Hot-pressed phosphate glass–ceramic matrix composites containing calcium phosphate particles for nuclear waste encapsulation

Sodium aluminium phosphate (NaAlP) glass–ceramic composites were produced as potential wasteforms for the immobilization of special categories of halide-containing radioactive waste. Sintering conditions for encapsulating a simulated waste (a calcinated mixture of calcium phosphate host and various oxides) in the cold-pressed NaAlP glass–ceramic were first determined and the results were compared with similar samples prepared by hot pressing. In both cases, the conditions aimed to provide a very high-density material, via as low production temperatures as possible, in conjunction with a high waste loading (75 wt.% simulated waste to 25 wt.% glass). It was found that by hot pressing and using a NaAlP glass–ceramic containing 2 mol% B₂O₃, significantly lower temperatures could be employed compared to the cold pressing and sintering route. The lowest temperature at which a sufficiently dense hot-pressed product was achieved (86% theoretical density), that exhibited mechanical properties similar to those of borosilicate glass (e.g. Young’s modulus 67 ± 2 GPa), was 550 °C. This processing temperature is considerably lower than values reported in the literature for similar systems. As such, hot pressing can be considered as a convenient technique for the fabrication of this type of composite for waste encapsulation.     

考虑纤维/基体界面相的复合材料湿扩散模型

通过类比复合材料湿扩散与热传导的控制方程以及边界条件,以Halpin & Tsai模型为基础,发展了一个考虑了纤维/基体界面相的三相复合材料湿扩散模型,并研究了纤维界面随机损伤对湿扩散的影响。建立了纤维周期排布、随机排布、界面相损伤随机分布3种细观有限元模型。用上述模型分析了单向复合材料横向有效湿扩散系数（TEMDUC）随纤维和界面相体积分数、湿扩散性能以及界面相损伤率变化的规律,理论预测与有限元计算结果一致。研究发现：界面相或纤维相的扩散系数存在一个临界值,当扩散系数小于该临界值时,TEMDUC随纤维体积分数的增大而减小;反之,TEMDUC随纤维体积分数的增大而增大,此临界值的大小与纤维体积含量无关。研究还发现纤维界面损伤率相同的条件下,其分布的随机性对复合材料的有效湿扩散系数影响不大。     

Glass sealants for carbon-carbon composites

SiC coatings were chemically vapour deposited (CVD) on a carbon-carbon (C/C) composite. These coatings contain thermal mismatch cracks which require sealing between 600 and 1100 °C. The volatility, wettability and moisture sensitivity of binary and multicomponent borosilicate glasses were investigated, and these glasses were found to provide sealing over some or all of this temperature range. The volatilization rate is enhanced by the presence of water vapour and results in the loss of the B₂O₃ constituent from the glass. The C/C composite surface showed poorer wetting than the CVD SiC surface, and both surfaces showed improved wetting for glasses of higher B₂O₃ content. The moisture sensitivity of the binary borosilicate glasses was proportional to the B₂O₃ content. Room-temperature moisture had little effect on the multicomponent glasses.     

Advances in encapsulation technologies for the management of mercury-contaminated hazardous wastes

Although industrial and commercial uses of mercury have been curtailed in recent times, there is a demonstrated need for the development of reliable hazardous waste management techniques because of historic operations that have led to significant contamination and ongoing hazardous waste generation. This study was performed to evaluate whether the U.S. EPA could propose treatment and disposal alternatives to the current land disposal restriction (LDR) treatment standards for mercury. The focus of this article is on the current state of encapsulation technologies that can be used to immobilize elemental mercury, mercury-contaminated debris, and other mercury-contaminated wastes, soils, sediments, or sludges. The range of encapsulation materials used in bench-scale, pilot-scale, and full-scale applications for mercury-contaminated wastes are summarized. Several studies have been completed regarding the application of sulfur polymer stabilization/solidification, chemically bonded phosphate ceramic encapsulation, and polyethylene encapsulation. Other materials reported in the literature as under development for encapsulation use include asphalt, polyester resins, synthetic elastomers, polysiloxane, sol-gels, Dolocrete, and carbon/cement mixtures. The primary objective of these encapsulation methods is to physically immobilize the wastes to prevent contact with leaching agents such as water. However, when used for mercury-contaminated wastes, several of these methods require a pretreatment or stabilization step to chemically fix mercury into a highly insoluble form prior to encapsulation. Performance data is summarized from the testing and evaluation of various encapsulated, mercury-contaminated wastes. Future technology development and research needs are also discussed.     

Joining of carbon/carbon composites for nuclear applications

Using hot pressing, carbon/carbon composites were joined using a Ti₃SiC₂/SiC interlayer which was in situ synthesized by the reaction of TiC and Si. Phase composition of the interlayer was characterized by X-ray diffraction. Morphologies of the joints before and after shear test were determined by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The mechanical strength of the joints was assessed by shear strength test. Phase analysis reveals that the interlayer was mainly composed of ternary Ti₃SiC₂, SiC, and little TiC. The microstructure observation results show that the dense and uniform interlayer adheres firmly to the C/C composites. A composition gradient reaction layer was formed at the joining interface between C/C substrates and interlayer. The room temperature average shear strength of the joints is about 38.9 ± 3.6 MPa. The joining mechanism and failure behavior of the joints were also discussed.     

Glass transition improvement in epoxy/graphene composites

Graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GO) were prepared from expanded graphite (EG) and functionalized with triethylenetetramine (GO-TETA). The GO-TETA consisted of a few layers of graphene (~4–6 layers), as determined by atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the TETA was covalently linked to the GO in the GO-TETA sample. Epoxy composites based on the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with TETA as a hardener and with 0.5–3.0 wt% additions of EG and GO-TETA were investigated. The results showed that the addition of the nanofillers led to an increase of ~20 °C in the glass transition temperature. A slight increase in the ratio of the elastic modulus/hardness of the nanocomposites was observed by nanoindentation tests carried out at a depth range of 300 nm–1.3 μm; these tests indicated a tendency of increased fracture toughness. Microindentation had an enhancement of 40 % in hardness for the 1 wt% composite with GO-TETA relative to the corresponding value for the neat epoxy.     

SiC filament/titanium matrix composites regarded as model composites

Two types of large diameter SiC CVD filaments have been investigated on both chemical and mechanical standpoints: a 100m filament with a tungsten core (from SNPE) and three 140m filaments with carbon cores and surface coatings (from AVCO). On the basis of microprobe (X-ray, Auger and Raman), X-ray diffraction and SEM analyses, it appears that the former is made of a single homogeneous stoichiometric SiC deposit while the latter are mainly made of two concentric shells (the inner being a SiC+C mixture and the outer almost pure SiC). All the C-core filaments had received a surface coating (either pure pyrocarbon or SiC+C mixture) presumably to protect the brittle SiC deposit against abrasion due to handling in opposition to the W-core filament which seems to have no surface coating at all. The W-core filament, although smaller in diameter, is weaker than the C-core filaments (average UTS of 3 and 4 GPa respectively for a 40 mm gauge length). However, its strength distribution is much narrower (Weibull moduli of 7–8 and 2–5 respectively). Failures of most filaments appear to have a multimodal character.     

Optimization of dry sliding wear behaviour of industrial wastes reinforced aluminium based metal matrix composites

Marble dust and basalt powder are industrial waste generated during the machining of marble stone and basalt rock. This paper presents an approach for the optimization of dry sliding wear parameters of aluminium 7075 reinforced with marble dust and basalt powder hybrid metal matrix composite using Taguchi based grey relational analysis. In this work, the composite is fabricated by stir casting technique and the wear parameters namely load, sliding velocity and sliding distance are optimized with consideration of multi responses such as wear rate and coefficient of friction. Experiments are conducted as per Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array. A grey relational analysis is carried out and grey relational grade is obtained. Based on the grey relational grade, optimum level of wear parameters has been identified by analysis of variance. The test results are validated by conducting the confirmation test. Experimental results have shown that the sliding velocity is the most effective factor among the control parameters on dry sliding wear, followed by the sliding distance and load. Finally, the micro structural investigations on the worn surfaces are performed by scanning electron microscope.     

Metal matrix composites for aeroengines

Abstract

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) will play a significant role in the future of gas turbine aeroengine development. This paper outlines the benefits and some of the potential applications for Al and Ti MMCs and discusses issues involved in the introduction of this relatively new class of composite materials into engine components. The potential for cost savings and performance improvements which may be achieved by the introduction of silicon carbide particulate reinforced Al alloys (Al–SiC_p MMC)are discussed, where the properties of the composite can be tailored to meet the requirements of a specific application. Some of the processing implications for Ti matrix composites (Ti MMCs) are explained for a range of component applications. Illustrations are given of how the manufacturing process can be controlled for a complex component. Finally, the influence of raw material, manufacturing, and component costs on the successful introduction of MMCs into aeroengines is discussed.     

On the fibre/matrix interface in boron/aluminium metal matrix composites

The fibre/matrix interface of B; AI metal matrix composites (MMCs) has been examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEW. As-fabricated samples show no fibre/matrix reaction whereas isothermal exposure for increasing periods of time leads to the formation of at least four distinct borides. The extent and location of the fibre/matrix reaction is strongly influenced by the presence of an oxide layer which is present at all the interfaces. The effect of these reaction products upon mechanical properties is considered.     

Recent advances in fiber/matrix interphase engineering for polymer composites

This review summarizes the recent (from year 2000) advancements in the interphase tailoring of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The scientific and technological achievements are classified on the basis of the selected strategies distinguishing between (i) interphase tailoring via sizing/coating on fibers, (ii) creation of hierarchical fibers by nanostructures, (iii) fiber surface modifications by polymer deposition and (iv) potential effects of matrix modifications on the interphase formation. Special attention was paid to report on efforts dedicated to the creation of (multi)functional interphase in polymer composites. This review is round up by listing current trends in the characterization and modelling of the interphase. In the final outlook, future opportunities and challenges in the engineering of fiber/matrix interphase are summarized.     

Plasticity improvement for dendrite/metallic glass matrix composites by pre-deformation

The mechanical properties of in-situ metallic glass matrix composites (MGMCs) are investigated by tensile pre-deformation, followed by compression. The pre-deformation is utilized to exploit notable increases in plasticity, accompanied by slight increases in the compressive strength, and the deformation mechanisms are explored. The increased free volumes in the glass matrix after tensile pre-deformation contribute to the decrease of the Young's modulus of the glass matrix and lead to the increase in the stress concentration, promoting multiplication of shear bands. When the Young's modulus of the glass matrix matches that of the dendrites, the plasticity of in-situ dendrite-reinforced MGMCs is the optimized. Matching Young's modulus opens a door to design the MGMCs with excellent plasticity and remarkable work-hardening capability.     

SiC颗粒增强铝基复合材料的纯铜中间层液相扩散焊

采用Cu箔中间层在Ar气氛保护、550℃条件下过渡液相扩散焊(TLP)焊接SiC颗粒(SiCp)增强Al基复合材料SiCp/ZL101和SiCp/Al(SiCp10vol％),对母材与焊接接头的微观组织、剪切强度、焊接接头剪切断面与断裂路径等进行分析.结果表明:在铸Al(ZL101)与纯Al(Al)基体中,分别通过共晶...     

农林废物生物炭/高密度聚乙烯复合材料的制备与性能

利用稻壳、杨木在600℃下制备稻壳炭、杨木炭,以稻壳、稻壳炭、杨木、杨木炭为填料填充高密度聚乙烯(HDPE)制备复合材料,并对其性能进行测试分析.结果表明,跟稻壳、杨木相比,稻壳炭、杨木炭具有较高的含碳量、较大的比表面积、发达的孔隙结构及较低的极性;稻壳炭/HDPE复合材料的弯曲强度、弯曲模量、拉伸强度、拉伸模量分别为...     

Metal matrix composites for industrial application

The present status of Metal Matrix Composite materials Research & Development (R&D) and industrial exploitation is summarised. Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) are defined and described and their value to the designer is discussed in the context of their technical strengths and weaknesses. The driving force for the present high level of investment in MMC R&D worldwide is discussed and the economic advantages of collaborative development initiatives are analysed. The present UK industrial collaborative MMC R&D programme is described and set in the context of the scope and objectives of major development programmes in the US, Japan and Europe.     

Nucleation mechanism of the cubic σ phase in squeeze-cast aluminium matrix composites

An Al-4.3 wt% Cu-2.0 wt% Mg alloy reinforced with 20 vol% reinforcing fibres was examined after a T7 heat treatment. The expected precipitate phase was equilibrium S′ (Al₂CuMg), which was confirmed to form in the monolithic alloy. However when this Al-Cu-Mg alloy was squeeze-cast into a fibre preform and given an identical T7 heat treatment a number of other phases also nucleated; these included θ′ (Al₂Cu), β′ (Mg₂Si) and the cubic σ phase (Al₅Cu₆Mg₂). These additional phases were determined to nucleate and grow rapidly during the water-quench following solution treatment. The existence of excess Si (approximately 0.5 wt%) in the matrix was determined to be responsible for nucleation of these additional phases. This extra Si entered the composite matrix during squeeze-casting through breakdown of an SiO₂ layer which existed at the fibre interfaces. During quenching Si clusters rapidly form and provide nucleation sites for the σ and θ′ phases. The Si clusters apparently created a compressive strain in the matrix which attracted a high concentration of small Cu atoms to their interface. The σ phase nucleated in this high-Cu region since, on a localized scale, σ became the equilibrium phase. This type of nucleation process may also explain the enhanced precipitate nucleation which occasionally takes place in other alloy systems when trace amounts of certain elements are added.     

Prediction of first matrix cracking in micro/nanohybrid brittle matrix composites

The classical Aveston–Cooper–Kelly shear-lag model for predicting the first matrix cracking strength in a brittle matrix composite is extended to the case of a hybrid brittle matrix composite containing both micro-scale and nano-scale fibers. First, closed-form solutions for the stresses in the two types of fibers and the matrix are derived. These are then used along with an energy analysis to predict the matrix cracking stress as a function of relevant material parameters. The analysis is applied to a typical Nicalon-SiC/CVI-SiC ceramic matrix composite containing additional nanofibers, for a wide range of nanofiber properties. A few volume percent of small diameter, moderate-stiffness nanofibers is predicted to provide significant strengthening and reduced crack opening while maintaining acceptable post-cracking fiber stresses. Various issues in the design of such micro/nanohybrid composites are then discussed.     

Extrusion characteristics of aluminium alloy/SiCpmetal matrix composites

Abstract

Systematic extrusion studies have been carried out on aluminium alloy 2124/SiC_p metal matrix composites. Effects of various extrusion process parameters, such as die design, ram speed, extrusion ratio, reheat temperature, and lubrication, on the pressure requirement and surface quality of the as extruded circular rods have been investigated. Different volume fractions of SiC particles (10, 15, and 20 vol.-%) were used for the synthesis of metal matrix composite billets. These composites were synthesised using two different techniques, namely, stir casting and powder metallurgy. These billets were then hot extruded on a laboratory scale 500 ton vertical hydraulic press. The significance of specially designed dish shaped dies, avoiding the dead metal zone, has also been highlighted. The results indicated that the best extrusion was possible when powder metallurgical processed billets were extruded. Volume fraction analysis of ceramic reinforcement in the extruded rod (typically 2 m long) and in the extruded discard showed no appreciable backward migration of these particles during extrusion.     

Interface chemistry in carbon fibre/epoxy matrix composites

Microcomposite test methods were used to measure the properties of the interphase of HTA/922 carbon/epoxy composites. The shear strength of the interphase resin is lower than that of the bulk resin. It is suggested that the discrepancy arises from changes in resin chemistry at the fibre/matrix interface. Bulk resin samples where the proportions of the constituents had been altered were tested. Resin with a reduced level of hardener matched the mechanical behaviour of the interphase resin. It is concluded that, for the system examined, the interphase resin had a lower hardener concentration than the bulk resin.