Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al356/SiCp Cast Composites Fabricated by a Novel Technique

In this study, SiC_p containing composite powders were used as the reinforcement carrier media for manufacturing cast Al356/5 vol.% SiC_p composites. Untreated SiC_p, milled particulate Al-SiC_p composite powder, and milled particulate Al-SiC_p-Mg composite powder were injected into Al356 melt. The resultant composite slurries were then cast from either a fully liquid state (stir casting) or semisolid state (compocasting). The results revealed that by injection of composite powders, the uniformity of the SiC_p in the Al356 matrix was greatly improved, the particle-free zones in the matrix were disappeared, the SiC particles became smaller, the porosity was decreased, and the matrix microstructure became finer. Compocasting changed the matrix dendritic microstructure to a finer non-dendritic one and also slightly improved the distribution of the SiC_p. Simultaneous utilization of Al-SiC_p-Mg composite powder and compocasting method increased the macro- and micro-hardness, impact energy, bending strength, and bending strain of Al356/SiC_p composite by 35, 63, 20, 20, and 40%, respectively, as compared with those of the composite fabricated by injection of untreated SiC_p and stir casting process.     

Fabrication and characterization of Al356/SiCp semisolid composites by injecting SiCp containing composite powders

Al356/5 vol.% SiC_p cast composites were fabricated by the injection of reinforcement particles into the melt in three different forms, i.e. as untreated SiC_p, milled particulate Al-SiC_p composite powder, and milled Al-SiC_p-Mg composite powder. The resultant composite slurries were then cast in the semisolid temperature range of the alloy, upon which the effects of the type of injected powder on the distribution and incorporation of the reinforcement particles, along with the hardness of the cast composites, were investigated. Injection of milled composite powders resulted in considerable improvement in SiC_p wetting as well as the incorporation and distribution of SiC_p in the Al356 matrix alloy. Al356/5 vol.% SiC_p composite with well dispersed reinforcement particles of less than 3 μm average diameter was successfully produced by injecting Al-SiC_p-Mg composite powder into the melt. The best microstructural characteristics in terms of the reinforcement incorporation and distribution, and the highest hardness value of the cast composites, were achieved when magnesium was added through the injected composite powder and not directly into the melt.     

SiCp/Al复合材料与Fe36Ni合金超声波钎焊

利用超声波钎焊方法使用ZnAlSi钎料实现了Fe36Ni合金与45%SiC_p/2024Al和55%SiC_p/A356两种复合材料的连接,并得到由SiC颗粒增强的复合焊缝.通过扫描电镜、能谱等方法对焊缝的微观结构以及断口形貌进行了观察,对接头的压剪强度进行了测试,分析了Fe36Ni与两种复合材料钎焊接头微观组织和接头强度的差异.结果表明,在Fe36Ni与两种复合材料的钎缝中,钎料与两侧母材界面均形成良好的冶金结合,SiC颗粒均匀分布于焊缝中.Fe36Ni与45%SiC_p/2024Al的接头抗剪强度为110~145 MPa,Fe36Ni与55%SiC_p/A356的接头抗剪强度为75~85 MPa.Fe36Ni与45%SiC_p/2024Al的接头断裂位置为钎缝中,而Fe36Ni与55%SiC_p/A356的接头断裂位置位于Fe36Ni与钎料的界面上.     

Using ARB process as a solution for dilemma of Si and SiCp distribution in cast Al-Si/SiCp composites

A major challenge in achieving the best potential of SiC_p-reinforced aluminum composites is to homogeneously disperse SiC particles within the aluminum alloys. The presence of coarse Si fibers with non-uniform distribution in cast Al-Si alloys, which may lead to poor mechanical properties, is another important problem that limits the application of these alloys. In order to eliminate these problems, accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process was used in this study as a very effective method for improving the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al356/SiC_p composite. It was found that when the number of ARB cycles was increased, the uniformity of the Si and SiC_p in the aluminum matrix improved, the Si particles became finer and more spheroidal, the free zones of Si and SiC particles disappeared, the porosity of composite decreased, the bonding quality between SiC_p and matrix improved, and therefore mechanical properties of the composites were improved. The microstructure of the manufactured Al356/SiC_p composite after six ARB cycles indicated a completely modified structure so that its tensile strength and elongation values reached 318 MPa and 5.9%, which were 3.1 and 3.7 times greater than those of the as-cast composite, respectively.     

Thermal conductive properties of Ni-P electroless plated SiCp/Al composite electronic packaging material

Electroless plated SiC_p/Al composites with a high thermal conductivity are required for electronic packaging application. In this paper, in-plane thermal conductive properties of SiC_p/Al composites with and without electroless plated Ni-P coatings are compared, and influence of various characteristics of Ni-P coatings are investigated. It is found that in addition to thickness of the coatings, phosphorus concentration and microstructure of the plated layers also influence the thermal conductive properties of plated composites. Based on the results, it is suggested that a low phosphorus concentration and a properly tailored crystalline microstructure of the Ni-P coatings, together with a reasonable choice of coating thickness, may contribute to optimization of thermal conductive properties of the composite material.     

Effect of SiCp content on cooling curve characteristics and solidification kinetics of Al-Si/SiCp cast composites

The purpose of this work was to explore the effect of the presence of different quantities of SiC_p on the cooling curve characteristics, latent heat released and solidification kinetics, associated with the cooling and solidification of Al-Si/SiC_p composites produced by the stir casting process. An increase in SiC_p content in A356/SiC_p metal matrix composites produces a shortening of the associated cooling curve and an increase in the eutectic growth temperature with respect to the monolithic metal matrix alloy, cooled under the same experimental conditions. The shortening of the cooling curves could be explained as a result of the measured decrease in the amount of latent heat released during solidification. The increase in the maximum eutectic growth temperature is apparently due to the nucleation of eutectic silicon by SiC_p and also to the change in the growth kinetics and morphology of the eutectic Si from fibrous to platelike. IJCMR/422     

Effects of nano-SiCp content on microstructure and mechanical properties of SiCp/A356 composites assisted with ultrasonic treatment

nano-SiC_p/A356 composites with different nano-SiC_p contents were prepared by squeeze casting after ultrasonic treatment (UT). The effects of SiC_p content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The results show that with the addition of nano-SiC_p, the microstructure of nanocomposites is obviously refined, the morphology of the α(Al) grains transforms from coarse dendrites to rosette crystals, and long acicular eutectic Si phases are shortened and rounded. The mechanical properties of 0.5%, 1% and 2% (mass fraction) SiC_p/A356 nanocomposites are improved continuously with the increase of nano-SiC_p content. Especially, when the SiC_p content is 2%, the tensile strength, yield strength and elongation are 259 MPa, 144 MPa and 5.3%, which are increased by 19%, 69% and 15%, respectively, compared with those of the matrix alloy. The improvement of strength is attributed to mechanisms of Hall-Petch strengthening and Orowan strengthening.     

Fabrication and characterization of cast magnesium matrix composites by vacuum stir casting process

A vacuum stir casting process is developed to produce SiC_p reinforced cast magnesium matrix composites. This process can eliminate the entrapment of external gas onto melt and oxidation of magnesium during stirring synthesis. Two composites with Mg-Al9Zn and Mg-Zn5Zr alloys as matrices and 15 vol.% SiC particles as reinforcement are obtained. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites and the unreinforced alloys in as-cast and heat treatment conditions are analyzed and evaluated. In 15 vol.% SiC_p reinforced Mg-Al9Zn alloy-based composite (Mg-Al9Zn/15SiC_p), SiC particles distribute homogenously in the matrix and are well bonded with magnesium. In 15 vol.% SiC_p reinforced Mg-Zn5Zr alloy-based composite (Mg-Zn5Zr/15SiC_p), some agglomerations of SiC particles can be seen in the microstructure. In the same stirring process conditions, SiC reinforcement is more easily wetted by magnesium in the Mg-Al9Zn melt than in the Mg-Zn5Zr melt. The significant improvement in yield strength and elastic modulus for two composites has been achieved, especially for the Mg-Al9Zn/15SiC_p composite in which yield strength and elastic modulus increase 112 and 33%, respectively, over the unreinforced alloy, and increase 24 and 21%, respectively, for the Mg-Zn5Zr/15SiC_p composite. The strain-hardening behaviors of the two composites and their matrix alloys were analyzed based on the microstructure characteristics of the materials.     

Deposition of thick TiAlN coatings on 2024 Al/SiCp substrate by Arc ion plating

Aluminum-matrix composites with particulate SiC ceramic reinforcements (Al/SiC_p) have received much attention for space and aircraft propulsion applications. It is imperative to deposit thick hard coatings on these composites for protection. TiAlN coatings with a Ti interlayer were deposited by arc ion plating (AIP) on 2024 Al/SiC_p substrates at various nitrogen flow rates. It was found that when the nitrogen flow rate is increased from 100 sccm to 250 sccm, the deposition rate decreases, the coating hardness increases and the adhesion strength decreases. Based on the above results and the principle of gradient materials, the thick gradient TiAlN coatings with a Ti interlayer were successfully deposited on a 2024 Al/SiC_p substrate to a thickness of 60 μm by continuously increasing the nitrogen flow rate during deposition. Such an achievement can be attributed to the gradient distribution of elements, hardness, and stresses across the coating thickness.     

Influence of SiC particles addition on the corrosion behavior of 2014 Al-Cu alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution

The influence of silicon carbide particles (SiC_p) addition on the corrosion behavior of Al-Cu alloy (2014) was evaluated in 3.5% NaCl solution at 30 °C using microstrucural and electrochemical measurements. Addition of 10 wt.% SiC_p to the base alloy is found to increase its corrosion resistance considerably. Incorporation of SiC_p beyond this proportion leads to an increase in corrosion rate of the synthesized composites. Addition of 25 wt.% SiC_p to base alloy decreases corrosion resistances considerably. Microstructural studies reveal the agglomeration of SiC particles in the composites. This results an increase of corrosion reaction with the increase of SiC particles in the composites. EIS measurement indicates the occurrence of adsorption/diffusion phenomena at the interfaces of the composites that ultimately initiate the localized or pitting corrosion.     

Production and mechanical properties of nano SiC particle reinforced Ti–6Al–4V matrix composite

Different mass fractions (0, 5%, 10%, and 15%) of the synthesized nano SiC particles reinforced Ti–6Al–4V (Ti64) alloy metal matrix composites (MMCs) were successfully fabricated by the powder metallurgy method. The effects of addition of SiC particle on the mechanical properties of the composites such as hardness and compressive strength were investigated. The optimum density (93.33%) was obtained at the compaction pressure of 6.035 MPa. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations of the microstructures revealed that the wettability and the bonding force were improved in Ti64 alloy/5% nano SiC_p composites. The effect of nano SiC_p content in Ti64 alloy/SiC_p matrix composite on phase formation was investigated by X-ray diffraction. The correlation between mechanical parameter and phase formation was analyzed. The new phase of brittle interfaced reaction formed in the 10% and 15% SiC_p composite specimens and resulted in no beneficial effect on the strength and hardness. The compressive strength and hardness of Ti64 alloy/5% nano SiC_p MMCs showed higher values. Hence, 5% SiC_p can be considered to be the optimal replacement content for the composite.     

半固态A356压铸成形温度和压射速度的优化

采用铸造模拟软件AnyCasting，利用其所特有的触变功能模块，开展对半固态A356支架触变压铸充型过程的模拟。模拟结果表明，成形温度为590℃，压射速度为5m／s时，A356铝合金触变充型过程，充型平稳，温度场分布均匀，减少了卷气和浇注不足等缺陷，压铸件的整体质量得到提高。     

Prediction of cooling curves during solidification of Al 6061–SiCp based metal matrix composites using finite element analysis

In recent years, aluminium based cast composites have gained popularity in all the emerging fields of technology owing to their superior high stiffness and strength. The properties of cast composites are dictated largely by the solidification phenomenon, which needs to be well understood by foundry technologists. Information on the solidification studies of cast composites is scarce. However, the theoretical prediction of the solidification behaviour of cast composites by the use of commercially available finite element analysis (FEA) software has not yet been reported. The theoretical prediction can definitely yield good lot of information as regards the cooling rates of the cast composites saving enormous time in experimentation. In light of the above, the present investigation is aimed at the prediction of cooling curves of Al 6061–SiC_p composites using finite element analysis. L-shaped composite castings were prepared using stir cast technique. The temperature of the composite during solidification was measured by K-type thermocouple, from which the cooling curves were constructed. Experiments were carried out over a range of particle weight percentage of 2–6 wt% in steps of 2 wt%. Comparison of the cooling curves of Al 6061–SiC_p composite with the un-reinforced alloy reveals significant decrease in cooling rate with the addition of SiC particles. A two-dimensional transient heat transfer model was used in commercial finite element analysis software to predict the cooling curves of composite castings. The predicted cooling curves are compared with results obtained from experiments and found to be in good agreement.     

Effect of thermal-cooling cycle treatment on thermal expansion behavior of particulate reinforced aluminum matrix composites

Two micron SiC particles with angular and spherical shape and the sub-micron Al2O3 particles with spherical shape were introduced to reinforce 6061 aluminium by squeeze casting technology.Microstructures and effect of thermal-cooling cycle treatment(TCCT) on the thermal expansion behaviors of three composites were investigated.The results show that the composites are free of porosity and SiC/Al2O3 particles are distributed uniformly.Inflections at about 300 °C are observed in coefficient of thermal expansion(CTE) versus temperature curves of two SiCp/Al composites,and this characteristic is not affected by TCCT.The TCCT has significant effect on thermal expansion behavior of SiCp/Al composites and CTE of them after 3 cycles is lower than that of 1 or 5 cycles.However,no inflection is observed in Al2O3p/Al composite,while TCCT has effect on CTE of Al2O3p/Al composite.These results should be due to different relaxation behavior of internal stress in three composites.     

Solidification studies on sand cast Al 6061–SiCp composites

Most of the automotive components are cast and their performance depends very much on the solidification phenomenon. Solidification is primarily a process of achieving solid crystals from the liquid melt by promoting zones possessing very high cooling rates to ensure super cooling of the melt. Till date enormous data is available as regards the solidification behaviour of popular light alloys such as Al 6061 and A 356 with regard to the casting process, mould materials used and other important processing parameters. Effect of chills on the solidification behaviour of the above materials has also been reported suggesting chills to be an important promoter of directional solidification. Directional solidification results in minimized solidification defects. However, there is a lack of information regarding the effect of chills on solidification behaviour of aluminium based metal matrix composites which are currently the most potential candidate materials in automotive industries as a replacement for conventional light alloys. In the light of the above, this work is aimed at experimentally studying the solidification behaviour of Al 6061–SiC_p castings in sand mould using copper and mild steel chills. Further, commercially available finite element analysis (FEA) software has been used to predict the cooling curves with and without the use of chills for the developed composite. The experimental and predicted cooling rates of the developed composites are not in good agreement. Use of copper chills resulted in promoting higher cooling rates during the solidification of developed composites.     

Microstructures and mechanical properties of Al 2519 matrix composites reinforced with Ti-coated SiC particles

Ti-coated SiC_p particles were developed by vacuum evaporation with Ti to improve the interfacial bonding of SiC_p/Al composites. Ti-coated SiC particles and uncoated SiC particles reinforced Al 2519 matrix composites were prepared by hot pressing, hot extrusion and heat treatment. The influence of Ti coating on microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that the densely deposited Ti coating reacts with SiC particles to form TiC and Ti₅Si₃ phases at the interface. Ti-coated SiC particle reinforced composite exhibits uniformity and compactness compared to the composite reinforced with uncoated SiC particles. The microstructure, relative density and mechanical properties of the composite are significantly improved. When the volume fraction is 15%, the hardness, fracture strain and tensile strength of the SiC_p reinforced Al 2519 composite after Ti plating are optimized, which are HB 138.5, 4.02% and 455 MPa, respectively.     

Microstructural evolution and its effects on mechanical properties of spray deposited SiCp/8009Al composites during secondary processing

15% (volume fraction) SiC_p/8009Al metal matrix composites(MMCs) prepared by spray co-deposition were hot-extruded and rolled to investigate the effects of porosity and local SiC_p clusters on mechanical properties. The microstructures were examined by using optical microscopy(OM), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), X-ray diffractometry(XRD) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The mechanical properties were measured by tensile testing. The experimental results show that lamellar structure is composed of pores and SiC_p clusters and can be improved by secondary processing, enhancing mechanical properties. The main strengthening mechanism and fracture behavior of MMCs were discussed too.     

Microstructure-Based Numerical Simulation of the Tensile Behavior of SiCp/Al Composites

Modeling and prediction of the damage evolution in particle reinforced composites is a complex problem. Microstructure characters such as the particle morphologies, sizes, and distribution significantly affect the damage evolution in composites. A numerical simulation has been performed to investigate the damage evolution of SiC_p/AA2009 composites. Tensile deformation in SiC_p/AA2009 composites was simulated using the microstructure-based model constructed from the metallograph. Matrix damage, particle cracking, and interface debonding were simulated combining the ductile damage model, the normal stress criterion, and the maximum stress ratio criterion. The simulation results show that under tensile loading, damage initiates at the interface, and then propagates along the weakest direction. The simulation microstructures agree well with experimental results in which interface debonding, particle cracking, and matrix damage co-exist. In addition, the effects of component properties on the damage evolution are examined for various situations.     

Pitting corrosion of artificially aged T6 AA2024/SiCp composites in 3.5 wt.% NaCl aqueous solution

The pitting corrosion behavior of the underaged (UA), peakaged (PA) and overaged (OA) T6 AA2024/0, 8, 14, 19, 24 vol.% 40 μm SiC_p(particles) composites was studied. The processing route used for the materials was the compocasting technique. Corrosion potentials (E_cor), pitting potentials (E_pit) as well as protection potentials (E_prot) were extracted from Double Cycle Polarization (DCP) curves contacted in aerated 3.5 wt.% NaCl aqueous solution. In addition 40 days immersion tests carried out and weight loss curves as well as total pit depth measurements were acquired. Pitting initiation and propagation as the main corrosion mechanism was driven by the aging kinetics which is ruled by the reduction in the retained vacancy concentration and at the same time by the increase in dislocation density as SiC_p volume fraction increases. Thus, alteration in pitting behavior among composites of different SiC_p content took place, although their ageing status was exactly the same.     

Effect of thermal cycling on the expansion behavior of Al/SiCp composite

The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and accumulated plastic strain of the pure aluminum matrix composite containing 50% SiC particles (Al/SiC_p) during thermal cycling (within temperature range 298–573 K) were investigated. The composite was produced by infiltrating liquid aluminum into a preform made by SiC particles with an average diameter of 14 μm. Experiment results showed that the relationship between the CTE of Al/SiC_p and temperature is nonlinear; CTE could reach a maximum value at about 530 K. The theoretical accumulated plastic strain of Al/SiC_p composites during thermal cycling has also been calculated and compared with the experimental results.