: Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties

Friction stir welding (FSW), a highly efficient solid-state joining technique, has been termed as “green” technology due to its energy efficiency and environment friendliness. It is an enabling technology for joining metallic materials, in particular lightweight high-strength aluminum and magnesium alloys which were classified as unweldable by traditional fusion welding. It is thus considered to be the most significant development in the area of material joining over the past two decades. Friction stir processing (FSP) was later developed based on the basic principles of FSW. FSP has been proven to be an effective and versatile metal-working technique for modifying and fabricating metallic materials. FSW/FSP of aluminum alloys has prompted considerable scientific and technological interest since it has a potential for revolutionizing the manufacturing process in the aerospace, defense, marine, automotive, and railway industries. To promote widespread applications of FSW/FSP technology and ensure the structural integrity, safety and durability of the FSW/FSP components, it is essential to optimize the process parameters, and to evaluate thoroughly the microstructural changes and mechanical properties of the welded/processed samples. This review article is thus aimed at summarizing recent advances in the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of FSW/FSP aluminum alloys. Particular attention is paid to recrystallization mechanism, grain boundary characteristics, phase transformation, texture evolution, characteristic microstructures, and the effect of these factors on the hardness, tensile and fatigue properties as well as superplastic behavior of FSW/FSP aluminum alloys.     

Roughness and fibre reinforcement effect onto wettability of composite surfaces

Wettability of glass/epoxy and carbon/epoxy composites materials has been determined via sessile drop technique. Good-Van Oss approach has been used to evaluate surface free energy parameters of smooth and rough surfaces. Results obtained point out the influence of fibre reinforcement on surface free energy of composite materials. In addition, the interest of surface treatment to increase surface roughness has been discussed in terms of wettability. To sum up, results obtained clearly demonstrate the necessity of considering properties of a given composite surface not only as a polymer but a fibre/polymer couple. The drawn conclusions are of great interest as it may have numerous consequences in applications such as adhesion.     

The influence of particle distribution and interphase on the thermal expansion coefficient of particulate composites by the use of a new model

In this work, the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of a composite containing spherical particles surrounded by an inhomogeneous interphase embedded in an isotropic matrix is evaluated by means of a new model. The thermomechanical properties of the interphase are formulated as continuous radial functions. It is assumed that this third phase developed between the polymeric matrix and the filler particles contains both areas of absorption interaction in polymer surface layers onto filler particles as well as areas of mechanical imperfections. It can be said that the concept of boundary interphase is a useful tool to describe quantitatively the adhesion efficiency between matrix and particles and that there is an effect of this phase on the thermomechanical properties of the composite. The thickness and volume fraction of this phase were determined from heat capacity measurements for various filler contents. On the other hand, it is assumed that the particle arrangement (distribution) which can be considered as an influence of neighboring inclusions and their interaction should affect the thermomechanical constants of the composite. The theoretical predictions were compared with experimental results as well as with theoretical values from expressions obtained from other workers and they were found to be in satisfactory agreement.     

Interfacial studies of uncoated and coated NiTi particles in SnPbAg matrix

Uncoated and copper electroless coated fine NiTi superelastic particles have been incorporated into liquid SnPbAg matrix. The wettability of the Cu coating by the molten alloy was determined with a wetting balance. The composite interfaces have been investigated by Auger Spectroscopy. Uncoated NiTi reacted with the matrix to form Ni-Sn intermetallics, whereas the Cu layer of coated particles behaved as a sacrificial layer, leading to a small interfacial zone containing neither Cu-Sn nor Ni-Sn intermetallics. The mechanical characterisation of Cu-coated NiTi/SnPbAg composites shows a reinforcement of the composite material compared to the monolithic matrix, and also an unusual increase of the elongation at rupture. These results can be interpreted in terms of the superelastic properties of the NiTi SMA particles.     

颗粒增强金属基复合材料变形强化中的应变梯度效应

 针对单轴压缩实验,根据颗粒增强金属基复合材料中颗粒和基体两相的局部变形协调条件,并通过简单的位错模型,确定出与变形协调相应的几何必需位错密度,进而导出一种颗粒强化-应变梯度律。从中可以清楚地看出,颗粒增强金属基复合材料的强化由材料的微结构特征几何参数l和基体应变梯度联合控制。对于颗粒含量一定的复合材料,颗粒越小,应变梯度越高,强化效果越好。这一结果揭示了,颗粒强化及尺寸效应主要是通过应变梯度效应来表现的。这也同时说明,应变梯度可能是控制材料变形与断裂的重要因素之一。     

Evaluation of boron industrial solid waste in composite materials

Boron industrial solid waste is used as reinforcement for preparing composite materials. This waste has boron trioxide which holds unique properties may affect the surface or interface of the composite. The prepared composites are characterized in order to determine the dispersion and the structure by means of inverse gas chromatography (IGC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). There is a strong relation between the dispersion of reinforcement and the properties of newly formed composite. The dispersive component of the surface energies of the composites and components are determined by IGC. This parameter is difficult to measure by other methods and it is related to the wettability and adhesive characters of solid materials. The effect of compounding ratios of reinforcement is also examined. Furthermore, XRD diffractograms and SEM images of composites showed well dispersion. Thermal analysis revealed that the addition of the boron industrial solid waste to the polymer increased the thermal stability of pure polymer. Infrared spectra of the composites indicated that the composites were formed from the waste reinforcement and the polymer matrix.     

Mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced polymer composites: a review

There has been a growing interest in the utilization of sisal fibres as reinforcement in the production of polymeric composite materials. Natural fibres have gained recognition as reinforcements in fibre polymer–matrix composites because of their mechanical properties and environmental friendliness. The mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced polymer composites have been studied by many researchers and a few of them are discussed in this article. Various fibre treatments, which are carried out in order to improve adhesion, leading to improved mechanical properties, are also discussed in this review paper. This review also focuses on the influence of fibre content and fabrication methods, which can significantly affect the mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced polymer composites.     

石墨烯/铝基复合材料在纳米压痕过程中位错与石墨烯相互作用机制的模拟研究

石墨烯因其优异的力学性能已成为增强金属基复合材料的理想增强体.然而,目前对石墨烯/金属基复合材料在纳米压痕过程中嵌入石墨烯与位错之间的相互作用仍不清晰.本文采用分子动力学模拟方法,对90°,45°和0°位向的石墨烯/铝基复合材料进行了纳米压痕模拟,研究了压痕加载和卸载过程中石墨烯/铝基复合材料的位错形核及演化,以获取不同位向的石墨烯与位错的相互作用机制,并分析其对塑性区的影响.研究发现,石墨烯可以有效阻碍位错运动,并且石墨烯会沿着位错滑移方向发生弹性变形.在纳米压痕过程中,位错与不同位向石墨烯之间的相互作用差异导致塑性区的变化趋势不同.研究结果表明,在石墨烯/铝基复合材料中,位向不同的石墨烯对位错阻碍强度和方式不同,且石墨烯位向为45°的复合材料的硬度高于其他模型.此外,石墨烯/铝基复合材料的位错线总长度的演化规律与石墨烯位向紧密相关.本文研究可为设计和制备高性能石墨烯/金属基复合材料提供一定的理论指导.     

A study on ultramicrohardness distribution near interfaces between reinforcement and matrix in some aluminum matrix composites

The ultramicrohardness distribution near the interface in the matrix of some aluminum matrix composites is investigated. The results show that, in metal matrix composites (MMCs), with increase in distance to the reinforcement–matrix interface the ultramicrohardness presents a progressively decreased gradient distribution in the matrix. The non-uniform distribution degree (NDD) can be defined by the ratio between the maximum hardness near the interface and the average hardness far away from the interface. The relative dimension of the gradient distribution area (RDGDA) can be defined by the ratio between the absolute dimension of the gradient distribution area (ADGDA) and the reinforcement size. The NDD varies to a great extent, of the order of 1.45–10.0, which is strongly related to the composite system (reinforcement size, morphology, interspaces, matrix composition), fabrication condition and heat treatment. The RDGDA is about 0.2–2.0. A larger reinforcement size and angular shape of reinforcement would lead to a higher NDD and smaller RDGDA. In addition, adding proper elements into the matrix, lowering fabrication temperature, increasing cooling rate and carrying out thermal cycling would result in a lower NDD. But the aging treatment would produce a larger NDD.     

Physical and chemical phenomena occurring between solid ceramics and liquid metals and alloys at laser and plasma composite coatings formation: A review

The review describes the physical and chemical phenomena occurring between solid ceramics used as reinforcement and liquid metals and alloys used as matrix in the composite coatings. Initially, the properties of typical matrix metals as Ni, Co, Fe and alloys as Ni-based (NiCr, NiAl, NiCrAlY,…) and Co-based (Stellites) alloys in liquid state are described. Then, the phenomena related to the diffusion of some atoms such as nitrogen or carbon in liquid metals and alloys solidification are described. Subsequently, the phenomena at the interface between liquid metals and alloys and solid ceramics such as oxides or carbides during the coatings' formation are reviewed. Finally, the methods of composite coatings deposition using laser cladding and plasma transferred arc are described and the properties of the composite coatings related to their microstructure are discussed by taking into account the phenomena in melt-pool.