Wear behaviour of in situ Cu–Al2O3 composites produced by internal oxidation of as cast alloys

Abstract

In the present study, the wear behaviour of Cu–Al₂O₃ composites and Cu–Al alloys has been investigated. The experiment involved casting of Cu–Al alloys with 0·37, 1, 2 and 3 wt-% of aluminium under inert gas atmosphere. The composites were produced by internal oxidation of alloys at 950°C for 10 h in presence of Fe₂O₃ and Al₂O₃ powders mixture. The microstructures of composites were studied using SEM and atomic force microscopy. To identify wear behaviour of specimens, dry sliding pin-on-disk wear tests were conducted according to ASTM G99-95a standard. The normal loads of 20, 30, and 40 N were applied on specimens during wear tests. The sliding speed and distances were selected as 0·5 m s^–1 and 500, 1000 and 1500 m respectively. To specify the wear mechanisms, the worn surfaces of composites were examined by SEM equipped with EDX. According to wear test results, increasing applied load and sliding distance leads to more volume loss in all specimens. Composites represent better wear resistance in comparison to alloys. Additionally, increasing the volume fraction of alumina particles in composites enhances the wear resistance, especially under high applied load. The wear mechanisms are mainly abrasion, oxidation and delamination.     

Precise volume fraction prediction in oil–water–gas multiphase flows by means of gamma-ray attenuation and artificial neural networks using one detector

Artificial neural network (ANN) is an appropriate method used to handle the modeling, prediction and classification problems. In this study, based on nuclear technique in annular multiphase regime using only one detector and a dual energy gamma-ray source, a proposed ANN architecture is used to predict the oil, water and air percentage, precisely. A multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network is used to develop the ANN model in MATLAB 7.0.4 software. In this work, number of detectors and ANN input features were reduced to one and two, respectively. The input parameters of ANN are first and second full energy peaks of the detector output signal, and the outputs are oil and water percentage. The obtained results show that the proposed ANN model has achieved good agreement with the simulation data with a negligible error between the estimated and simulated values. Defined MAE% error was obtained less than 1%.     

Novel investigation on tribological properties of Ni–P–Ag–Al2O3 hybrid nanocomposite coatings

In this research, silver and alumina particles were co-deposited within Ni–P matrix to obtain Ni–P–Ag–Al₂O₃ hybrid coating. The structure of coatings was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and the tribological properties of deposits were evaluated by pin on disc tribometer. 3D optical profiler and scanning electron microscopy were used to study wear rate and worn surfaces. The results showed that Ni–P–Ag and Ni–P–Ag–Al₂O₃ coatings have the self-lubrication property and maximum hardness (∼1310 HV) and wear resistance were obtained for Ni–P–Al₂O₃ coating. Also, Ni–P–Ag–Al₂O₃ hybrid nanocomposite coating had higher wear resistance than Ni–P and Ni–P–Ag coatings. Moreover, the best conditions was achieved for heat treated hybrid coating in the concentration of 30 mg/L silver and 150 mg/L alumina in the plating solution.     

Microstructures and abrasive wear performance of PTAW deposited Ni–WC overlays using different Ni-alloy chemistries

The microstructures and performance of Ni–WC (nickel–tungsten carbide) composite overlays deposited by plasma transferred arc welding are studied using a combination of microscopy, hardness, and wear testing. The Ni–WC overlays had microstructures consisting of γ-Ni dendrites, with interdendritic Ni-based eutectics, borides and carbides. Overlays which were produced with a low hardness Ni-alloy matrix contained a smaller fraction of interdendritic phases relative to the high hardness Ni-alloys.The dissolution of WC particles was observed following deposition of the MMCs, and this promoted the formation of secondary carbide phases. Ni-alloys with low carbon and low Cr content exhibited the least dissolution of WC. The Ni–WC overlays produced using these dilute alloys generally performed better in ASTM G65 wear tests. This was due to the increased fraction of retained WC phase, and the reduced fraction of brittle secondary carbide phases when the Ni-alloy contained no Cr.     

A comparative study on the wear properties of coarse-grained Al6061 alloy and nanostructured Al6061–Al2O3 composites

Wear behavior of nanostructured Al6061 alloy and Al6061–Al₂O₃ nanocomposites produced by milling and hot consolidation were investigated. The samples were characterized by hardness test, pin-on-disk wear test, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Nanocomposites containing 3 vol% Al₂O₃ showed a maximum hardness of 235 HV and optimum wear rate of 4×10⁻³ mg/m. Increasing the amount of Al₂O₃ up to 5 vol% resulted in decrease in hardness values (∼112 HV) and a sharp rise in wear rate (∼18×10⁻³ mg/m).     

Influence of turning parameters on the machinability of homogenized Al–Cu/TiB2 in situ metal matrix composites

The increasing demand for high-strength and lightweight materials in automobile, defense, and aerospace applications necessitates the development of new composite materials and their machinability studies with wide spectrum. In this aspect, an attempt has been made to investigate the machinability characteristics of homogenized Al–Cu/TiB₂ in situ metal matrix composites. The effect of parameters, such as cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut, on performance measures, such as cutting force and surface roughness, were investigated during turning operations. As a secondary objective, the built-up edge (BUE) and chip formation are also examined. Experimental results show that better surface finish is obtained at higher cutting speed and low feed. BUE formation is observed only at low cutting speed. The chip breakability is improved due to the presence of reinforcement.     

Enhanced magnetic abrasive finishing of Ti–6Al–4V using shear thickening fluids additives

The available magnetic field assisted finishing process is considered as the critical stage for improvement of workpiece surface quality. This paper aims to investigate the key quality performance of an enhanced magnetic abrasive finishing in achieving nanolevel finish on Ti–6Al–4V workpieces with initial micrometer surface roughness values. The finishing media, combining the intelligent shear thickening fluids (STFs), carbonyl iron particles and SiC particles, is developed. Finishing experiments for Ti–6Al–4V workpieces are conducted using an established platform, aiming to investigate the effects of varying STFs concentration, working gap, feed rate and spindle rotational speed. It is observed from the experimental results that the developed finishing media is effective for surface finishing comparing to the finishing media without STFs. The surface roughness of 54 nm was achieved from the initial value of 1.17 μm, which improved by over 95%, under the experimental conditions of 0.8 mm working gap, 15000 mm/min feed rate, 900 rpm spindle rotational speed and 15 wt% STFs. Surface observations showed that a smooth surface without obvious scratches was obtained.     

Al2O3—Cu基复合材料的制备

用内氧化技术制备了弥散硬化Ａｌ２Ｏ３－Ｃｕ基复合材料，研究了其显微组织特性。结果表明，该技术简单，易行，复合材料中的Ａｌ２Ｏ３粒子数量随基体中铝含量的增加而增加。     

Synergism between corrosion and wear on CoCrMo−Al2O3 biocomposites in a physiological solution

The use of metal matrix composite structures in biomedical implants can be a solution for decreasing the amount of degradation products. Thus, the present work aims to investigate the synergism between corrosion and wear on CoCrMo matrix 10% (vol) Al₂O₃ particle reinforced composites in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at body temperature. Corrosion behavior was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization. Tribocorrosion tests were performed under open circuit potential, as well as under cathodic and anodic potentiostatic conditions using a reciprocating ball-on-plate tribometer. Results suggest that the addition of Al₂O₃ particles did not create a significant effect on corrosion behavior of CoCrMo alloy, however, it increased the wear resistance and decreased the corrosion kinetics when sliding in PBS solution.     

Al2O3/Cu复合材料的微动摩擦学特性

以纳米Al2O3为增强相,用粉末冶金法制备了铜基复合材料,研究了Al2O3的比例、载荷等对复合材料摩擦因数和磨损量的影响,并和纯铜的性能作了比较.结果表明,Al2O3的质量分数不宜超过4%,以2%为最佳;纯铜的摩擦因数随着载荷的增加而轻微上升,但Cu/Al2O3复合材料的摩擦因数随着载荷的增加变化幅度较大,呈先上升后下降的趋势,且在极小和较大的载荷下,复合材料的摩擦因数均比纯铜低,但复合材料的磨损量始终比纯铜的低,相对耐磨性最高可达1.55,呈现出良好的耐磨性.     

Al2O3p／Cu复合材料磨损行为研究

对热压烧结工艺制备的Ａｌ２Ｏ３ｐ／Ｃｕ复合材料的磨损行为进行了研究。结果表明,颗粒的粒径、形貌及其含量对复合材料的耐磨性有显著影响,所加入的Ａｌ２Ｏ３颗粒愈细,材料的耐磨性愈好。     

Cu—Al2O3复合材料的塑性变形与再结晶

研究了弥散强化型Cu-Al2O3复合材料的塑性变形行为,以及塑性变形和退火对材料组织与性能的影响规律,结果表明：复材料的冷变形组织以孔隙的充分压合、纤维状长晶和界面Al2O3的均分布为特征,冷变形后材料的性能大大提高。稳定的Al2O3粒子可显著提高复合材料的结晶湿度、高温退火与热变形均未发生明显的再结晶。复合材料具有优良的抗热稳定性和很高的高温强度。     

Characterization of hole circularity in pulsed Nd:YAG laser micro-drilling of TiN–Al2O3 composites

In micro-manufacturing, circularity of a drilled hole at entry and exit are important attributes which greatly influence the quality of a drilled hole. This study investigates the effect of five parameters in the circularity of drilled holes in pulsed Nd:YAG laser micro-drilling process. The drilling operation has been carried out on titanium nitride–alumina (TiN–Al₂O₃) composite, an important electroconductive ceramics suitable for wear and heating applications. The effect of various process parameters like lamp current, pulse frequency, pulse width, air pressure, and focal length of Nd:YAG laser micro-drilling on hole circularity at entry and exit has been investigated through response-surface-methodology-based experimental study. The parametric combination for optimal hole circularity at entry and exit has also been evaluated.     

Tribo-layer and its role in dry sliding wear of Ti–6Al–4V alloy

Dry sliding wear tests were performed for Ti–6Al–4V alloy under a load of 50–250 N at 25–500 °C on a pin-on-disk elevated temperature tester. Worn surfaces and subsurfaces were thoroughly investigated for the morphology, composition and structure of tribo-layers. Ti–6Al–4V alloy could not be considered to possess poor wear resistance at all times, and presented a substantially higher wear resistance at 400–500 °C than at 25–200 °C. The tribo-layer, a mechanical mixing layer, was noticed to exist on worn surfaces under various conditions. High wear rate at 25–200 °C was ascribed to no protective tribo-layer containing no or trace tribo-oxides. As more oxides appeared in the tribo-layers, they presented an obviously protective role due to their high hardness, thus giving a reasonable explanation for high wear resistance of Ti–6Al–4V alloy at 400–500 °C.     

Effect of abrasive grit shape on polishing of β-Ga2O3(100) substrate

β-Ga₂O₃ can be cleaved easily, where the (100) surface is the main cleavage surface. This surface encounters local stress concentration during ultra-precision machining and is prone to local fragmentation, resulting in formation of micro-cleavage pits. The effects of different abrasive grit shapes on polishing are studied in order to ensure smooth processing of β-Ga₂O₃(100). First, a contact mechanics model for different shapes of abrasive grits and crystal surfaces is established in accordance with the theory of elasticity. Then, the contact mechanism between the abrasive grits and the crystal surfaces is analyzed using a theoretical model. Finally, the feasibility of the theoretical model is verified in experiments. The results show that blunt spherical abrasive grits are more suitable for polishing of β-Ga₂O₃(100) than sharp diamond-shaped abrasive grits. Compared to sharp abrasive grits, the crystal surfaces processed using blunt abrasive grits are smoother, with surface roughness (Ra) of approximately 14 nm. During polishing, the sharp and blunt abrasive grits remove brittle and plastic material, respectively. Therefore, blunt abrasive grits are more suitable for the polishing of β-Ga₂O₃ than sharp abrasive grits.     

Wear behavior of Cu–La2O3 composite with or without electrical current

A new type Cu–La₂O₃ composite was fabricated by internal oxidation method using powder metallurgy. Sliding wear behavior of the Cu–La₂O₃ composites was studied by using a pin-on-disk wear tester under dry sliding conditions with or without electrical current, rubbing against GCr15 type bearing steel disk at a constant sliding speed of 20 m/s. The influence of varying applied load and electrical current was investigated. The worn surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to determine the wear mechanisms. The results showed the Cu–La₂O₃ composites had an electrical conductivity of 81.9% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard, 100% IACS = 58 MS/m) and a hardness of HV105. The wear rate of the Cu–La₂O₃ composite pins increased with the increase in the electrical current at high sliding speed. The main wear mechanisms of the Cu–La₂O₃ composites were found to be adhesive wear, abrasive wear and arc erosion.     

The influence of Cu addition on precipitation in Fe–Cr–Ni–Al–(Cu) model alloys

Precipitation in Fe–Cr–Ni–Al–(Cu) model alloys was investigated after ageing for 0.25, 3, 10 and 100 h at 798 K. Characterization of nanoscale precipitates was performed using three-dimensional atom probe microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The precipitates are found to be enriched in Ni and Al (Cu) and depleted in Fe and Cr. After 0.25 h of ageing the number density of precipitates is ∼8×10²⁴ m⁻³, their volume fraction is about 15.5% and they are near-spherical with an average diameter of about 2–3 nm. During further ageing the precipitates in the both alloys grow, but the coarsening behaviour is different for both alloys. The precipitates of the Cu-free alloy grow much faster compared with the Cu-containing alloy and their density decreases. Precipitates in Cu-free alloy change to plate shaped even after 10 h of ageing, whereas those of Cu-containing alloy remain spherical up to 10 h of ageing. The influence of Cu addition on precipitation in these model alloys is discussed with respect to the different coarsening mechanisms.