Processing and mechanical properties of network ceramic/steel composites by pressureless infiltration

A new style Ni-containing alumina ceramic foam based continuous three-dimensional interconnected skeleton was prepared by impregnating a polymeric sponge with aqueous ceramic slurry.Subsequently,alumina ceramic foam/steel metal matrix composites（MMCs） were prepared successfully by sand mold casting technique.The microstructure and mechanical properties of MMCs were investigated by SEM,EDS and compressive test.The results show that the depth of infiltration is about 40 μm to the bonding interface of ceramic/steel and the fracture strength σmax and plastic strain limit εp of composite are 520 MPa and 11.2%,respectively.The fretting wear mechanism of MMCs is mainly performed at the oxidative wear mode with lower load/friction frequency and the predominant oxidation wear together with slight adhesive wear and abrasive wear multiple mode with higher load/ friction frequency.Moreover,the infiltration bonding and continuous three-dimensional interconnected ceramic skeleton play a vital role in the stability of the bonding interface and excellent mechanical properties.     

Influence of Adding Ti Powder in Preform on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al_2O_3p/Steel Composites by Squeeze Casting

To improve the mechanical properties of alumina particulates reinforced steel matrix composite, Ti powder was added into the alumina preform, a 5140 steel matrix composite was fabricated by squeeze casting, and the influences of Ti powder on the microstructure, hardness and bending strength of the composite were investigated, compared with the composite without adding Ti powder. Applied Ti powder and alumina particulates were 10-25 μm and 100-180 μm in size, respectively. Both composites were successfully fabricated, however Ti powder addition increased the infiltration thickness of the composite. In the Ti contained composite, a TiC film in micron scale is formed on the surface of alumina particles, many TiC aggregates are dispersed in the steel matrix without obvious remaining Ti powder. The hardness and the three-point bending strength of the composite reach 49.5 HRC and 1 018 MPa, respectively, which are 17.9% and 52.4% higher than those of the composite in the absence of Ti addition. Fracture morphology shows that the debonding of alumina particulates is eliminated for the composite in the presence of Ti addition. Sessile drop test shows the average wetting angle between 5140 steel and that of Ti coated Al_2O_3 is about 82.15°, much lower than the wetting angle 150° between steel and pure Al_2O_3. Therefore, the increase in the mechanical properties of the composite is attributed to the improvement of Al_2O_3 p/steel interface wetting and bonding by adding Ti powder in the preform.     

Self-Propagating High-Temperature Reductive Synthesis of TiB_2-Al_2O_3 Composite Powders

TiB2-Al2O3 composite powders were produced by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis(SHS) method with reductive process from B2O3-TiO2-Al system. X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) analyses show the presence of TiB2 and Al2O3 only in the composite powders produced by SHS. The powders are uniform and free-agglomerate. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution electron microscopy (HREM) observation of microstructure of the composite powders indicate that the interfaces of the TiB2-Al2O3 bond well, without any interfacial reaction products. It is proposed that the good interfacial bonding of the composite powders can be resulted from the TiB2 particles crystallizing and growing on the Al2O3 particles surface with surface defects acting as nucleation centers.     

Effect of nano-ZrO2 on microstructure and thermal shock behaviour of Al2O3/SiC composite ceramics used in solar thermal power

The Al2O3-ZrO2(3Y)-SiC composite ceramics used in solar thermal power were prepared by micrometric Al2O3,nano-ZrO2 and SiC powders under the condition of pressureless sintering.The bulk density and bending strength of samples with 10vol% nano-ZrO2 sintered at 1480℃ were 3.222 g/cm3 and 160.4MPa,respectively.The bending strength of samples after 7 times thermal shock tests (quenching from 1000℃ to 25℃ in air medium) is 132.0MPa,loss rate of bending strength is only 17%.The effect of nano-ZrO2 content on the microstructure and performance of Al2O3-ZrO2(3Y)-SiC composite ceramic was investigated.The experimental results show that the bending strength of samples with above 10vol% nano-ZrO2 content has decreased,because the volume expansion resulting from t-ZrO2 to m-ZrO2 phase transformation is excessive;Adding proper nano-ZrO2 would be contributed to improve the thermal shock resistance of the composite ceramics.The Al2O3-ZrO2(3Y)-SiC composite ceramic has promising potential application in solar thermal power.     

Thermodynamic analysis on the formation mechanism of MgO·Al_2O_3 spinel type inclusions in casing steel

MgO·Al2O3 spinel type inclusions in casing steel were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS).The results show that there are three forms.One is pure MgO·Al2O3 spinel,another is the composite oxide of the Mg-Al-Ca-Si-O system,and the third is the complex with oxide as a core covered by sulfide.The formation mechanisms were studied.The influences of slag basicity and vacuum degree on the magnesium content during the vacuum treatment of molten steel and furnace ...     

Preparation of Al2O3-SiO2-TiO2-ZrO2 Composite Ceramic Membranes by Sol-Gel Method

Al2O3-SiO2- TiO2-ZrO2 supported membranes were prepared by Sol-Gel method. These composite ceramic membranes are level, even and no macro crack. There exist several crystalline phases such as Al2O3, TiO2 ( anatase ), Al2 SiO5 , and ZrO2 in these membranes. Changing the molar ratio of Al:Si: Ti : Zr ,the kinds and content of crystal phases of composite membranes could be different, which may lend to a variety of microstructure of membranes. The surface nanoscale topography and microstructure of membranes were investigated by XRD, SEM, AFM, EPMA. The effects of additives and heat treatments on the surface nanoscale topography and microstracture of composite ceramic membranes were also analyzed.     

Preparation of high performance green alumina ceramic balls by roller production waste

To reuse roller waste as a raw material of high performance green ceramic balls, three kinds of white alumina ceramic balls whose wear resistance were 2-3 times of the best high alumina ceramic ball with 90% Al2O3 were prepared, and the Al2O3 content of the prepared balls was 75%. It is found that the effect of calcia and magnesia on the wear resistance of ceramic balls is contrast to the accepted one： the wear rate of the ceramic balls prepared in CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 system is the lowest and the wear rate of the ceramic balls prepared in MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 is the highest. The main crystal phase of the ceramic ball is mullite and corundum. The ceramic ball granular is uniform and fine with 4-5 μm average size. The pore diameter is about 2 μm. The wear way of the ceramic balls is mainly transcrystalline fracture.     

Reflected Characteristics of Interface between Ceramic and Ceramic／Metal Graded Materials on Elastic Wave

The propagation characteristics of impact waves across a planar interface between a ceramic layer and a ceramic/metal ( C/ M ) composite layer were investigated. Two interfacial boundary conditions were considered : one was a shear coupling boundary condition that simulated a perfectly bonded interface between the ceramic and composite, and the other was a slip boundary condition that only allowed a transmission of the transverse motion and normal stress at the interface. The ceramic was subjected to an inchtent impact wave. The ceramic and composite was assumed to be elastic during impact. The stndy was based on a basic method provided by Furlong, Westburg and Phillips for predicting the reflection and refraction of spherical waves across a planar interface separating two elastic solids. Emphasis was put on the effect of the metal volume fraction in the composite, ceramic thickness and interfacial boundary condition on the reflected waves. New and interesting results are obtained that provide a very useful guidance for design of a ceramic/composite armor and of a C/M functionally graded applique.     

Low Temperature Preparation and Cold Manufacturing Techniques for Femoral Head of Al2O3 Ceramic

The hip joint femoral head prosthesis was prepared using the Al2O3 material, which was synthesized by high purity alumina micro-powder and Mg- Zr- Y composite addhitives , the cold manufacturing techniques of lathe turning, grade polishing and the matching size correction of the sintered femoral head were studied. The results showed, after being pressed under 200 MPa cold isostatic pressure and being pre-sintered at 1150℃ , the biscuit＇ s strength can meet the demands of lathe turning ; After being grade polished by SiC micro-powder and diamond abrading agent and being size corrected by special instrument, the femoral head prosthesis of Al2O3 ceramic has good surface degree of finish and articulates tightly with femoral handle.     

Self-Propagating High-Temperature Reduetive Synthesis of TiB2-Al2O3 Composite Powders

TiB2-Al2O3 composite powders were produced by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis（SHS） method with reductive process from B2O3-TiO2-AI system. X-ray diffraction（XRD） and scanning electron microscopy（SEM） analyses show the presence of TiB2 and Al2O3 only in the composite powders produced by SHS. The powders are uniform and free-agglomerate. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） and high resolution electron microscopy （HREM） observation of microstructure of the composite powders indicate that the interfaces of the TiB2-Al2O3 bond well, without any interfacial reaction products. It is proposed that the good interfacial bonding of the composite powders can be resulted from the TiB2 particles crystallizing and growing on the Al2O3 particles surface with surface defects acting as nucleation centers.     

Molten salts/ceramic-foam matrix composites by melt infiltration method as energy storage material

A new type of high temperature energy storage material was obtained through the melt infiltration method, using compounding SiC ceramic foam as matrix and Na₂SO₄ as phase change material. The resulting composite material was measured by XRD, SEM, TG-DSC methods. The experimental results indicate that the composite is composed of silicon carbide, sodium sulfate and square quartz, and no chemical reactions occurs between Na₂SO₄ and SiC matrix. Na₂SO₄ has a good bonding with the SiC ceramic foam matrix. As the composite material is characterized by high thermal energy storage density and high thermal conductivity, it is suit for energy storage under high temperature. Funded by the “863” Hi-Tech Research and Development Program of China (2008AA05Z418)     

Synthesis and properties of the modification of micro-crystal LiMn2−x Al x O4 cathode material for Li-Ion batteries

The micro-single crystal material spinel LiMn2-xAlxO4 was prepared by a sol-gel procedure and modified by alumina; the electrochemical measurements show that the performances and characteristics of modified LiMn2-xAlxO4 electrode material are better than those of LiMn2O4. Hence, the modified LiMn2-xAlxO4 is a good cathode material for lithium batteries. This can be explained that the size of the modified particle is larger than that of unmodified material, so electrons can be easily transported between the particles.     

Properties of plasma sprayed NiCrAlY+(ZrO2+Y2O3) coating on refractory steel surface

NiCrAlY+(ZrO₂+Y₂O₃) thermal barrier coating was prepared on the surface of refractory steel 1Cr18Ni9Ti with plasma spraying technique. The phases and microstructure of the thermal barrier coating were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the bonding between thermal barrier coating and substrate is sound. The surface hardness of 1Cr18Ni9Ti reaches up to 1 000 HV, but that of substrate is only 300 HV. The patterns sprayed with CoNiCrAlY+(ZrO₂+Y₂O₃) ceramic coating have a good heat insulation effect at 800 °C for heat insulation temperature difference reaches 54 °C, which increases the operating temperature and service life of refractory steel. Foundation item: Project (5040202140) supported by Scientific Research Common Program of Beijing Municipal Commission of Education     

Sand-wear resistance of brush electroplated nanocomposite coating in oil and its application to remanufacturing

Sand-wear resistance of nano scale alumina particle reinforced nickel matrix composite coating (n-Al₂O₃/Ni) prepared by brush electroplating technique was investigated via wear tests in sand-contaminated oil lubricant, comparing with that of AISI1045 steel and brush electroplated Ni coating. Effects of testing load, sand content and sand size on worn volume of the three materials, and also coating surface roughness on worn volume of the brush electroplated coatings were accessed. Results show that the worn volume of all the three materials increases with increasing of testing load, sand content and sand size. In the same conditions, n-Al₂O₃/Ni composite coating has the smallest worn volume while AISI1045 steel has the largest because of the n-Al₂O₃ particle effects. As to n-Al₂O₃/Ni and Ni coatings, the surface-polished coatings have obviously lower worn volume than the as-plated coatings. The brush electroplated n-Al₂O₃/Ni composite coating was employed to remanufacture the sand-worn bearing seats of a heavy vehicle and good results were gained. Foundation item: Project (50235030) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China; Project (51489020104ZD0401) supported by the National Key Laboratory for Remanufacturing; Project(51418060105JB3058) supported by National Defence Foundation     

Preparation of Bauxite Ceramic Microsphere

Ceramic microspheres were prepared by using Chinese bauxite as raw materials through the centrifugal spray drying method. The control technology of microsphere size, degree of sphericity was researched. The ceramic microspheres were sintered by a double sintering process. The microstructure and composition of ceramic microsphere were investigated by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and X-ray energy spectroscopy. The results show that the degree of sphericity of the ceramic microsphere was good and the particle size was 10-100 μm. The XRD analysis reveals that the main crystalline phase of the ceramic microsphere was a-Al2O3 and mullite （3Al2O3·2SiO2）. The product can be used as reinforced material for composite material, especially for antiskid and hard wearing aluminum alloy coating.     

Dissolution rate determination of alumina in molten cryolite-based aluminum electrolyte

Determination of dissolution rate of alumina is one of the classical problems in aluminum electrolysis. A novel method which can measure the dissolution rate of alumina was presented. Effect of factors on dissolution rate of alumina was studied intuitively and roundly using transparent quartz electrobath and image analysis techniques. Images about dissolution process of alumina were taken at an interval of fixed time from transparent quartz electrobath of double rooms. Gabor wavelet transforms were used for extracting and describing the texture features of each image. After subsampling several times, the dissolution rate of alumina was computed using these texture features in local neighborhood of samples. Regression equation of the dissolution rate of alumina was obtained using these dissolution rates. Experiments show that the regression equation of the dissolution rate of alumina is y=−0.000 5x ³+0.024 0x ²−0.287 3x+ 1.276 7 for Na₃AlF₆-AlF₃-Al₂O₃-CaF₂-LiF-MgF₂ system at 920 °C.     

复合活性钎料钎焊Cu与Al2O3的接头组织及性能

为改善紫铜与Al_2O_3陶瓷的连接强度,采用纳米-Al_2O_3增强的AgCuTi复合钎料(Ag Cu Tip)对紫铜与Al_2O_3陶瓷进行了真空钎焊.采用扫描电镜、能谱分析以及剪切试验对钎焊接头微观组织及力学性能进行了分析.钎焊接头典型界面组织为紫铜/扩散层/铜基固溶体+银基固溶体+Ti_2Cu+Ti_3(Cu,Al)3O/Al_2O_3.纳米-Al_2O_3的添加抑制了Al_2O_3侧反应层的生长,并促进钎缝中形成弥散分布的Ti_2Cu相.随着保温时间的延长,铜侧扩散层和Ti_3(Cu,Al)_3O反应层的厚度逐渐增大.保温时间为20 min时,铜母材向钎料过度溶解,降低了接头性能.当钎焊温度为880°C,保温10 min时,接头抗剪强度最高为82 MPa.纳米颗粒的加入细化了钎缝组织并降低了母材与钎缝热膨胀系数的不匹配,因此提高了接头的连接性能.保温时间可影响界面组织及反应层的厚度,进而影响接头的连接强度.     

Tribological properties of self-lubricating laminated ceramic materials

In order to improve the tribological properties of ceramic composites, Al2O3/TiC-Al2O3/ TiC/CaF2 self-lubricating laminated ceramic composites were prepared by vacuum hot pressing sintering. Experiments were conducted to get mechanical properties and the friction and wear properties were also measured with friction and wear tester. The worn surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscope （SEM） and energy dispersion spectrum （EDS）. The wear resistance properties and the self-lubricating effect of ceramic composites were analyzed. Results show that the Al2O3/TiC-Al2O3/TiC/CaF2 self-lubricating laminated ceramic composites layers are well-defined with a higher bonding strength and the mechanical performances are uniform enough to overcome the anisotropy of weak laminated ceramic composites. In addition, the fracture toughness of Al2O3/TiC layers is also improved. Its friction coefficient and wear rates decrease with the increase of rotation speed and load. Al2O3/TiC-Al2O3/TiC/CaF2 self-lubricating laminated ceramic composites have good wear resistance because of the tribofilm formed by the CaF2 solid lubricants. The wear mechanisms of Al2O3/TiC/ CaF2 layers are abrasive wear and Al2O3/TiC layers are adhesive wear.     

Low-velocity impact property of alumina/epoxy/metal laminated composites

With Al foil, Cu foil and steel mesh as the metal interlayers, respectively, three types of alumina/epoxy/metal laminated composites were fabricated with epoxy resin adhesive as a binder via a simple process. The impact tests were performed and the fracture patterns and impact response of all the three laminates were analyzed. The experimental results indicate that the absorbed energy is mainly determined by metal interlayer. The peak load depends on not only alumina substrate but also metal interlayer. The Al₂O₃/epoxy/Cu laminates sustain the maximum peak load and Al₂O₃/epoxy/steel mesh laminates have the largest threshold energy for penetration. The fracture analysis shows that the main damage modes are Al₂O₃ matrix cracking and metal deformation for lower impact energies, and complete breakage and penetration for higher impact energies.