Influence of the microstructure evolution of ZrO2 fiber on the fracture toughness of ZrB2–SiC nanocomposite ceramics

ZrB₂–SiC nanocomposite ceramics toughened by ZrO₂ fiber were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1700 °C. The content of ZrO₂ fiber incorporated into the ZrB₂–SiC nanocomposites ranged from 5 mass% to 20 mass%. The content, microstructure, and phase transformation of ZrO₂ fiber exhibited remarkable effects on the fracture toughness of the ZrO_2(f)/ZrB₂–SiC composites. Fracture toughness of the composites greatly improved to a maximum value of 6.56 MPa m^1/2 ± 0.3 MPa m^1/2 by the addition of 15 mass% of ZrO₂ fiber. The microstructure of the ZrO₂ fiber exhibited certain alterations after the SPS process, which enhanced crack deflection and crack bridging and affected fracture toughness. Some microcracks were induced by the phase transformation from t-ZrO₂ to m-ZrO₂, which was also an important reason behind the improvement in toughness.     

Effect of the SiC particle size on the dry sliding wear behavior of SiC and SiC–Gr-reinforced Al6061 composites

The effect of size of silicon carbide particles on the dry sliding wear properties of composites with three different sized SiC particles (19, 93, and 146 μm) has been studied. Wear behavior of Al6061/10 vol% SiC and Al6061/10 vol% SiC/5 vol% graphite composites processed by in situ powder metallurgy technique has been investigated using a pin-on-disk wear tester. The debris and wear surfaces of samples were identified using SEM. It was found that the porosity content and hardness of Al/10SiC composites decreased by 5 vol% graphite addition. The increased SiC particle size reduced the porosity, hardness, volume loss, and coefficient of friction of both types of composites. Moreover, the hybrid composites exhibited lower coefficient of friction and wear rates. The wear mechanism changed from mostly adhesive and micro-cutting in the Al/10SiC composite containing fine SiC particles to the prominently abrasive and delamination wear by increasing of SiC particle size. While the main wear mechanism for the unreinforced alloy was adhesive wear, all the hybrid composites were worn mainly by abrasion and delamination mechanisms.     

An investigation of the effect of SiC particle size on Cu–SiC composites

In this study mechanical properties of copper were enhanced by adding 1 wt.%, 2 wt.%, 3 wt.% and 5 wt.% SiC particles into the matrix. SiC particles of having 1 μm, 5 μm and 30 μm sizes were used as reinforcement. Composite samples were produced by powder metallurgy method and sintering was performed in an open atmospheric furnace at 700 °C for 2 h. Optical and SEM studies showed that the distribution of the reinforced particle was uniform. XRD analysis indicated that the dominant components in the sintered composites were Cu and SiC. Relative density and electrical conductivity of the composites decreased with increasing the amount of SiC and increased with increasing SiC particle size. Hardness of the composites increased with both amount and the particle size of SiC particles. A maximum relative density of 98% and electrical conductivity of 96% IACS were obtained for Cu–1 wt.% SiC with 30 μm particle size.     

The effect of size of the SiC inclusions in the AlN–SiC composite structure on its electrophysical properties

AlN–SiC–Y₃Al₅O₁₂ composite materials with a high absorption of microwave frequency (27–65 dB/cm) produced by pressureless sintering of mixtures consisting of AlN(2H), Y₂O₃, and SiC (6H) in 46, 4, 50 wt %, respectively, have been studied. The SiC components of the mixtures were used in sizes of 1, 5, and 50 μm. It has been shown that the resistivity of the developed materials depends essentially on the materials structures: sizes of SiC inclusions, distances between them, and state of the interfaces. It has been found that the increase of the SiC inclusions sizes in the material structure from 3 to 7 μm results in the decrease of the resistivity from 10⁴ to 90 Ω·m, and at the decrease of the SiC inclusions sizes from 3 to 0.5 μm there forms a SiC uninterrupted skeleton, which also decreases the resistivity to 210 Ω·m. Thus, composite materials that contain 50 wt % SiC (inclusions sizes of 3 μm) are the most efficient in producing absorbers of microwave radiation. Interlayers of yttrium aluminum garnet, which are located at the SiC grains boundaries, prevent the forming of AlN(2H)–SiC(6H) solid solutions and thus, make it possible to keep high dielectric characteristics of a composite material based on aluminum nitride and afford a high absorption of a microwave radiation.     

Shot peen forming of fiber metal laminates on the example of GLARE®

GLARE (GLAss-fiber REinforced aluminum) is a sandwich material that combines thin aluminum sheets with intermediate layers of glass fiber that are bonded using epoxy. Due to the resulting low specific weight and high strength as well as superior deterioration resistance the material has found its application in aircraft structures. GLARE parts are typically manufactured using the so-called self-forming technique, which is a very expensive and labor-intensive manufacturing process. If it was feasible to form GLARE from flat stock material using conventional forming processes, substantial savings could be achieved. Several attempts to form GLARE from flat stock reported in the literature are restricted by the limited formability of the glass fibers and/or delamination of the layers. This work analyses the possibilities to form GLARE using shot peen forming (SPF), which is an established forming process, e.g. for the production of fuselage parts. It is shown that GLARE shows a similar deformation behavior as monolithic sheets under quasi-static indentation with single steel balls. The process limits are analyzed using SPF tests and lock-in thermography, which is a non-destructive testing procedure for the detection of delamination. A process window for shot peen forming of GLARE is established, and it is shown that curvature radii of less than 2500 mm can be accomplished with no evidence of failure, which is a typical curvature radius of fuselage components for the Airbus A380.     

A study of the surface of carbon fiber by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy—III

This paper reports a study of the surface composition of carbon fibers treated by various methods by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (SPS). C_1S X-ray photoelectron spectra showed that after the surface treatment of carbon fibers, the carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon were changed into

etc. oxygen-containing groups, that is, the results of surface oxidation and concentration increased with time but finally reached a constant level. Comparing experimental results for the treatments used, we found that all of these methods resulted in concentrations of oxygen groups on the surface in the order:

.Evidence was found for the formation of lactone groups

during treatment in an oxygen or nitrogen plasma, but not during treatment by nitric acid or anodic oxidation.     

Effect of glass fiber sizing on the cure kinetics of vinyl–ester resins

The cure characteristics of thermosetting resins are affected by the presence of reinforcements as a result of surface–resin interactions. Surface treatments and sizing can significantly affect such interactions; hence, sizing or surface treatment selection may significantly affect resin cure characteristics. This is of particular concern in the processing of composite materials, since neat resin cure characteristics often will not provide the appropriate basis for predicting the cure behavior of the composite. In this work, the effect of several commercially sized S-2 glass systems on the cure of vinyl–ester resin was investigated. Generally, a significant increase in the cure rate of the glass-modified systems is observed. Furthermore, a relationship between the surface energy characteristics of the fibers and the degree of cure acceleration is established, and possible mechanisms for the effect are discussed. It is apparent that sizing selection can significantly affect cure processes for vinyl–ester systems.     

First—principle Calculation of the Properties of Ti3SiC2

The electronic and structural properties for Ti3SiC2 were studied using the first-principle calculation method.By using the calculated band structure and density of states,the high electrical conductivity of Ti3SiC2 are explained ,The bonding character of Ti3SiC2 is analyzed in the map of charge density distribution.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced multilayered (PyC–SiC)n matrix composites

Carbon fiber reinforced multilayered (PyC–SiC)_n matrix (C/(PyC–SiC)_n) composites were prepared by isothermal chemical vapor infiltration. The phase compositions, microstructures and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results show that the multilayered matrix consists of alternate layers of PyC and β-SiC deposited on carbon fibers. The flexural strength and toughness of C/(PyC–SiC)_n composites with a density of 1.43 g/cm³ are 204.4 MPa and 3028 kJ/m³ respectively, which are 63.4% and 133.3% higher than those of carbon/carbon composites with a density of 1.75 g/cm³. The enhanced mechanical properties of C/(PyC–SiC)_n composites are attributed to the presence of multilayered (PyC–SiC)_n matrix. Cracks deflect and propagate at both fiber/matrix and PyC–SiC interfaces resulting in a step-like fracture mode, which is conducive to fracture energy dissipation. These results demonstrate that the C/(PyC–SiC)_n composite is a promising structural material with low density and high flexural strength and toughness.     

Effects of fiber–matrix interaction on multiple cracking performance of polymeric fiber reinforced cementitious composites

The effects of polymeric fiber addition on the multiple cracking performance of composites have been investigated. For this purpose, cement-based matrices incorporating fly ash and a latex emulsion have been designed. Prismatic samples have been prepared and subjected to four-point bending load. The load-midpoint deflection curves and crack patterns have been determined. Meanwhile, flexural strength and relative toughness values have been calculated. Finally, the number of visible cracks formed throughout the testing period has been analyzed.Test results showed that the toughening improvement mechanisms of PP and PVA fibers in a cement-based matrix are extremely different and matrix modifications significantly change the multiple cracking performance. The addition of a latex emulsion in a weak matrix decreased the multiple cracking tendency of PP fiber reinforced composites. However, the same modification attempt improved the multiple cracking capacity of weak matrix in case of PVA fiber reinforcement. The possible causes of this performance improvement have been discussed with the aid of microstructure investigations.     

Rheological characterization of long fiber thermoplastics – Effect of temperature,fiber length and weight fraction

Isothermal squeeze flow tests were conducted on E-Glass/polypropylene long fiber thermoplastics (LFT) to obtain the rheological characteristics of the material over a range of squeeze rates (0.5–60 mm/min). A transversely isotropic power-law model has been incorporated to capture the combined effect of shear and extensional flow behavior. Scott’s approach [Bird RB. Useful non-Newtonian models; 1976. p. 13–34] was used to obtain the shear power-law parameters, which were then used to calculate the radial velocity in the r-direction. The continuity equation was used to calculate transverse velocity in the z-direction. Radial and through the thickness velocity profiles were determined to obtain the extensional and the shear strain rates. Finally the extensional and shear viscosities were determined at strain rates calculated. Good agreement between the experimental applied stress and the predicted curves from the model was achieved. Effects of mold separation, mold temperature, and fiber length on viscosity at constant fiber weight fraction were examined. Effect of fiber weight fraction on viscosity at constant fiber length, mold separation and temperature was examined. Results indicate that viscosities decrease with either increase in mold temperature or decrease in fiber length at constant mold separation and fiber weight fraction. Viscosities also decreased with decrease in fiber weight fraction.     

Effect of colloidal silica on the mechanical properties of fiber–cement reinforced with cellulosic fibers

The effect of colloidal silica on the hydration reaction of the Portland cement system and its effect on the resulting mechanical properties are not completely understood. Silica nanoparticles can affect the behavior and performance of fiber–cement, such as the calcium–silicate–hydrate gel of the matrix and the fiber–matrix interface bonding. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of various contents of colloidal silica (0, 1.5, 3, 5, and 10 % w/w) on the microstructure and mechanical performance of cement composites reinforced with cellulosic pulp. Fiber–cement composites with unbleached eucalyptus Kraft pulp as the micro-fiber reinforcement were produced by the slurry dewatering technique followed by pressing. The average values of the modulus of rupture of the fiber–cement decreased with increasing colloidal silica content. However, the pullout of the fibers increased significantly in the fiber–cement composites with additions between 3 and 10 % w/w of colloidal silica suspension, as indicated in the scanning electron microscopy images and by the improvement in the energy of fracture values.     

The effect of thermal fatigue on the mechanical properties of the novel fiber metal laminates based on aluminum–lithium alloy

The effect of thermal fatigue on the mechanical properties of the novel fiber metal laminates (FMLs) based on aluminum–lithium alloy was investigated. The results indicated that no obvious delamination or defects were observed in the novel FMLs exposed to 1000 cycles. The samples treated with different cycles still exhibited stable and excellent interlaminar properties comparing with the as-manufactured ones. Furthermore, the tensile and flexural strength of the FMLs even increased with the thermal fatigue cycles owing to the positive age hardening behavior of aluminum–lithium layer. The homogeneous and fine precipitation of T₁ phases dominated the strengthening effect of aluminum–lithium alloy. Besides, the novel FMLs after thermal fatigue treatments still possessed the similar resistance to fatigue crack growth (FCG) when compared with the as-manufactured ones. The slight changes in the properties of aluminum–lithium layers had no detrimental effect on the FCG.     

An investigation into the flexural and drawing behaviors of GFRP-based fiber–metal laminate

Fiber–metal laminates (FMLs) are advanced composite materials that consist of bonded thin metal sheets and fiber-reinforced composite layers. In this article, mechanical behavior of a thermoplastic-based FML is investigated, which is composed of glass-fiber-reinforced polypropylene (GFRP) laminate and aluminum AA1200-O as the core and skin layers, respectively. Engineering constants of the composite laminate were achieved using Timoshenko's beam theory, flexural and tensile test results. Finite element simulations of the GFRP-based FML were performed to predict the behavior of this material in three-point bending and deep drawing tests. Some experimental verification tests were conducted to prove the reliability of results in the FE analysis of the FML. Comparison of the results shows an excellent correlation between the FE analysis and experimental tests.     

Microstructure of SiC Whiskers with Different Cross-sections Perpendicular to the Whiskers Axis

Microstructure of β-SiC whiskers with differ-ent cross-sections perpendicular to their growingdirection was studied in detail by transmission elec-tron microscopy (TEM).It was indicated that therewere three types of cross-sections:round,hexagonal and trigonal.The whiskers with roundand hexagonal cross-sections had a high density ofplanar faults lying on the (111) close packed planesperpendicular to the whisker axis.There existed afew stacking faults on the other {111} planes insome hexagonal whiskers.The whiskers withbicrystals were also found in hexagonal whiskers.The microstructure of trigonal SiC whiskers wasbasically perfect but there were a few intrinsic stack-ing faults on the (11) planes (mostly) and (111)planes.The characters of electron diffraction pat-terns of β-SiC whiskers with different cross-sec-tions were reasonably analyzed using a reciprocalspace model with continuous diffraction streaksalong the [111] reciprocal direction.     

Carbon fiber/epoxy composite property enhancement through incorporation of carbon nanotubes at the fiber–matrix interphase – Part I: The development of carbon nanotube coated carbon fibers and the evaluation of their adhesion

A new method to realize the uniform coating of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to carbon fibers (CFs) has been developed, which enables the scalable fabrication of CNT containing CF/epoxy composites. In this method, CNTs are treated by cationic polymers, then, the CNTs are coated to CFs by immersion into a CNT/water suspension. Good dispersion is achieved by repulsive force between positively charged CNTs and uniform coating of the CNTs is achieved by attractive forces between positively charged CNTs and negatively charged CFs. It is found that the use of specific cationic polymers including polyethyleneimine (PEI) results in stable CNT/water suspensions, and uniform coating of the CNTs. Single fiber fragmentation tests of the CF/epoxy composites were conducted to evaluate the strength of interface and interphase under shear loading. The results show that the combination of epoxy resin sizing and PEI treated CNT coating to CFs results in high interfacial shear strength.     

Photoluminescence of Nanometer SiC Powder

Photoluminescence of nanometer SiC powder was found firstly. By TEM, SAED, FTIR and chemical analyses, it is suggested that the quantum confinement effect of nanometer β-SiC be responsible for the blue light and violet emission     

The effect of high-temperature heat-treatment on the strength of C/C–SiC joints

Joining of carbon fiber reinforced C–SiC dual matrix composite (denoted by C/C–SiC) is critical for its aeronautical and astronautical applications. Joining of C/C–SiC has been realized through a reaction joining process using boron-modified phenolic resin with micro-size B₄C and nano-size SiO₂ powder additives. The effect of the heat-treatment temperature on the retained strength of the joints, calculated by dividing the strength of the heat-treated joints by the strength of the joints before heat-treatment, was studied. The maximum retained strength of the joints is as high as 96.0% after the heat-treatment at 1200 °C for 30 min in vacuum, indicating good heat resistance of the joints. The thickness of the interlayer of the joint after the heat-treatment is about 18 μm and it is uniform and densified. There are no obvious cracks or pores at the interfaces. During the heat-treatment, carbon, oxygen, silicon, and boron diffuse at the interfacial area. The interlayer is composed of B₄C, SiO₂, glassy carbon, amorphous B₂O₃, and borosilicate glass. SiC appears in the interlayer of the joint heat-treated at 1400 °C for 30 min in vacuum. The addition of B₄C and SiO₂ powders contributes to the densification of the interlayer, the bonding at the interfaces and the heat resistance of the joints.     

Effect of γ-ray irradiation on the microstructure and self-heating property of carbon fiber/polyethylene composite films

High-density polyethylene composite films filled with various contents of carbon fiber (CF) were manufactured by melt mixing. The electrical and self-heating properties of the composite films were investigated. The composite films containing 10 wt% CF were exposed to γ-ray irradiation. The structural, morphological, and self-heating properties of the irradiated composite films were examined. The results indicated that the surface temperature (T_s) of the composite films was strongly dependent on the applied voltage and filler content. The T_s of the irradiated composite films was higher than that of the non-irradiated films, which contributed to the lower thermal expansion and the higher degree of crystallization of the irradiated composite films. In addition, the mechanical properties of the irradiated composite films were significantly improved. Using a rechargeable battery as the applied voltage source to evaluate the self-heating property of the irradiated composite films, a heating temperature of 54.2 °C was achieved, which lasted for 6 h.     

Effects of environmental aging on the mechanical properties of bamboo–glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix hybrid composites

Short bamboo fiber reinforced polypropylene composites (BFRP) and short bamboo–glass fiber reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites (BGRP) were fabricated using a compression molding method. Maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) was used as a compatibilizer to improve the adhesion between the reinforcements and the matrix material. By incorporating up to 20% (by mass) glass fiber, the tensile and flexural modulus of BGRP were increased by 12.5 and 10%, respectively; and the tensile and flexural strength were increased by 7 and 25%, respectively, compared to those of BFRP. Sorption behavior and effects of environmental aging on tensile properties of both BFRP and BGRP systems were studied by immersing samples in water for up to 1200 h at 25°C. Compared to BFRP, a 4% drop in saturated moisture level is seen in BGRP. After aging in water for 1200 h, reduction in tensile strength and modulus for BGRP is nearly two times less than that of BFRP. Use of MAPP as coupling agent in the polypropylene matrix results in decreased saturated moisture absorption level and enhanced mechanical properties for both BFRP and BGRP systems. Thus it is shown that the durability of bamboo fiber reinforced polypropylene can be enhanced by hybridization with small amount of glass fibers.