Fabrication and characterization of Al356/SiCp semisolid composites by injecting SiCp containing composite powders

Al356/5 vol.% SiC_p cast composites were fabricated by the injection of reinforcement particles into the melt in three different forms, i.e. as untreated SiC_p, milled particulate Al-SiC_p composite powder, and milled Al-SiC_p-Mg composite powder. The resultant composite slurries were then cast in the semisolid temperature range of the alloy, upon which the effects of the type of injected powder on the distribution and incorporation of the reinforcement particles, along with the hardness of the cast composites, were investigated. Injection of milled composite powders resulted in considerable improvement in SiC_p wetting as well as the incorporation and distribution of SiC_p in the Al356 matrix alloy. Al356/5 vol.% SiC_p composite with well dispersed reinforcement particles of less than 3 μm average diameter was successfully produced by injecting Al-SiC_p-Mg composite powder into the melt. The best microstructural characteristics in terms of the reinforcement incorporation and distribution, and the highest hardness value of the cast composites, were achieved when magnesium was added through the injected composite powder and not directly into the melt.     

Production of Al-Si-SiCp cast composites by injection of low-energy ball-milled Al-SiCp powder into the melt

Al-7wt%Si-10wt%SiC_p composite with uniformly distributed reinforcement particles with the average size of about 3 microns was produced by a special compocasting method in which the reinforcement was injected into the melt in the form of particulate Al-SiC_p composite powder instead of SiC_p. The effects of the reinforcement addition form, the solid fraction of primary alpha-aluminum particles at pouring, and stirring speed on the incorporation of reinforcement particles into the matrix were investigated. Injection of particulate Al-SiCp composite led to improved incorporation and dispersion and reduced size of SiC_p. Casting from the semisolid state significantly improved the incorporation of SiC_p into the matrix. The optimal solid fraction of primary alpha-aluminum particles to achieve a reasonable combination of reinforcement incorporation and fluidity of the composite slurry was recognized to be about 0.1. The incorporation of SiC_p was improved by increasing the stirring speed up to 500 rpm and then gradually decreased.     

Using ARB process as a solution for dilemma of Si and SiCp distribution in cast Al-Si/SiCp composites

A major challenge in achieving the best potential of SiC_p-reinforced aluminum composites is to homogeneously disperse SiC particles within the aluminum alloys. The presence of coarse Si fibers with non-uniform distribution in cast Al-Si alloys, which may lead to poor mechanical properties, is another important problem that limits the application of these alloys. In order to eliminate these problems, accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process was used in this study as a very effective method for improving the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al356/SiC_p composite. It was found that when the number of ARB cycles was increased, the uniformity of the Si and SiC_p in the aluminum matrix improved, the Si particles became finer and more spheroidal, the free zones of Si and SiC particles disappeared, the porosity of composite decreased, the bonding quality between SiC_p and matrix improved, and therefore mechanical properties of the composites were improved. The microstructure of the manufactured Al356/SiC_p composite after six ARB cycles indicated a completely modified structure so that its tensile strength and elongation values reached 318 MPa and 5.9%, which were 3.1 and 3.7 times greater than those of the as-cast composite, respectively.     

Fabrication and characterization of cast magnesium matrix composites by vacuum stir casting process

A vacuum stir casting process is developed to produce SiC_p reinforced cast magnesium matrix composites. This process can eliminate the entrapment of external gas onto melt and oxidation of magnesium during stirring synthesis. Two composites with Mg-Al9Zn and Mg-Zn5Zr alloys as matrices and 15 vol.% SiC particles as reinforcement are obtained. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites and the unreinforced alloys in as-cast and heat treatment conditions are analyzed and evaluated. In 15 vol.% SiC_p reinforced Mg-Al9Zn alloy-based composite (Mg-Al9Zn/15SiC_p), SiC particles distribute homogenously in the matrix and are well bonded with magnesium. In 15 vol.% SiC_p reinforced Mg-Zn5Zr alloy-based composite (Mg-Zn5Zr/15SiC_p), some agglomerations of SiC particles can be seen in the microstructure. In the same stirring process conditions, SiC reinforcement is more easily wetted by magnesium in the Mg-Al9Zn melt than in the Mg-Zn5Zr melt. The significant improvement in yield strength and elastic modulus for two composites has been achieved, especially for the Mg-Al9Zn/15SiC_p composite in which yield strength and elastic modulus increase 112 and 33%, respectively, over the unreinforced alloy, and increase 24 and 21%, respectively, for the Mg-Zn5Zr/15SiC_p composite. The strain-hardening behaviors of the two composites and their matrix alloys were analyzed based on the microstructure characteristics of the materials.     

Development of a Novel Cast 6351 Al-Al4SiC4 In Situ Composite

In this research work 6351 Al-Al₄SiC₄ composite has been developed through stir casting route with incorporation of fine TiC powder in 6351 Al melt. During stir casting, round shaped Al₄SiC₄ particles were generated as TiC reacted with molten aluminum. These Al₄SiC₄ particles were found to be acting as nucleation sites for primary α (causing grain refinement) along with engulfment effects promoting particle distribution without clustering. Furthermore, as the volume fraction of Al₄SiC₄ particles increased, the proportion of dendritic region decreased (more equiaxed grains appeared) and the overall grain size of the matrix decreased. This resulted in an improved strength and ductility of the composite. Equations were developed with a reasonable accuracy correlating the strength with microstructural parameters. An excellent combination of strength (UTS = 215 MPa) and ductility (%Elongation = 10) was obtained for 6351 Al-7 vol.% Al₄SiC₄ composite as compared to base cast 6351 Al alloy (UTS = 121 MPa, %Elongation = 3).     

Determining material properties of metal-matrix composites by NDE

Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is a promising means of studying silicon carbide particulate (SiC_p)-reinforced aluminum metal-matrix composite (MMC) products at various processing stages. Eddy current techniques are effective in characterizing alloy powders and in evaluating the percentage of reinforcement in Al/SiC_p powder mixtures. Ultrasonic methods can be used to identify SiC_p clusters in large-scale, powder metallurgy processed MMC billets, while eddy current techniques can detect near-surface density variations. Ultrasonic techniques can also be used to determine the anisotropic stiffness constants of composite extrusions; the measured moduli are in good agreement with those determined by tensile testing. These results suggest that NDE can be used to provide on-line, closed-loop control of MMC manufacturing.     

Multi-objective optimization of friction stir welding parameters using desirability approach to join Al/SiCp metal matrix composites

Silicon carbide particulate (SiC_p) reinforced cast aluminium (Al) based metal matrix composites (MMCs) have gained wide acceptance in the fabrication of light weight structures requiring high specific strength, high temperature capability and good wear resistance. Friction stir welding (FSW) process parameters play major role in deciding the performance of welded joints. The ultimate tensile strength, notch tensile strength and weld nugget hardness of friction stir butt welded joints of cast Al/SiC_p MMCs (AA6061 with 20% (volume fraction) of SiC_p) were investigated. The relationships between the FSW process parameters (rotational speed, welding speed and axial force) and the responses (ultimate tensile strength, notch tensile strength and weld nugget hardness) were established. The optimal welding parameters to maximize the mechanical properties were identified by using desirability approach. From this investigation, it is found that the joints fabricated with the tool rotational speed of 1370 r/min, welding speed of 88.9 mm/min, and axial force of 9.6 kN yield the maximum ultimate tensile strength, notch tensile strength and hardness of 265 MPa, 201 MPa and HV114, respectively.     

Effect of forging temperature on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the SiCp/AZ91 magnesium matrix composite

In this paper, 10 vol. pct SiC_p/AZ91 magnesium matrix composite was fabricated by stir casting technology. The ingots were forged at temperatures of 320, 370 and 420 ℃, respectively. XRD, OM and SEM were used to characterize microstructure of the composites. It was shown that the clusters of particles in the as-cast composite were largely eliminated, and that the tensile strength was improved obviously.     

Effects of nano-SiCp content on microstructure and mechanical properties of SiCp/A356 composites assisted with ultrasonic treatment

nano-SiC_p/A356 composites with different nano-SiC_p contents were prepared by squeeze casting after ultrasonic treatment (UT). The effects of SiC_p content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The results show that with the addition of nano-SiC_p, the microstructure of nanocomposites is obviously refined, the morphology of the α(Al) grains transforms from coarse dendrites to rosette crystals, and long acicular eutectic Si phases are shortened and rounded. The mechanical properties of 0.5%, 1% and 2% (mass fraction) SiC_p/A356 nanocomposites are improved continuously with the increase of nano-SiC_p content. Especially, when the SiC_p content is 2%, the tensile strength, yield strength and elongation are 259 MPa, 144 MPa and 5.3%, which are increased by 19%, 69% and 15%, respectively, compared with those of the matrix alloy. The improvement of strength is attributed to mechanisms of Hall-Petch strengthening and Orowan strengthening.     

Effect of SiCp content on cooling curve characteristics and solidification kinetics of Al-Si/SiCp cast composites

The purpose of this work was to explore the effect of the presence of different quantities of SiC_p on the cooling curve characteristics, latent heat released and solidification kinetics, associated with the cooling and solidification of Al-Si/SiC_p composites produced by the stir casting process. An increase in SiC_p content in A356/SiC_p metal matrix composites produces a shortening of the associated cooling curve and an increase in the eutectic growth temperature with respect to the monolithic metal matrix alloy, cooled under the same experimental conditions. The shortening of the cooling curves could be explained as a result of the measured decrease in the amount of latent heat released during solidification. The increase in the maximum eutectic growth temperature is apparently due to the nucleation of eutectic silicon by SiC_p and also to the change in the growth kinetics and morphology of the eutectic Si from fibrous to platelike. IJCMR/422     

SiCp/Al复合材料与Fe36Ni合金超声波钎焊

利用超声波钎焊方法使用ZnAlSi钎料实现了Fe36Ni合金与45%SiC_p/2024Al和55%SiC_p/A356两种复合材料的连接,并得到由SiC颗粒增强的复合焊缝.通过扫描电镜、能谱等方法对焊缝的微观结构以及断口形貌进行了观察,对接头的压剪强度进行了测试,分析了Fe36Ni与两种复合材料钎焊接头微观组织和接头强度的差异.结果表明,在Fe36Ni与两种复合材料的钎缝中,钎料与两侧母材界面均形成良好的冶金结合,SiC颗粒均匀分布于焊缝中.Fe36Ni与45%SiC_p/2024Al的接头抗剪强度为110~145 MPa,Fe36Ni与55%SiC_p/A356的接头抗剪强度为75~85 MPa.Fe36Ni与45%SiC_p/2024Al的接头断裂位置为钎缝中,而Fe36Ni与55%SiC_p/A356的接头断裂位置位于Fe36Ni与钎料的界面上.     

Compocasting of A356-CNT composite

A356 aluminum alloys reinforced with carbon nano-tubes (CNTs) were produced by stir casting and compocasting routes and their microstructural characteristics and hardness were examined. In order to alleviate the problems associated with poor wettability, agglomeration and gravity segregation of CNTs in the melt, CNTs were introduced into the melts by injection of CNT deposited aluminum particles instead of raw CNTs. Aluminum particles with mean diameters of less than 100 μm were first deposited by CNTs using Ni-P electroless plating technique and then injected into the melt agitated by a mechanical stirrer. The slurry was subsequently cast at temperatures corresponding to full liquid as well as 0.15 and 0.30 solid fractions. The results show that addition of CNTs to A356 matrix can significantly refine both full liquid and semi-solid cast microstructures. Hardness of the samples is also significantly increased by addition of CNTs and A356-CNT composite cast at 0.3 solid fraction produces the highest hardness.     

Al-SiC powder preparation for electronic packaging aluminum composites by plasma spray processing

Powders of pure aluminum (Al) with 55 and 75 vol.% SiC particles were ball milled in a conventional rotating ball mill with stainless steel and ZrO₂ balls for 1–10 h. The morphology and microstructure of the milled powders have been observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). The milled powders were plasma sprayed onto a graphite substrate to obtain Al matrix composites with high SiC volume fraction. SiC particles in the milled powders existed in two forms; i.e., the combination of Al into composite powder and individual. Plastic Al particles were broken during ball milling, and fine Al particles can be coated onto the surface of SiC particles. Iron contamination in the milled powders occurred when stainless steel balls were used. The iron level can be effectively controlled by using ZrO₂ ball media. The milling efficiency by ZrO₂ balls is inferior to that by stainless steel balls. Longer milling time was required with ZrO₂ balls to achieve the same effect as obtained with stainless steel balls. SiC particles in the sprayed composites from the milled powders exhibited a reasonably uniform distribution and high volume fraction.     

Elastoplastic deformation of Al/SiCp metal–matrix composite studied by self-consistent modelling and neutron diffraction

Neutron diffraction was used to measure the lattice strains in Al/SiC_p metal–matrix composite under an external load applied while the sample was in situ in the neutron beam. The evolution of the internal stresses and of the critical-resolved shear stress during bending were predicted by elastoplastic models. Calculations based on these models were verified by comparison with the results of the diffraction experiment. It was found that the self-consistent model correctly predicts the distribution of stresses between the two phases of the Al/SiC_p composite. Finally, the parameters characterising elastoplastic deformation of the Al–matrix were determined.     

Fabrication and Wear Behavior of Nanostructured Plasma-Sprayed 6061Al-SiCp Composite Coating

6061Al powder with 15 wt.% SiC particulate (SiC_p) reinforcement was mechanically alloyed (MA) in a high-energy attrition mill. The MA powder was then plasma sprayed onto weathering steel (Cor-Ten A242) substrate using an atmospheric plasma spray process. Results of particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy show that the addition of SiC particles as the reinforcement influences on the matrix grain size and morphology. XRD studies revealed embedment of SiC_p in the MA-processed composite powder, and nanocrystals in the MA powder and the coating. Microstructural studies showed a uniform distribution of reinforced SiC particles in the coating. The porosity level in the coating was as low as 2% while the coating hardness was increased to 232VHN. The adhesion strength of the coatings was high and this was attributed to higher degree of diffusion at the interface. The wear rate in the coatings was evaluated using a pin-on-disk type tribometer and found to decrease by 50% compared to the 6061Al matrix coating. The wear mechanism in the coating was delamination and oxidative type.     

Microstructures and mechanical properties of Al 2519 matrix composites reinforced with Ti-coated SiC particles

Ti-coated SiC_p particles were developed by vacuum evaporation with Ti to improve the interfacial bonding of SiC_p/Al composites. Ti-coated SiC particles and uncoated SiC particles reinforced Al 2519 matrix composites were prepared by hot pressing, hot extrusion and heat treatment. The influence of Ti coating on microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that the densely deposited Ti coating reacts with SiC particles to form TiC and Ti₅Si₃ phases at the interface. Ti-coated SiC particle reinforced composite exhibits uniformity and compactness compared to the composite reinforced with uncoated SiC particles. The microstructure, relative density and mechanical properties of the composite are significantly improved. When the volume fraction is 15%, the hardness, fracture strain and tensile strength of the SiC_p reinforced Al 2519 composite after Ti plating are optimized, which are HB 138.5, 4.02% and 455 MPa, respectively.     

Influence of pulse impact on properties of liquid phase pulse impact diffusion welding SiCp/AlSi7Mg and its welding mechanism

Abstract

The influence of pulse impact on the microstructure and properties of welded joints of aluminium matrix composite SiC_p/AlSi7Mg by liquid phase pulse impact diffusion welding (LPPIDW) and its welding mechanism had been studied. It showed that during LPPIDW, under the effect of pulse impact, the interface state between SiC particle and matrix was prominent, the initial pernicious contact state of reinforcement particles had been changed from reinforcement (SiC)/reinforcement (SiC) to reinforcement (SiC)/matrix/reinforcement (SiC), and the harmful microstructure or brittle phase was restrained from the welded joint. Moreover, the density of dislocation in the matrix neighbouring to and away from the interface was higher than that of its parent composite and the dislocation entwisted each other intensively. Furthermore, the deformation mainly occurred in the matrix grain and the matrices around SiC particles engendering intensive aberration offered a high density nucleus area for matrix crystal in favour of forming nanograins, which improved the properties of welded joints distinctly, resulting in welding the composite successfully. Consequently, the tensile strength of the welded joints was up to 179 MPa, which was ～74˙6% of the strength of SiC_p/AlSi7Mg (as stir cast), and its corresponding radial deformation was less than 3%, suitable for the demand of deformation of welded specimens.     

High temperature oxidation behaviour of a TiAl-Al2O3 intermetallic matrix composite

A TiAl-based intermetallic matrix composite has been produced through sintering of mechanically milled Al/TiO₂ composite powder. The composite contains 42-50 vol.% of α-Al₂O₃ as the particulate reinforcement phase. Oxidation experiments were carried out at 800-900 °C in air up to 500 h to evaluate its oxidation and scale spallation resistance. A cast Ti-50at.%Al alloy was also tested for comparison. The composite samples showed much lower oxidation mass gain than the cast alloy under all testing conditions. Moreover, the composite samples exhibited extremely strong scale spallation resistance. Spallation could never be recorded and observed even under long-time intensive cyclic oxidation exposure. Based on the kinetic and microstructural studies, the mechanisms for the improved oxidation and spallation resistance are discussed.     

Structure and properties of composites prepared from partially amorphous ZrCuNiTi and nanocrystalline silver

Alloys of composition Zr40Cu40Ni10Ti10 and Zr48,5Cu32.5Ni9Ti10 (in at.%) were ball milled for 40 h starting from elemental powders or melt spun from cast ingots. In both cases amorphous structure was obtained, however in the case of ribbons, larger crystals of Cu₁₀Zr₇ or Ni₇Zr₂ phases of size of a few hundred nm were observed. In the case of milled alloys much finer intermetallic phases such as Zr₂Cu or Cu₁₀Zr₇ were identified within the amorphous matrix using X-ray diffraction or HRTEM. In both alloys DSC studies have shown higher crystallization temperature for the powder, than for the ribbon. It was explained by a different structure of preexisting intermetallic nuclei crystallizing in milled powders. The milled amorphous powder was also used as a matrix for composites containing 20% or 50% of nanocrystalline silver powder, prepared from silver powder by ball milling. The composites hot pressed at the same temperature as the amorphous samples show in some places very narrow transition phase enriched in silver containing also other elements of the amorphous phase. Composites containing more silver show lower hardness and strength, but exhibit a few percent of plastic deformation in the compression test. Scanning electron studies of deformed composite samples show crack initiation within the amorphous phase, not at the components interfaces.     

Prediction of cooling curves during solidification of Al 6061–SiCp based metal matrix composites using finite element analysis

In recent years, aluminium based cast composites have gained popularity in all the emerging fields of technology owing to their superior high stiffness and strength. The properties of cast composites are dictated largely by the solidification phenomenon, which needs to be well understood by foundry technologists. Information on the solidification studies of cast composites is scarce. However, the theoretical prediction of the solidification behaviour of cast composites by the use of commercially available finite element analysis (FEA) software has not yet been reported. The theoretical prediction can definitely yield good lot of information as regards the cooling rates of the cast composites saving enormous time in experimentation. In light of the above, the present investigation is aimed at the prediction of cooling curves of Al 6061–SiC_p composites using finite element analysis. L-shaped composite castings were prepared using stir cast technique. The temperature of the composite during solidification was measured by K-type thermocouple, from which the cooling curves were constructed. Experiments were carried out over a range of particle weight percentage of 2–6 wt% in steps of 2 wt%. Comparison of the cooling curves of Al 6061–SiC_p composite with the un-reinforced alloy reveals significant decrease in cooling rate with the addition of SiC particles. A two-dimensional transient heat transfer model was used in commercial finite element analysis software to predict the cooling curves of composite castings. The predicted cooling curves are compared with results obtained from experiments and found to be in good agreement.