Microstructure and properties of SiO2 matrix reinforced by BN nanotubes and nanoparticles

In order to overcome intrinsic brittleness and poor mechanical properties of SiO₂, two kinds of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) (boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and boron nitride nanoparticles (BNNPs)) were employed to reinforce SiO₂ matrix. The mechanical properties, relative density and dielectric constant of the composites were investigated detailedly. Compared to the monolithic SiO₂, 5 wt% BNNTs/SiO₂ and 5 wt% BNNPs/SiO₂ composites exhibited excellent mechanical properties and low dielectric constant. Furthermore, phase composition and microstructure of the composites were analyzed thoroughly by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of laminated ZrB2-SiC ceramics with ZrO2 interface layers

Laminated ZrB₂-SiC ceramics with ZrO₂ interface layers were successfully prepared by tape casting, laminating and hot pressing. The flexural strength and fracture toughness are 561 ± 20 MPa and 14.4 ± 0.3 MPa m^1/2 for parallel direction, and 432 ± 18 MPa and 5.8 ± 0.3 MPa m^1/2 for perpendicular direction. The fracture toughness for parallel direction is improved significantly compared to monolithic ZrB₂-SiC ceramics. The toughening mechanism was attributed to the deflection and branch of the crack and the new microcracks, which would increase the propagation path and fracture work.     

Preparation, microstructure and properties of molybdenum alloys reinforced by in-situ Al2O3 particles

The conventional molybdenum alloys, lacking of hard particles enhancing wear property, have relative poor wear resistance though they are widely used in wear parts. To resolve the above question, Mo alloys reinforced by in-situ Al₂O₃ particles are developed using powder metallurgy method. The in-situ α-Al₂O₃ particles in molybdenum matrix are obtained by the decomposition of aluminum nitrate after liquid-solid incorporation of MoO₂ and Al(NO₃)₃ aqueous solution. The α-Al₂O₃ particles well bonded with molybdenum distribute evenly in matrix of Mo alloys, which refine grains of alloys and increase hardness of alloys. The absolute density of alloy increases firstly and then decreases with the increase of Al₂O₃ content, while the relative density rises continuously. The friction coefficient of alloy, fluctuating around 0.5, is slightly influenced by Al₂O₃. However, the wear resistance of alloy obviously affected by the Al₂O₃ particles rises remarkably with the increasing of Al₂O₃ content. The Al₂O₃ particles can efficiently resist micro-cutting to protect molybdenum matrix, and therefore enhances the wear resistance of Mo alloy.     

Effects of C/B4C ratio on microstructure and property of Fe-based alloy coating reinforced with in situ synthesized TiB2-TiC

The Fe-based alloy coatings reinforced with in situ synthesized TiB₂-TiC were prepared on Q235 steel by reactive plasma cladding using Fe901 alloy, Ti, B₄, and graphite(C) powders as raw materials. The effects of C/B₄C weight percentage ratio(0-1.38) on the microstructure, microhardness, and wet sand abrasion resistance of the coatings were investigated. The results show that the coatings consist of (Fe, Cr) solid solution, TiC, TiB₂, Ti₈C₅, and Fe₃C phases. The decrease of C/B₄C ratio is propitious to the formation of TiB₂ and Ti₈C₅. Increasing the C/B₄C ratio can help to refine the microstructure of the coatings. However, the microhardness of the middle-upper of the coatings and the wet sand abrasion resistance of coatings degenerate with the increase of C/B₄C ratio. The coating exhibits and the wet sand abrasion resistance at C/B₄C=0 and its average mass loss rate per unit wear distance is 0.001 2%/m. The change of the wet sand abrasion resistance of the coatings with C/B₄C ratio can be mainly attributed to the combined action of the changes of microhardness and the volume percentage of the ceramic reinforcements containing titanium in the coatings.     

Microstructure and characterization of La2O3 and CeO2 doped diamond-like carbon nanofilms

Seven kinds of hydrogen-free La₂O₃ and CeO₂ doped DLC films with thickness of 220-280 nm were deposited on Si (100) substrates by unbalanced magnetron sputtering. Nanoparticles with diameter of 20-30 nm are formed on the surface of films. The surface roughness Ra of films is in the range of 1.5-2.0 nm. C, La, Ce and O elements distribute uniformly along the depth direction, and C, La, and Ce elements diffuse into the Si substrate at the interface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms that the La₂O₃ and CeO₂ form within the DLC amorphous films, and Raman spectra indicate the obvious amorphous characteristics of DLC films. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy shows the nanocrystallines structure with diameter of 2-3 nm of 16% La₂O₃ and 10% CeO₂ doped DLC films, and Fourier transformation spectroscopy also exhibits the obvious crystalline characteristics. In this work, the microstructure of two kinds of rare earth oxides doped DLC composite films is measured and analyzed.     

激光原位合成TiB2-TiC颗粒增强铁基涂层

采用B4C,TiO2,石墨以及铁基粉末为激光熔覆材料,利用激光多道搭接熔覆技术在碳钢基体上制备TiB2-TiC颗粒增强铁基复合涂层．利用XRD,SEM对涂层的相结构和显微组织进行了研究．采用显微硬度计和滑动磨损试验机分别测试了涂层的硬度和耐磨性能．结果表明,激光熔覆过程B4C,TiO2和石墨反应生成了TiB2和TiC颗粒,并均匀分布在基体中．随着激光功率密度增加,涂层中TiC含量减少,甚至出现FeB脆性相．TiB2-TiC颗粒增强的涂层其硬度和耐磨性能优于基材45钢．     

Fabrication of A356 composite reinforced with micro and nano Al2O3 particles by a developed compocasting method and study of its properties

Aluminum/alumina composites are used in automotive and aerospace industries due to their low density and good mechanical strength. In this study, compocasting was used to fabricate aluminum-matrix composite reinforced with micro and nano-alumina particles. Different weight fractions of micro (3, 5 and 7.5 wt.%) and nano (1, 2, 3 and 4 wt.%) alumina particles were injected by argon gas into the semi-solid state A356 aluminum alloy and stirred by a mechanical stirrer with different speeds of 200, 300 and 450 rpm. The microstructure of the composite samples was investigated by Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Also, density and hardness variation of micro and nano composites were measured. The microstructure study results revealed that application of compocasting process led to a transformation of a dendritic to a nondendritic structure of the matrix alloy. The SEM micrographs revealed that Al₂O₃ nano particles were surrounded by silicon eutectic and inclined to move toward inter-dendritic regions. They were dispersed uniformly in the matrix when 1, 2 and 3 wt.% nano Al₂O₃ or 3 and 5 wt.% micro Al₂O₃ was added, while, further increase in Al₂O₃ (4 wt.% nano Al₂O₃ and 7.5 wt.% micro Al₂O₃) led to agglomeration. The density measurements showed that the amount of porosity in the composites increased with increasing weight fraction and speed of stirring and decreasing particle size. The hardness results indicated that the hardness of the composites increased with decreasing size and increasing weight fraction of particles.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3-Cr2O3 composite coatings produced by atmospheric plasma spraying

Al₂O₃, Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃ coatings were deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying. Phase composition of powders and as-sprayed coatings was determined by X-ray diffraction. Electron probe microanalyzer was employed to investigate the polished and fractured surface morphologies of the coatings. Mechanical properties including microhardness, fracture toughness and bending strength were evaluated. The results indicate that the addition of Cr₂O₃ is conducive to the stabilization of α-Al₂O₃. Compared with the pure Al₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃ coatings, Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ composite coatings show lower porosities and denser structures. Heterogeneous nucleation of α-Al₂O₃ occurs over the isostructural Cr₂O₃ lamellae and partial solid solution of Al₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃ might be occurring as well. Furthermore, grain refining and solid solution strengthening facilitate the mechanical property enhancement of Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ composite coatings.     

Fabrication of multiple carbide particles reinforced Fe-based surface hardfacing layer produced by gas tungsten arc welding process

In this paper, a multiple carbide particle reinforced Fe-based surface coating has been in situ synthesized by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) melting a precursor mixture of graphite, ferrotitanium (Fe-Ti) and ferrovanadium (Fe-V) alloy powders on AISI 1020 steel substrate. The microstructure and wear properties of the Fe-based surface hardfacing layers were investigated by means of a scanning electron microanalysis (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and wear tester. The results showed that (Ti,V)C multiple carbide particle and TiC carbide particle can be synthesized via reaction of Fe-Ti, Fe-V and graphite during GTAW melting process. The selection area diffraction pattern (SADP) analysis indicated that (Ti,V)C crystallizes with the cubic structure, which indicates that (Ti,V)C carbides were multiple carbides with V dissolved in the TiC structure. The Fe-based surface hardfacing layer reinforced by multiple carbides gave an excellent wear resistance and appeared a mild wear with fine scratches.     

Y2O3对原位自生TiC增强Ni基涂层组织和性能影响

采用氩弧熔覆的方法,以Ni60A自熔性合金粉末为粘结相,添加Ti粉、C粉和不同含量的稀土氧化物Y₂O₃,在16Mn钢基体上制备出TiC陶瓷颗粒增强金属基熔覆涂层. 运用XRD, SEM等手段对复合涂层的显微组织进行表征和分析,并对熔覆涂层的硬度及耐磨性进行了测试. 结果表明,适量添加Y₂O₃可以使涂层组织中枝晶的方向性减弱、同时细化涂层组织,使涂层组织更加均匀,涂层的硬度和耐磨性有显著提高. 添加2% Y₂O₃熔覆涂层的组织为最细,涂层具有较高的显微硬度和良好的耐磨性能.     

Microstructure and electromagnetic properties of Al18B4O33w/Co composite particles prepared by electroless plating method

Al₁₈B₄O₃₃w/Co composite particles were prepared successfully through electroless plating Co on Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ whiskers. The growth behavior of the coatings, the effect of the process parameters and the electromagnetic properties of the prepared Al₁₈B₄O₃₃w/Co composite particles were investigated. The reduced Co nucleated first on the pre-activated surface of the whiskers to form insular particles which then grew larger gradually and eventually merged together to form continuous coatings. The reaction rate increased but the mass gain decreased with the increase of the bath pH and the bath temperature. The crystallinity of the deposited Co decreased with the increase of phosphorous content as well as the bath temperature. The effect of loading is much weaker compare to that of bath pH and bath temperature. The permittivity and the permeability of the prepared Al₁₈B₄O₃₃w/Co composite particles are markedly higher than those of the raw Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ whiskers in microwave band. Relaxation resonance is found in the samples with thick Co coatings due to the presence of eddy current, which deteriorates the permeability of the Al₁₈B₄O₃₃w/Co composite particles.     

Spark plasma sintering of B4C ceramics: The effects of milling medium and TiB2 addition

Boron carbide (B₄C) ceramics, with a relative density up to 98.4% and limited grain growth, were prepared at 1600-1800 °C by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The effects of powder milling medium (water and 2-propanol) on the powders' surface characteristics and TiB₂ addition on the sintering densification were investigated. The ball milling processing of B₄C powders in water can promote the sintering of B₄C ceramics. A B₂O₃ layer on B₄C particle surface is concluded to promote the densification of the B₄C ceramics at an early sintering stage. This B₂O₃ layer, which normally inhibits the densification process at the final stage of the sintering, can be reduced through reaction with TiB₂ particles, resulting in further densification of the B₄C ceramics.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of B4C reinforced Al-based matrix composite coatings deposited by CGDS and PGDS processes

Coatings of a composite material consisting of an Al-12Si matrix reinforced with 20 wt.% B₄C particles were produced using Cold Gas Dynamic Spray (CGDS) and Pulsed Gas Dynamic Spray (PGDS) processes onto Al-6061 and SS-316L substrates. Two types of composite feedstock powders (mechanically mixed and cryomilled) were used. The influence of the coating process as well as the nature of the feedstock material on the coating microstructure and mechanical properties was studied. The combination of cryomilling to synthesize the feedstock powder and the spray processes provides a unique opportunity to produce hard and dense composite coatings with good cohesion between the deformed particles and good adhesion to the substrate, no phase degradation, very low compressive stresses and high dry sliding wear resistance. The two spray processes have shown almost similar results regarding microstructure and mechanical properties. No effect of the substrate material, Al-6061 and SS-316L, on the coating microstructure and properties was observed.     

Mechanical properties and microstructure of Ti(C,N) based cermets reinforced by nano-Si3N4 particles

Titanium carbonitride (Ti(C,N)) matrix cermets with different contents of nano-Si₃N₄ particles have been fabricated by microwave sintering in nitrogen atmosphere. The addition of nano-Si₃N₄ particle has important effect on the property of this cermet. Hardness and transverse rupture strength of the cermet are improved to about 1.3% and 25.2%, respectively, when the content of nano-particles is 2.0% in weight. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in combination with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) reveals that various cermets with or without nano-Si₃N₄ present quite different morphological and structural characteristics. It may be because that the addition of nano-Si₃N₄ particles inhibits the dissolution of Ti(C,N), and promotes the dissolution of WC and Mo₂C in binder phase and the formation of the inner rim. The modified microstructure by the addition of nano-Si₃N₄ particles results in the high mechanical properties of the cermet.     

Co_6W_6C化合物的热力学研究

以高纯钨、钴、碳粉为原料,在真空条件下制备获得物相纯净的Co_6W_6C化合物,对Co_6W_6C进行系列实验测定并结合计算得出了其相关的热力学参数。结果表明:在原料粉中碳含量为0.98%~1.06%(质量分数)、真空反应温度为1000℃、保温时间为1 h的条件下,可制备获得物相纯净的Co_6W_6C。结合其等压热容及1173 K下氧化反应的反应焓测定结果,通过计算获得了Co_6W_6C的标准摩尔熵(S_m~Θ)、标准摩尔生成焓(Δ_fH_m~Θ)等热力学参数以及其等压热容(C_p)、焓(H)、熵(S)和吉布斯自由能(G)等基础热力学参量随温度变化的函数关系。     

Microstructure and properties of Cr3C2-modified nickel-based alloy coating deposited by plasma transferred arc process

The nickel-based alloy with 30 wt.% chromic carbide (Cr₃C₂) particles has been deposited on Q235-carbon steel (including 0.12 wt.% C) using plasma transferred arc (PTA) welding machine. The microstructure and properties of the deposited coatings were investigated using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) equiped with X-ray energy spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), microhardness testes, and sliding wear test. It was found that the γ(Ni, Fe), M₇(C,B)₃, Ni₄B₃, and (Cr,Fe)₂B phases existed in the Cr₃C₂-free nickel-based alloy coating obtained by PTA process. The typical hypoeutectic structure and composition segregation in the solid solution could be found clearly. The addition of 30 wt.% Cr₃C₂ particles led to the existing of Cr₃C₂ phase and the microstructure changing from hypoeutectic structure into hypereutectic structure. The composition segregation in the solid solution could not be found clearly. The average microhardness of the Cr₃C₂-free nickel-based alloy coating increased by 450-500 HV after the addition of 30 wt.% Cr₃C₂ particles. The partial dissolution of Cr₃C₂ particles led to the enrichment of carbon and chromium in the melten pool, and hence caused the formation of more chromium-rich carbides after the solidification process. The undissolved Cr₃C₂ particles and the increasing of chromium-rich carbides was beneficial to enhance the hardness and wear resistance of the Cr₃C₂-modified nickel-based alloy coating deposited by PTA process.     

硼化物强化铁基堆焊合金显微组织与耐磨性

为了提高在严峻工况条件下工作的机械零件的耐磨性,采用等离子弧堆焊技术,制备硼化物强化铁基堆焊合金。借助OM,SEM和XRD等分析手段对合金组织和硼化物相形貌进行分析,并与未加入硼的Fe-Cr-C的堆焊合金进行对比。结果表明:堆焊合金中加入w(B)4.5%可改变基体的组织组成及硼化物的数量和分布形态,从而改善耐磨性。硼化物由大量菊花状M23(C,B)6和少量块状M7(C,B)3相组成,BC4与Cr2B的数量较少。耐磨粒磨损试验结果表明:堆焊合金的耐磨性随着硼含量的增加而先增大后下降,加入w(B)4.5%的堆焊层中形成的大量高硬度硼化物分布在具有较高强韧性的马氏体和奥氏体基体上,使其具有最佳的耐磨性,其磨损量仅为未加入硼时的1/6。     

Effect of MoSi2/rare earth composite particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of molybdenum

MoSi₂/La₂O₃ and MoSi₂/Y₂O₃ composite particles were prepared by mechanical milling and doped into molybdenum by solid-solid method, respectively. Rods with a diameter of 17 mm were made by pressing and sintering. The effects of different composite particles on microstructures and strength of the as-sintered molybdenum were investigated. Results show that the MoSi₂/La₂O₃ and MoSi₂/Y₂O₃ composite particles transformed to La₂O₃/Mo₅Si₃ and Y₂O₃/Mo₅Si₃ composite particles due to the in situ reaction between Mo and MoSi₂ during sintering process. Mo₅Si₃/La₂O₃ and Mo₅Si₃/Y₂O₃ composite particles can reduce the grain size and improve both strength and toughness of sintered molybdenum significantly. Mo₅Si₃/Y₂O₃ composite particles contribute more to the strength, while the effect of Mo₅Si₃/La₂O₃ on toughness is greater than that of Mo₅Si₃/Y₂O₃.     

Synthesis of silicate coating by layer-by-layer self-assembly of Yb2O3 and SiO2 particles

Multilayer particle assemblies that contained both Yb₂O₃ and SiO₂ particles were prepared on Si substrates by layer-by-layer self-assembly (LBLSA) as a new non-line-of-sight avenue of producing dense and uniform Yb₂O₃-SiO₂ coating microstructures. Morphological characteristics of the multilayer particle assemblies upon viscous sintering in the temperature range of 1300 to 1350 °C were evaluated in reference to those of multilayer assemblies that only contained SiO₂ or Yb₂SiO₅ particles. A 4-layer 0.5-μm SiO₂ particle assembly could be easily transformed to a dense and continuous coating structure after sintering. In contrast, a 4-layer 1.7-μm Yb₂SiO₅ particle assembly could not be consolidated and densified, as anticipated from the absence of the viscous sintering mechanism provided by the SiO₂ phase. Most of the coatings produced from sintering of Yb₂O₃-SiO₂ (0.5 μm) particles assemblies were dense and continuous with Yb₂Si₂O₇ and Yb₂SiO₅ as two predominant phases. The results suggest the feasibility of producing dense and uniform silicate coating structures by integrating the LBLSA concept with the viscous flow sintering mechanism provided by the SiO₂ particles.     

Al2O3/TiB2/Al复合材料的微观结构和高温力学性能

以细雾化铝粉和TiB₂颗粒为原料,通过粉末冶金和热轧制制备微米TiB₂和纳米Al₂O₃颗粒增强铝基复合材料。室温时,由于TiB₂和Al₂O₃的综合强化作用,Al₂O₃/TiB₂/Al复合材料的屈服强度和抗拉强度分别为258.7 MPa和279.3 MPa,测试温度升至350℃时,TiB₂颗粒的增强效果显著减弱,原位纳米Al₂O₃颗粒与位错的交互作用使得复合材料的屈服强度和抗拉强度达到98.2MPa和122.5 MPa。经350℃退火1000 h后,由于纳米Al₂O₃对晶界的钉扎作用抑制晶粒长大,强度和硬度未发生显著的降低。