Fabrication and characterization of 7075 Al alloy reinforced with SiC particulates

7075 aluminum (Al) alloy as matrix and silicon carbide (SiC) as reinforcement has been identified since it has potential applications in aircraft and space industries because of lower weight to strength ratio, high wear resistance and creep resistance. Thorough investigations about the microstructure and characterization of Al alloy/SiC composite are needed so that metal matrix composites (MMCs) fabricated for aircraft and space industries are defect free and have sound microstructure. Objective of this research work are the fabrication and microstructural investigations of AA7075–SiCp MMCs. 7075 Al alloy is reinforced with 10 and 15 wt.% SiCp of size 20–40 μm by stir casting process. The resulting as-cast composite structures are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis, and electron probe microscopic analysis (EPMA). SiCp distribution and interaction with 7075 Al alloy matrix is studied. The 7075 Al alloy–SiCp composite microstructure showed excellent SiCp distribution into 7075 Al alloy matrix. In addition to this, no evidence of secondary chemical reactions is observed in XRD and EPMA analysis. Decomposition step in derivative thermogravimetric curve is seen at temperature of 1,257, 1,210, and 1,256 °C for 7075 Al alloy, AA7075/10 wt.%/SiCp (20–40 μm) and AA7075/15 wt.%/SiCp (20–40 μm) composites, respectively. So, these composites can be successfully used for applications where temperature does not exceed beyond 1,250 °C.     

B4C/6061Al复合材料焊接接头组织与力学性能研究*

基于碳化硼中¹⁰B同位素优良的热中子吸收能力,铝基碳化硼复合材作为中子吸收材料越来越多的应用于核电站中。但碳化硼颗粒的加入使该材料的可焊性变差,因此研究其焊接行为变得十分必要。采用钨极氩弧焊(Tungsten inert gas,TIG)和搅拌摩擦焊(Friction stir welding,FSW)对体积分数为30%的B₄C/6061Al复合材料进行焊接,研究不同焊接方法、焊缝填充材料对复合材料对接接头微观组织及力学性能的影响。B₄C/6061Al复合材料焊接接头拉伸性能如下：FSW焊>TIG焊(Al-Si焊丝)>TIG焊(6061Al焊丝)>TIG焊(6061Al-Mg焊丝)>TIG焊(无填充)。TIG焊缝区容易产生气孔、B₄C颗粒分布不均匀及有害生成相是导致其力学性能不佳的主要原因。FSW可以有效避免基体金属与增强相的高温化学反应,使得焊缝区的晶粒细化,增强相颗粒的分布比TIG焊均匀,为30%B₄C/6061Al复合材料最佳焊接方法,其接头的室温拉伸强度达247 MPa,为母材强度的85%。     

Friction and wear behavior of Ni-P coated Si3N4 reinforced Al6061 composites

Al6061 matrix composite reinforced with nickel coated silicon nitride particles were manufactured by liquid metallurgy route. Microstructure and tribological properties of both matrix alloy and developed composites have been evaluated. Dry sliding friction and wear tests were carried out using pin on disk type machine over a load range of 20-100 N and sliding velocities of range 0.31-1.57 m/s. Results revealed that, nickel coated silicon nitride particles are uniformly distributed through out the matrix alloy. Al6061-Ni-P-Si₃N₄ composite exhibited lower coefficient of friction and wear rate compared to matrix alloy. The coefficient of friction of both matrix alloy and developed composite decreased with increase in load up to 80 N. Beyond this, with further increase in the load, the coefficient of friction increased slightly. However, with increase in sliding velocity coefficient of friction of both matrix alloy and developed composite increases continuously. Wear rates of both matrix alloy and developed composites increased with increase in both load and sliding velocity. Worn surfaces and wear debris was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for possible wear mechanisms. Energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) techniques were used to identify the oxides formed on the worn surfaces and wear debris.     

Application of grey-taguchi method for optimization of dry sliding wear properties of aluminum MMCs

Through a pin-on-disc type wear setup, the dry sliding wear behavior of SiC-reinforced aluminum composites produced using the molten metal mixing method was investigated in this paper. Dry sliding wear tests were carried on SiC-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) and its matrix alloy sliding against a steel counter face. Different contact stresses, reinforcement percentages, sliding distances, and sliding velocities were selected as the control variables, and the responses were selected as the wear volume loss (WVL) and coefficient of friction (COF) to evaluate the dry sliding performance. An L25 orthogonal array was employed for the experimental design. Initially, the optimization of the dry sliding performance of the SiC-reinforced MMCs was performed using grey relational analysis (GRA). Based on the GRA, the optimum level parameters for overall grey relational grade in terms of WVL and COF were identified. Analysis of variance was performed to determine the effect of individual factors on the overall grey relational grade. The results indicated that the sliding velocity was the most effective factor among the control parameters on dry sliding wear, followed by the reinforcement percentage, sliding distance, and contact stress. Finally, the wear surface morphology and wear mechanism of the composites were investigated through scanning electron microscopy.     

Existence of Good Bonding between Coated B4C Reinforcement and Al Matrix via Semisolid Techniques: Enhancement of Wear Resistance and Mechanical Properties

An Al 6061 alloy matrix reinforced with the coated B₄C particles was used for the present study. The cohesion of the reinforcing ceramic particles is poor at temperatures near the melting point of aluminum and leads to inferior mechanical and tribological properties of developed aluminum matrix composites with nonuniform distribution of the reinforcement. The main reason for coating the particles is to improve the bond between the reinforcement and molten alloy and thus to eliminate interfacial reactions. The great enhancement in strength values of the composites in this study can be ascribed to the effective load-bearing capacity of disintegrated B₄C particles that are adherently bonded to the matrix alloy. Homogeneity and reduction in the particle size of B₄C during the extrusion process is evidenced in the microstructural studies.     

Tribological Properties of Nanodiamond-Epoxy Composites

Owing to its superior mechanical properties, nanodiamond (ND) holds great potential to improve tribological characteristics of composites. In this study, we report on the wear and dry friction of epoxy-ND composites prepared from as-received and aminated ND across the length scale range from macro to nano. Comparison of macroscale, microscale, and nanoscale frictional behavior shows that ND is highly effective in improving the wear resistance and friction coefficients of polymer matrices across the different length scales. Although with both types of ND wear resistance and friction coefficients of epoxy-ND composites were significantly improved, aminated ND outperformed as-received ND, which we account to the formation of a strong interface between aminated ND and the epoxy matrix. This study also shows that agglomerates within epoxy-ND composites containing 25?vol.% ND were able to wear an alumina counterbody, indicating very high hardness and Young??s modulus of these agglomerates, that can eventually replace micron sized diamonds currently used in industrial abrasive applications.     

Comparison on abrasive wear of SiCrFe, CrFeC and Al2O3 reinforced Al2024 MMCs

The effects of volume fraction and size of SiCrFe, CrFeC, and Al₂O₃ particulates on the abrasive wear rate of compo-casted Al2024 metal matrix composites (MMCs) were studied. The process variables like the stirring speed, position and the diameter of the stirrer have affected the diffusion between particulates and matrix.The abrasive wear rate was decreased by the increase in particulate volume fraction of SiCrFe and CrFeC intermetallic reinforced composites over 80 grade SiC abrasive paper. The wear rates of the all composites decreased with aging treatment, and the best result was seen for the composite having a hybrite structure as SiCrFe and CrFeC particulates together. Nevertheless, the fabrication of composites containing soft particles as copper favors a reduction in the friction coefficient.     

Study of Non-lubricated Wear of the Al–Si Alloy Composite Reinforced with Different Ratios of Coarse and Fine Size Zircon Sand Particles at Different Ambient Temperatures

In the present work, a detailed study of ceramic reinforcement of different size ranges in the matrix of LM13 alloy on the friction and wear behavior has been carried out. For this purpose, LM13/Zr composite containing 10 wt% zircon sand particles of different size ranges using stir casting process has been developed. Zircon sand particles were incorporated in two ways: firstly as single size reinforcement and secondly dual size reinforcement. Durability of the composites was tested by finding the wear rate of the composite against the steel disk by pin-on-disk method. Addition of zircon sand particles in the LM13 alloy improves the hardness of the composite as well as wear resistance. Wear rate of the developed composites was tested under different test conditions by varying the applied load and ambient temperatures. Wear rate of the composite changes significantly at different ambient temperatures. SEM analysis of the worn surfaces was done to know the operative wear mechanism.     

Effect of the Graphite Content on the Tribological Behavior of Al/Gr and Al/30SiC/Gr Composites Processed by In Situ Powder Metallurgy (IPM) Method

The influence of graphite content on the dry sliding wear characteristics of Al6061/Gr composites along with Al6061/30SiC/Gr hybrid composites has been assessed using a pin-on-disc wear test. The composites with different volume fraction of graphite particles up to 13% were processed by in situ powder metallurgy (IPM) technique. The porosity and hardness of the resultant composites were also examined. It was found that an increase in the graphite content reduced the porosity, hardness, and friction coefficient of both types of composites. The hybrid composites were more porous and exhibited higher hardness and lower coefficient of friction at identical graphite contents. The increased graphite content in the range of 0–13 vol.% resulted in increased wear rate of Al/Gr composites. The Al/30SiC composite exhibited a lower wear rate as compared with the base alloy and graphite addition up to 9 vol.% improved the wear resistance of these hybrid composites. However, more graphite particles addition resulted in increased wear rate. SEM micrographs revealed that the wear mechanism was changed from mostly adhesive in the base alloy sample (Al/0Gr) to the prominently abrasive and delamination wear for Al/Gr and Al/SiC/Gr/composites.     

A physically-based abrasive wear model for composite materials

A simple physically-based model for the abrasive wear of composite materials is presented based on the mechanics and mechanisms associated with sliding wear in soft (ductile)- matrix composites containing hard (brittle) reinforcement particles. The model is based on the assumption that any portion of the reinforcement that is removed as wear debris cannot contribute to the wear resistance of the matrix material. The size of this non-contributing portion (NCP) of reinforcement is estimated by modeling three primary wear mechanisms, specifically, plowing, cracking at the matrix/reinforcement interface or in the reinforcement, and particle removal. Critical variables describing the role of the reinforcement, such as relative size, fracture toughness and the nature of the matrix/reinforcement interface, are characterized by a single contribution coefficient, C. Predictions are compared with the results of experimental two-body (pin-on-drum) abrasive wear tests performed on a model aluminum particulate-reinforced epoxy-matrix composite material.     

Wear properties of Saffil/Al,Saffil/Al2O3/Al and Saffil/SiC/Al hybrid metal matrix composites

The purpose of this study is to investigate the wear properties of Saffil/Al, Saffil/Al₂O₃/Al and Saffil/SiC/Al hybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs) fabricated by squeeze casting method. Wear tests were done on a pin-on-disk friction and wear tester under both dry and lubricated conditions. The wear properties of the three composites were evaluated in many respects. The effects of Saffil fibers, Al₂O₃ particles and SiC particles on the wear behavior of the composites were elucidated. Wear mechanisms were analyzed by observing the worn surfaces of the composites. The variation of coefficient of friction (COF) during the wear process was recorded by using a computer. Under dry sliding condition, Saffil/SiC/Al showed the best wear resistance under high temperature and high load, while the wear resistances of Saffil/Al and Saffil/Al₂O₃/Al were very similar. Under dry sliding condition, the dominant wear mechanism was abrasive wear under mild load and room temperature, and the dominant wear mechanism changed to adhesive wear as load or temperature increased. Molten wear occurred at high temperature. Compared with the dry sliding condition, all three composites showed excellent wear resistance when lubricated by liquid paraffin. Under lubricated condition, Saffil/Al showed the best wear resistance among them, and its COF value was the smallest. The dominant wear mechanism of the composites under lubricated condition was microploughing, but microcracking also occurred to them to different extents.     

Fretting wear of Al-Si alloy matrix composites

Ball-against-disk type fretting wear tests for Al-Si alloy matrix composites in contact with bearing steel were conducted in wet air to investigate the effects of relative slip amplitude on friction and wear of the composites. In the larger range of relative slip amplitude, the Al-Si alloy-impregnated graphite composite (ALGR-MMC) shows lower friction coefficients than those of alumina short fiber-reinforced composite (ASFR-MMC) and hollow silica particle-reinforced composite (HSPR-MMC). Although the wear rate of the ALGR-MMC is higher than that of the ASFR-MMC and HSPR-MMC, the composite hardly causes damage to the mating material due to adhesion of compacted films of graphite powder and Al-Si alloy wear particles.     

Influence of reinforcement particles on the mechanism of the blasting erosion arc machining of SiC/Al composites

Electrical arc machining has shown its remarkable efficiency in processing difficult-to-cut materials, especially high-temperature alloys and metal-based composites. Despite several studies about the material removal mechanisms of the electrical arc machining of metal alloys, few of these reports relate to the mechanism of machining composites with electrical arcing. Considering that reinforcements such as SiC particles have different thermal and electrical properties with metal alloys, research on the influence of SiC reinforcement on the electrical arc machining process is important and necessary. Based on comparison experiments using 20 and 50 vol.% SiC/Al composites, this research focused on the influence of SiC particles on the machining performance and material removal mechanism of blasting erosion arc machining (BEAM), and further analyzed the influence of reinforcements on composite material removal mechanisms. Analysis revealed that the molten material expelling mechanism is also influenced by the SiC fraction difference. For the BEAM of lower SiC fraction composites, both the SiC particles and the molten aluminum are mainly pumped and ejected by the flushing dielectric. In greater SiC fraction composites, most SiC particles are directly sublimed by heat. In addition, the mechanism of BEAM in the material removal and tool wear of SiC/Al composites was discussed based on heat transfer simulation and observation. Furthermore, the results disclosed that many chemical reactions take place during machining that have an obvious influence on the tool wear rate.     

Characterization and microanalysis of interfacial reactions in metal–matrix composite systems

Understanding the solid-state reactions involved in metal/ceramic systems is important when combining the two types of materials into a composite. In this investigation, the solid-state reaction between Al₂O₃ (alumina) and a β-Ti alloy has been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy, parallel-acquisition electron energy-loss spectroscopy and X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Two different systems were used to investigate this reaction. The first system utilizes a controlled reaction geometry and involved diffusion bonding single-crystal α-alumina and a β-Ti alloy. Here, three interfacial regions were found to form: a region of intermetallics (Ti₃Al and TiAl) located near the alumina interface, an α-Ti region, and a β-Ti region (rich in Mo, the β-phase stabilzer). Analysis of cross-section TEM samples of this reaction revealed the presence of both Ti₃Al and TiAl at the alumina interface. Orientation relationships between the intermetallics and the alumina are discussed. In the second, system, interfacial reactions inside metal–matrix composites that contain alumina and a β-Ti alloy were investigated. Here, different coatings used in the MMCs are investigated for their ability to prevent the reaction between the matrix and fibres. Reaction products inside the MMCs are compared with those found in the model reaction geometry.     

The microstructures of locally reinforced squeeze-cast Al-alloy metal-matrix composites

Locally reinforced metal-matrix composites (MMCs) have been manufactured by squeeze casting an A357 Al alloy into a die containing a reinforcement insert of either steel, an A356/10 vol.% SiC_p MMC, or a 20 vol.% Al₂O₃ short-fibre preform. The temperatures of the Al-alloy matrix, reinforcement insert and die were monitored continuously during squeeze casting, and the microstructures of the ascast MMCs were examined. Application of high pressure caused intimate contact along the insert-matrix interface with refinement of the matrix microstructure. There was little bonding between the matrix and the steel insert, while good bonding was obtained between the matrix and the A356/SiC_p MMC insert, which was partially melted at the interface. The Al₂O₃ short-fibre preform insert was fully infiltrated at high pressure, with a band of high Si content in the matrix microstructure near the interface.     

搅拌速率对FSP制备ZrO_2/2024表层复合材料的影响

应用FSP(friction stir processing)制备ZrO2/2024表面复合材料,可以使得铝合金具有更好的耐磨性以及热障性能。在两种不同旋转速率参数条件下(搅拌头转速为1000 r/min和1600 r/min,横向移动速率为20 cm/min),制备的表面复合材料复合层厚度大约为200μm～700μm。对增强颗粒的分布、形貌和复合材料的显微硬度值进行的研究表明,ZrO2颗粒均匀地分布在铝合金基体内,与基体有良好的结合性;复合材料复合层的显微硬度值在1000 r/min以及1600 r/min条件下,较铝合金基体分别提高了83%和46%。     

Effect of reinforcement coatings on the dry sliding wear behaviour of aluminium/SiC particles/carbon fibres hybrid composites

Dry sliding wear of an AA 6061 alloy reinforced with both modified SiC particles and metal coated carbon fibres has been studied. SiC particles were used to increase the hardness of the composite while short carbon fibres are supposed to act as a solid lubricant. SiC particles were coated with a silica layer deposited through a sol–gel procedure to increase the processability of the composite and to enhance the particle–matrix interfacial resistance. The metallic coatings on carbon fibres were made of copper or nickel phosphorus which was deposited through an electroless process. The metallic coatings favoured the wetting of the fibres during processing and then dissolved in the aluminium matrix forming intermetallic compounds that increased its hardness. Wear behaviour of AA 6061–20%SiC and AA 6061–20%SiC–2%C was compared with that of the composites with the same reinforcement content but using coated particles and fibres. The influence that the modification of the matrix because of the incorporation of coatings on the reinforcements had on the mild wear behaviour was investigated. The wear resistance of the composites increased when carbon fibres were added as secondary reinforcement and when coated reinforcements were used.     

Characterization of ZrC reinforced AA6061 alloy composites produced using stir casting process

In the present study, effect of ZrC vol.% on mechanical properties of AA6061 metal matrix composites (MMCs) produced via stir casting technique was investigated. The vol.% of ZrC particles was varied as 5,10 and 15. The composites were characterized for its microstructure and mechanical properties and their relationships were obtained. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed uniform distribution and good bonding between the AA6061 alloy and the ZrC particles. The mechanical properties of the AA6061 alloy was found to significantly improve with the addition of ZrC particles from 5 to 15 vol.%, the hardness increased from 32 to 68 HV, yield strength increased from 50 to 86 MPa and the ultimate tensile strength increased from 118 to 165 MPa. However, the % of elongation of the composite samples decreased with 15 vol.% addition of ZrC particles. Sliding wear behaviour of the composites was investigated using a pin-on-disc wear tester at a load of 9.8 N and addition of ZrC particles was significantly found to reduce the wear rate of AA6061 alloy.

     

Effect of Trace Addition of Ceramic on Microstructure Development and Mechanical Properties of Selective Laser Melted AlSi10Mg Alloy

Selective laser melting(SLM) is an emerging additive manufacturing technology for fabricating aluminum alloys and aluminum matrix composites. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how to improve the properties of laser manufactured aluminum alloy by adding ceramic reinforcing particles. Here the effect of trace addition of TiB_2 ceramic(1% weight fraction) on microstructural and mechanical properties of SLM-produced AlSi10Mg composite parts was investigated. The densification level increased with increasing laser power and decreasing scan speed. A near fully dense composite part(99.37%) with smooth surface morphology and elevated inter-layer bonding was successfully obtained. A decrease of lattice plane distance was identified by X-ray di raction with the laser scan speed decreased, which implied that the crystal lattices were distorted due to the dissolution of Si and TiB_2 particles. A homogeneous composite microstructure with the distribution of surface-smoothened TiB_2 particles was present, and a small amount of Si particles precipitated at the interface between reinforcing particles and matrix. In contrast to the Al Si10 Mg alloy, the composites showed a stabilized microhardness distribution. A higher ultimate tensile strength of 380.0 MPa, yield strength of 250.4 MPa and elongation of 3.43% were obtained even with a trace amount of ceramic addition. The improvement of tensile properties can be attributed to multiple mechanisms including solid solution strengthening, load-bearing strengthening and dispersion strengthening. This research provides a theoretical basis for ceramic reinforced aluminum matrix composites by additive manufacturing.     

陶瓷粒子/铝板坯液锻连挤复合成形及轧制基础研究

对陶瓷粒子向铝液或铝粉混合过程机制和均匀性进行了研究,发现搅融混合实用性强,均匀性差,而原位法和粉末混合法有获得均匀浆料或粉末体。