Mechanical reinforcement while remaining electrical insulation of glass fibre/polymer composites using core–shell CNT@SiO2 hybrids as fillers

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely used as mechanical reinforcement agents of composites. However, their aggregations, weak interfacial interaction with polymer, as well as high electrical conductivity limit their use in some especial applications. In this paper, the silicon oxide (SiO₂)-coated (CNT@SiO₂) core–shell hybrids with different SiO₂ thickness were prepared and employed to reinforce glass fibre-reinforced bismaleimide–triazine (BT) resin (GFRBT) composites. The results indicated the mechanical properties, including tensile strength and Young’s modulus increased with the increase of SiO₂ thickness and CNT@SiO₂ loading. Such enhanced mechanical properties were mainly attributed to the intrinsically nature of CNTs, homogeneous dispersion of the hybrids, as well as improved interfacial interaction. Meanwhile, the composites remained high electrical insulation (9.63 × 10¹² Ω cm) due to the existence of SiO₂ layer on CNT surface. This study will guide the design of functionalized CNTs and the construction of high-performance composites.     

Dry sliding wear behavior of aluminum based hybrid composites with graphite nanofiber–alumina fiber

The wear behavior of aluminum based hybrid composites reinforced with graphite nanofiber (GNF) and alumina short fiber (Al₂O_3sf) in different volume fraction of fibers (10%, 15% and 20%) was studied under dry sliding conditions. The Taguchi approach to experimental design was used to identify those testing parameters that have the largest effects on wear loss and coefficient of friction of the composites. Sliding distance was found to be the prominent parameter affecting wear loss; applied load affected coefficient of friction most significantly. The results of Taguchi analysis indicate that wear loss increases with increasing load and sliding distance, but it is reduced with increasing sliding speed. Coefficient of friction decreases with increasing applied load and sliding speed whereas it increases with increasing sliding distance. The composites with 10 vol.% and 15 vol.% of fiber had the lowest wear loss and friction because of the mixture effect of GNFs and Al₂O_3sf. However, due to the effect of agglomerated GNFs, there was an increase in wear loss and friction at 20 vol.%.     

Mechanical properties of rolled A356 based composites reinforced by Cu-coated bimodal ceramic particles

Three kinds of A356 based composites reinforced with 3 wt.% Al₂O₃ (average particle size: 170 μm), 3 wt.% SiC (average particle size: 15 μm), and 3 wt.% of mixed Al₂O₃–SiC powders (a novel composite with equal weights of reinforcement) were fabricated in this study via a two-step approach. This first process step was semi-solid stir casting, which was followed by rolling as the second process step. Electroless deposition of a copper coating onto the reinforcement was used to improve the wettability of the ceramic particles by the molten A356 alloy. From microstructural characterization, it was found that coarse alumina particles were most effective as obstacles for grain growth during solidification. The rolling process broke the otherwise present fine silicon platelets, which were mostly present around the Al₂O₃ particles. The rolling process was also found to cause fracture of silicon particles, improve the distribution of fine SiC particles, and eliminate porosity remaining after the first casting process step. Examination of the mechanical properties of the obtained composites revealed that samples which contained a bimodal ceramic reinforecment of fine SiC and coarse Al₂O₃ particles had the highest strength and hardness.     

Analysis of tensile strength and microstructure of Ni–SiC composites prepared by electroforming

Ni–SiC metal matrix composites with two kinds of SiC content were prepared by electroforming in a nickel sulphamate bath. Tensile strength and microstructure of the composites before and after heat treatment were investigated. The maximum of tensile strength was obtained after heat treatment at 300 °C × 24 h. The values were 641 N/mm² and 701 N/mm² respectively. The complete reaction between nickel and SiC particles can produce shrinkage pores in the interface. The volume of shrinkage pores was equal to 8% of the volume of SiC particles in the composites. The interfacial reaction products were composed of Ni₃Si and a little amount of Ni₃₁Si₁₂ after heat treatment at 600 °C × 24 h. The fracture evolution went though microcracks initiation, growth and coalescence. Cracking of the matrix, debonding of Ni–SiC interfaces and cracking of particles were three types of cracking modes for Ni–SiC composites.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of hot extruded 6016 aluminum alloy/graphite composites

The incorporation of graphite particles into AA6016 aluminum alloy matrix to fabricate metal/ceramic composites is still a great challenge and various parameters should be considered. In this study, dense AA6016 aluminum alloy/(0-20 wt%) graphite composites have successfully been fabricated by powder metallurgy process. At first, the mixed aluminum and graphite powders were cold compacted at 200 MPa and then sintered at 500 ℃ for 1 h followed by hot extrusion at 450 ℃. The influence of ceramic phases(free graphite and in-situ formed carbides) on microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of the produced composites were finally investigated. The results show that the fabricated composites have a relative density of over 98%. SEM observations indicate that the graphite has a good dispersion in the alloy matrix even at high graphite content. Hardness of all the produced composites was higher than that of aluminum alloy matrix. No cracks were observed at strain less than 23% for all hot extruded materials.Compressive strength, reduction in height, ultimate tensile stress, fracture stress, yield stress, and fracture strain of all Al/graphite composites were determined by high precision second order equations. Both compressive and ultimate tensile strengths have been correlated to microstructure constituents with focusing on the in-situ formed ceramic phases, silicon carbide(SiC) and aluminum carbide(Al_4 C_3). The ductile fracture mode of the produced composites became less dominant with increasing free graphite content and in-situ formed carbides. Wear resistance of Al/graphite composites was increased with increasing graphite content. Aluminum/20 wt% graphite composite exhibited superior wear resistance over that of AA6016 aluminum alloy.     

Orthogonal experimental design applied for wear characterization of aluminum/C<Subscript>sf</Subscript> metal composite fabricated by the thixomixing method

High silicon content aluminum alloy (hypereutectic) possess good tribological characteristics with low coefficients of friction, when embedded with short carbon fiber (C_sf), making this composite a good material choice where good wear and high strength properties are required in light weight components. There is no previously published information available, to the knowledge of the authors, regarding the influence of wear parameters and their interactions on the tribological behavior of C_sf reinforced metal matrix composites. In this study a Taguchi design of experiment (DoE) was conducted to optimize and analyze the effects of the wear parameters on the tribological properties of Al/C_sf metal matrix composite. A novel thixomixing method which was used to process the metal within the semisolid state was employed to embed short carbon fibers homogenously into the metal matrix. The influences of the sliding speed, applied load and volume fraction, of C_sf on the specific wear rate and coefficient of friction were examined, with each of these input parameters tested at three levels(0, 4.2, 8.1%vol.). The results were indicated that Al/C_sf composite had better tribological properties than Al alloy due to which contains carbon as solid lubricant. According to the statistical analysis, the influence of volume fraction of carbon fiber on wear parameters was ranked first; so the load and sliding speed are at the following rankings. The contribution percentage for each parameter was determined by the analysis of variance. The relatively good interfacial adherence of carbon fiber and matrix alloy were demonstrated. The coherent and adherent graphite-rich layer on the worn surface was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Microstructure,mechanical property and corrosion behavior of interpenetrating (HA + β-TCP)/MgCa composite fabricated by suction casting

The novel interpenetrating (HA + β-TCP)/MgCa composites were fabricated by infiltrating MgCa alloy into porous HA + β-TCP using suction casting technique. The microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behaviors of the composites have been evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical testing, electrochemical and immersion tests. It was shown that the composites had compact structure and the interfacial bonding between MgCa alloy and HA + β-TCP scaffolds was very well. The ultimate compressive strength of the composites was about 500–1000 fold higher than that of the original porous scaffolds, and it still retained quarter-half of the strength of the bulk MgCa alloy. The electrochemical and immersion tests indicated that the corrosion resistance of the composites was better than that of the MgCa matrix alloy, and the corrosion products of the composite surface were mainly Mg(OH)₂, HA and Ca₃(PO₄)₂. Meanwhile, the mechanical and corrosive properties of the (HA + β-TCP)/MgCa composites were adjustable by the choice of HA content.     

In situ joining of titanium to SiC/Al composites by low pressure infiltration

A method of in situ joining of titanium to SiC/Al composites by low pressure infiltration was proposed. The effect of infiltration temperature on microstructure and bending strength of in situ joining composites was investigated and the best infiltration temperature was confirmed to be 710 °C. The interfacial region of SiC/Al/Ti composites was consisted of Ti substrate, Al–Ti interfacial layer, Al layer and SiC/Al composite. The bending strength of SiC/Al composites kept nearly constant as the infiltration temperature changed while that of SiC/Al/Ti composites was influenced significantly by the infiltration temperature. The fracture occurred at the Al–Ti and Al–SiC/Al interfaces alternately as infiltrated at 670 °C. But as the infiltration temperature was increased to 710 °C, the fracture occurred only at the Al–SiC/Al interface which shows a great interfacial bonding at the Al–Ti interface. The formation of Al–Ti brittle intermetallics and the effect of crystallization and grain coarsening are two possible reasons which lead to the decrease of bending strength when the infiltration temperatures were increased from 710 °C to 730 °C.     

The preparation and mechanical properties of carbon–carbon/lithium–aluminum–silicate composite joints

Silica carbide modified carbon cloth laminated C–C composites have been successfully joined to lithium–aluminum–silicate (LAS) glass–ceramics using magnesium–aluminum–silicate (MAS) glass–ceramics as interlayer by vacuum hot-press technique. The microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of C–C/LAS composite joints were investigated. SiC coating modified the wettability between C–C composites and LAS glass–ceramics. Three continuous and homogenous interfaces (i.e. C–C/SiC, SiC/MAS and MAS/LAS) were formed by element interdiffusions and chemical reactions, which lead to a smooth transition from C–C composites to LAS glass–ceramics. The C–C/LAS joints have superior flexural property with a quasi-ductile behavior. The average flexural strength of C–C/LAS joints can be up to 140.26 MPa and 160.02 MPa at 25 °C and 800 °C, respectively. The average shear strength of C–C/LAS joints achieves 21.01 MPa and the joints are apt to fracture along the SiC/MAS interface. The high retention of mechanical properties at 800 °C makes the joints to be potentially used in a broad temperature range as structural components.     

Controlled grafting superhydrophobic cellulose surface with environmentally-friendly short fluoroalkyl chains by ATRP

Short fluoroalkyl chain of C₃F₇ instead of longer fluoroalkyl chain (C > 7) was robustly grafted on cotton fibers via an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) strategy. This study focused on the influence of different finishing parameters (synthetic approach, grafting concentration) and post-treatment (washing, drying) conditions on wettability, liquid adhesion, air permeability, and mechanical (dry abrasion and wet laundering) properties. The results indicated that C₃F₇ chain was successfully grafting by a developed ATRP technique to construct superhydrophobic cotton fabrics. The optimized surfaces demonstrated super-anti-wetting property with a contact angle of about 163.7 ± 2.5° and an ultralow droplet adhesion of 62.3 ± 2.6 μN. The wettability remained highly hydrophobic even after 40 abrasion or 35 laundering cycles. This work also demonstrated the rational design and elaboration strategy of short fluorine-containing chains are vital for the construction of super-anti-wetting surfaces with controllable droplet adhesions. The results indicated that the anti-wetting, abrasion and laundering properties are much more influenced by the grafting strategy. We believe that environmental-friendly short fluoroalkyl chain (C < 4) can also be utilized for the construction of cotton fabric with good anti-wetting property and potentially applied in some practical fields, e.g., anti-wetting/icing outdoor cloth or self-cleaning sport textile.     

Evaluation of transverse thermal conductivity of Manila hemp fiber in solid region using theoretical method and finite element method

The transverse thermal conductivity of Manila hemp fiber in solid region K_sf was evaluated using theoretical method (Hasselman–Johnson’s model) and finite element method (FEM). It was found that the results of them are similar to each other: 0.1847 W/(mK) from Hasselman–Johnson’s model and 0.1849 W/(mK) from FEM. The evaluated data of K_sf was used to estimate the transverse thermal conductivity of Manila hemp fiber composites compared with the experimental data showing good agreement.     

Brazing continuous carbon fiber reinforced Li2O–Al2O3–SiO2 ceramic matrix composites to Ti–6Al–4V alloy using Ag–Cu–Ti active filler metal

C_f/LAS composites and TC4 alloy were brazed successfully by vacuum brazing using Ag–Cu–Ti active filler metal. The interfacial microstructure was characterized by a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray diffraction. The effects of brazing temperature on the interfacial microstructure and joint properties were investigated in details. Various phases including TiC, TiSi₂, Ti₃Cu₄, Cu (s,s), Ag (s,s), TiCu and Ti₂Cu were formed in the brazed joints. Interfacial microstructure varies greatly with the increase of brazing temperature, while the amount of Ti₂Cu reduced, but no new phase is generated. The optimal shear strength of the joint is 26.4 MPa when brazed at 890 °C for 10 min. Shear test indicated that the fracture of the brazed joints went through the TiSi₂ + TiC layer close to the C_f/LAS composites interface.     

The effect of fabrication processes on the mechanical and interfacial properties of SiCf/Cu–matrix composites

Three groups of SiC_f/Ti/Cu composites were prepared under conditions of 650 °C + 105 min (sample 1#), 750 °C + 85 min (sample 2#) and 840 °C + 50 min (sample 3#), respectively, by foil-fiber-foil method (FFF), and their room temperature tensile strengths were established. The aim is to model the reactive bonding states between Ti and SiC fiber and between Ti and Cu when Ti is used as interfacial adhesion promoters in SiC_f/Cu–matrix composites. The fracture surfaces, SiC_f/Ti interfaces and Ti/Cu interfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The tensile tests show that the tensile strengths of samples 1# and 2# are not obviously enhanced due to the weak bonding strength between SiC fiber and Ti, while those of sample 3# are achieved above 90% of ROM (the rule of mixtures) strength because of excellent bonding between SiC fiber and Ti. However, there are distinct Ti/Cu interfacial reaction zones after the three processes, which are approximately 5.4, 9.0 and 13.3 μm thick, respectively. The Ti/Cu interfacial reaction products are mainly distributed in four layers. In samples 1# and 2#, the products are predicted to be Cu₄Ti, Cu₃Ti₂, CuTi and CuTi₂ according to their chemical compositions determined by EDS, while in sample 3#, the products are Cu₄Ti, Cu₄Ti₃, CuTi and CuTi₂. Additionally, the relationships between the thickness of Ti interlayer and its reaction with C and Cu are also discussed, and an optimal thickness of Ti is introduced.     

Heat treated wood–nylon 6 composites

Heat treatment is a relatively benign modification method that is growing as an industrial process to improve hygroscopicity, dimensional stability and biological resistance of lignocellulosic fillers. There also has been increased interest in the use of lignocellulosic fillers in numerous automotive applications. This study investigated the influence of untreated and heat treated wood fillers on the mechanical and rheological properties of wood filled nylon 6 composites for possible under-the-hood applications in the automobile industry where conditions are too severe for commodity plastics to withstand. In this study, exposure of wood to high temperatures (212 °C for 8 h) improved the thermal stability and crystallinity of wood. Heat treated pine and maple filled nylon 6 composites (at 20 wt.% loading) had higher tensile strengths among all formulations and increased tensile strength by 109% and 106% compared to neat nylon 6, respectively. Flexural modulus of elasticity (FMOE) of the neat nylon 6 was 2.34 GPa. The FMOE increased by 101% and 82% with the addition of 30 wt.% heat treated pine and 20 wt.% heat treated maple, where it reached maximum values of 4.71 GPa and 4.27 GPa, respectively. The rheological properties of the composites correlated with the crystallinity of wood fillers after the heat treatment. Wood fillers with high crystallinity after heat treatment contributed to a higher storage modulus, complex viscosity and steady shear viscosity and low loss factor in the composites. This result suggests that heat treatment substantially affects the mechanical and rheological properties of wood filled nylon 6 composites. The mechanical properties and thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the heat treated wood did not show significant thermal degradation under 250 °C, suggesting that the wood-filled nylon composites could be especially relevant in thermally challenging areas such as the manufacture of under-the-hood automobile components.     

Diffusion bonding of TiAl intermetallic and Ti3AlC2 ceramic: Interfacial microstructure and joining properties

TiAl intermetallics and Ti₃AlC₂ ceramics were jointed through diffusion bonding using Ti/Ni interlayer. The effect of bonding temperature and holding time on interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of the bonded joints were investigated. The typical interfacial microstructure of the joint from TiAl to Ti₃AlC₂ side could be divided into τ₃-Al₃NiTi₂, α₂-Ti₃Al, α-Ti + δ-Ti₂Ni, δ-Ti₂Ni, β₂-TiNi, η-TiNi₃, γ-(Ni)_ss, γ′-Ni₃(Al, Ti), γ′-Ni₃(Al, Ti) + Ti₃AlC₂, respectively. The value of the microhardness in the reactive zones increased due to the formation of intermetallcs. Lower or higher bonding temperature and longer or shorter holding time both resulted in low strength owing to the insufficient diffusion of atoms or excessive formation of intermetallics. A high bonding strength can be obtained when bonding at 920 °C for 60 min. Fracture occurred through the intermetallic layer adjacent to the Ti₃AlC₂ substrate during shear test, showing brittle intergranular and transgranular characteristic.     

In situ fabrication of titanium carbide particulates-reinforced iron matrix composites

Titanium carbide (TiC) particulates-reinforced iron matrix composites were prepared by in situ fabrication method combining an infiltration casting with a subsequent heat treatment. The effects of different heat treatment times (0, 1, 6 and 11 h) at 1138 °C on the phase evolution, microstructural features, and properties of the composites were investigated. The as-prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and microhardness and wear resistance tests. The XRD results showed that the composites consisted of graphite, α-iron and titanium carbide after heat treatment at 1138 °C for 11 h. The SEM observation revealed that the formed TiC particulates were homogenously distributed in the iron matrix. The average microhardness of the composite heat treated at 1138 °C for 6 h increased depending upon the region: 209 HV_0.1 (iron matrix) < 787 HV_0.1 (titanium wire) < 2667 HV_0.1 (composite region). After being heat treated at 1138 °C for 11 h, the composite indicated no considerable change in microhardness value, and the average microhardness of the composite region was about 2354 HV_0.1. The highest microhardness value obtained for the composite region was due to the formation of titanium carbide particulates as reinforcement phase within the iron matrix. Relative wear resistance was determined by a pin-on-disc wear test technique under different loads, and as a result, the composites containing higher volume fraction of hard titanium carbide particulates presented higher wear resistance compared with the unreinforced gray cast iron.     

Synergetic effect of thermal conductive properties of epoxy composites containing functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and aluminum nitride

This study investigates the thermal conductivity of epoxy composites containing two hybrid fillers which are multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and aluminum nitride (AlN). To form a covalent bonds between the fillers and the epoxy resin, poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) were grafted onto the surface of nano-sized MWCNTs via free radical polymerization and micro-sized AlN was modified by zirconate coupling agent. Results show that functionalized fillers improve thermal conductivity of epoxy composites, due to the good dispersion and interfacial adhesion, which is confirmed by scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, the hybrid fillers provide synergetic effect on heat conductive networks. The thermal conductivity of epoxy composites containing 25 vol.% modified AlN and 1 vol.% functionalized MWCNTs is 1.21 W/mK, comparable to that of epoxy composites containing 50 vol.% untreated AlN (1.25 W/mK), which can reduce the half quantity of AlN filler used.     

Dramatic mechanical and thermal increments of thermoplastic composites by multi-scale synergetic reinforcement: Carbon fiber and graphene nanoplatelet

We report an easy and efficient approach to the development of advanced thermoplastic composites based on multi-scale carbon fiber (CF) and graphene nanoplatelet (GN) reinforcement. Poly (arylene ether nitrile) (PEN)/CF/GN composites, prepared by the twin-screw extrusion, exhibited excellent mechanical properties. For example, the flexural modulus of PEN/CF/GN composites was 18.6 GPa, which is 1.7, 4.5 and 6.4 times larger than those of PEN/CF composites, PEN/GN composites and PEN host, respectively. Based on the SEM image observation, such mechanical enhancements can be attributed to the synergetic effect of micro-scale CF and nano-scale GN in the PEN matrix (decreased matrix-rich and free-volume regions and enhanced interfacial interactions). For 5 wt.% GN-filled PEN/CF/GN composites, the T_d30% of PEN/CF/GN composites was 145 °C and 62.8 °C compared with those of PEN host and PEN/CF composites, respectively. This study has demonstrated that multi-scale CF and GN have an obvious synergetic reinforcing effect on the mechanical properties and thermal stabilities of thermoplastic composites, which provides an easy and effective way to design and improve the properties of composite materials.     

Tunable BT@SiO2 core@shell filler reinforced polymer composite with high breakdown strength and release energy density

Barium titanate@silicon dioxide (BT@SiO₂) core@shell fillers with an average diameter of 100 nm were prepared by a facile sol–gel synthesis. The thickness of SiO₂ shell can be easily tuned by varying different mass ratio of BT to tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) based composite films reinforced by BT and BT@SiO₂ were fabricated via a solution casting method. The effects of SiO₂ shell on morphology structure, wettability, interfacial adhesion, dielectric, electrical and energy performances of composites were investigated. Compared with BT/PVDF, BT@SiO₂/PVDF composites show significantly increased breakdown strength due to enhanced interfacial adhesion and suppressed charge carrier conduction. Benefiting from enhanced breakdown strength and reduced remnant polarization induced by SiO₂ shell, BT@SiO₂/PVDF shows increased release energy density (energy density which can be fully discharged and applicable). Especially, BT@SiO₂/PVDF with SiO₂ thickness of 4 nm exhibits the highest release energy density of 1.08 J/cm³ under applied electric field of 145 kV/mm.     

Improvement of ternary recycled polymer blend reinforced with date palm fibre

This paper investigates the study and preparation of date palm fibre reinforced recycled polymer blend composites. This is the first paper which describes the recycled polymer ternary blends of (1) recycled low density polyethylene (RLDPE), (2) recycled high density polyethylene (RHDPE) and (3) recycled polypropylene (RPP). The date palm fibre reinforced composites (C_D00) were prepared by maintaining constant weight% of fibre of 20 wt% without any fibre treatment. Maleic anhydride (MA) was used as the compatabilizer (1 and 2 wt%) and the effect of compatabilizer on the blend matrix composites was studied. The mechanical, thermal, morphological properties, water absorption and chemical resistance properties were evaluated for these composites and also studied for pure blend matrix (C₀₀). Date palm fibre improved the tensile strength and hardness of recycled polymer blend matrix. Further improvement was achieved with 1% MA (C_D1), which showed that 1% MA treated composites (C_D1) had higher tensile strength, modulus and hardness properties. Thermal stability and water absorption were improved by 1% MA. These improvements were demonstrated at the nanoscale level by the decrease in roughness appearing in Atomic Force Spectroscopic Microscopy analysis indicating that flow is better under this concentration. The SEM analysis also showed that the fibre matrix adhesion improved by adding 1 wt% (C_D1) of MA. The melting and crystallisation temperatures of the blends did not change with the addition of date palm fibre and MA, indicating that the additives did not influence the melting and crystallisation properties of the composites. The chemical resistance test results showed that these composites are resistance to all chemicals but more weight gain observed in solvents. 2 wt% of MA (C_D2) caused poor adhesion between the polymer chains and fibres as well as polymer chain scission.