Synthesis and processing of ceramic–metal composites by reactive metal penetration

Molten aluminum reduces and penetrates silicate ceramics to produce a metal–ceramic composite which yields an Al₂O₃ skeleton infiltrated with a solidified Al–Si alloy. Penetration experiments have been used to study the influence of p(O₂), temperature and substrate composition on penetration kinetics and composite microstructure. The limiting kinetic step for Al penetration is the chemical reaction between Al and the ceramic. For dense substrates the maximum reaction rates are observed between 1000–1200°C and are independent of p(O₂). For porous substrates it is necessary to reach a critical temperature or p(O₂), before infiltration starts. Increasing the Si concentration in the molten Al results in the reduction of the reaction rates.     

Special features of the interface between glass–metal coatings of superhard materials powders and metal matrices

The main results of the investigation of special features of the formation of the interface between the glass coating on the diamond and cBN powders with metals, that are bonds of grinding tools are described and generalized. It has been shown that the mutual diffusion occurring in the contact zone results in the increase of the adhesion at the interphase boundary, which ensures a strong fastening of a metal coating on a glass aggregate and the glass aggregate itself in a metal bond.     

Processing of Nb–Cu metal matrix composites

Abstract

During the development of new processing routes for Nb₃Sn superconductor, factors influencing the workability of two-phase metallic composites have been investigated. The ease with which such composites can be fabricated depends strongly on the relative hardnesses of the phases. Production of a regular, uniform filamentary structure is promoted by low hardness ratios in the initial composite.

MST/547     

Preparation of γ-alumina precursors for metal reinforcement

In the metal matrix composite field, both fine (<0.5 µm) and coarse, crystalline, calcined aluminas with narrow or broad particle size distributions, are being used as reinforcement phase. The effect was studied of the preparation method of fine boehmite (-AlOOH), precursor of the -Al₂O₃, on the product morphology. The material was produced by heating three kinds of hydrothermal precursors at different pH, and for 2 h at 200°C, using constant stirring. Under the conditions investigated (i.e., 0.12 mol/dm³ of Al(OH)₃ and only diluted NaOH and HNO₃ solutions used to adjust the pH of slurry), the pH of hydrothermal slurry influenced the product morphology; in contrast, the three different hydrothermal precursors, namely dry aluminum hydroxide gel, fresh aluminum hydroxide precipitate and gibbsite reagent powders, had only a little effect on the product morphology. The dehydration/transformation mechanism from Al(OH)₃ to -AlOOH is believed to be dissolution/reprecipitation rather than a direct dehydration.     

Mechanical behaviour of metal–matrix composite deposits

The electroplating technique is used for producing thin sheets of copper- or nickel-based composites containing different volume fractions of -alumina dispersions. The microhardness and tensile behaviour of such composites, in both the as-deposited and the annealed state, are characterized. The strengthening mechanism of electroplated composites is found to be a combination of Orowan-type strengthening and the Hall–Petch effect.     

Facile loading of metal ions in the nanopores of polymer thin films and in situ generation of metal sulfide nanoparticle arrays

Two facile strategies for loading metal ions in the nanopores of polystyrene-b-polyisoprene (PS-b-PI) polymeric thin films have been developed. In the first approach, through the controlled epoxidation of the polyisoprene (PI) component of the template, the hydrophilicity of the interior wall of the nanopores was increased, and the penetration of metal salt solutions into the nanopores was dramatically enhanced. However, thin film damage was observed sometimes during the PI epoxidation. Using a 'fully wetted' method, large capillary forces were suppressed, and the metal ions were easily introduced into the nanopores. The validation of the methods was illustrated for the generation of large-area and high-density CdS and ZnS nanoparticle arrays in nanoporous PS-b-PI polymeric thin films, which were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), electron diffraction (ED), and UV-vis spectroscopy.     

Alatiacts of Selected Aiticles on metal Published in China

89A0001 Internal Friction Associated withMartensitic Transformation of As-cast Mn-CuAlloys Internal friction of martensitictransformation of as-cast Mn-Cu alloys with90%Mn was studied. Results show that the peaktemperature of the stable peak (T=0) at lowfrequencies is independent of the measuringfrequency, but the peak height decreases withincreasing frequency. It is, therefore, notof a static hysteresis mechanism. The peakheight is dependent on T and f at a constantheating or cooling rate, but it does not showa linear relationship with T, 1/f or T/f. Thepeak height is independent of the strain amplitudein the yange (A_ε: 1× 10~(-5)--1×10~(-4)). Consequentlythe low frequency internal friction of martensitictransformation is not only a volume effect,but also a surface effect connected with coherentboundaries. XIE Cunyi, WEN Yiting and ZHU     

Mechanical properties of nanocomposite metal–ceramic thin films

Thin film composites consisting of metallic nanocrystals embedded in an insulating host have been synthesized using alternating-target pulsed laser deposition of Ni and Al₂O₃ on silicon (100) substrate. The evaluation of structural quality of the thin film composites using high resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy with atomic number contrast has revealed the formation of a biphase system with thermodynamically driven segregation of Ni and alumina during pulsed laser deposition. The best hardness values of the thin film composites, measured using nanoindentation techniques, were found to be 20–30% larger than pure alumina films fabricated under identical conditions. Fracture toughness measurements of the composite showed slight toughening due to embedding of Ni nanoparticles.     

High temperature fatigue of discontinuously-reinforced metal–matrix composites

This paper reviews the current knowledge on the fatigue behavior of discontinuously-reinforced metal–matrix composites at high temperature. The effect of cyclic loading at high temperature on the micromechanims of deformation, crack nucleation, and crack propagation are dealt with. The overall performance of these composites under isothermal and thermo-mechanical fatigue loading have been examined. A brief account of the current industrial applications of discontinuously-reinforced metal–matrix composites in components subjected to fatigue at high temperature is provided     

Simulation of the response of fibre–metal laminates to localised blast loading

The response of Fibre–Metal Laminates (FML) to localised blast loading is studied numerically in order to interpret the deformation mechanism due to highly localised pressure pulses causing permanent deformations and damage observed experimentally in FML panels comprising different numbers of aluminium alloy layers and different thickness blocks of GFPP material [Langdon GS, Lemanski SL, Nurick GN, Simmons MS, Cantwell WJ, Schleyer GK. Behaviour of fibre–metal laminates subjected to localised blast loading: part I – experimental observations and failure analysis. International Journal of Impact Engineering 2007;34:1202–22; Lemanski SL, Nurick GN, Langdon GS, Simmons MS, Cantwell WJ, Schleyer GK. Behaviour of fibre–metal laminates subjected to localised blast loading: part II – quantitative analysis. International Journal of Impact Engineering 2007;34:1223–45; Langdon GS, Nuric GN, Lemanski SL, Simmons MS, Cantwell WJ, Schleyer GK. Failure characterisation of blast-loaded fibre–metal laminate panels based on aluminium and glass-fibre reinforced polypropylene. Composite Science and Technology 2007;67:1385–405]. The influence of the loading and material parameters on the final deformation characteristics is examined. Particular attention is paid to the transient deformation process by using finite element and analytical models to analyse the panel behaviour. It is shown that the response of the FML panels is extremely sensitive to the spatial and temporal distribution variation of the pressure caused by the blast loading. The study reveals that the properties of GFPP in the through-thickness direction play an essential role in the velocity transfer, which influences considerably the failure and final deformed shape of the FML panel. Good agreement between the experimental and numerical results is observed. Comparisons between the responses of relatively thin FML panels, monolithic aluminium alloy plates of equivalent mass and a foam-core panel to localised blast are also presented and discussed.     

Synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles to enhance magnetic permeability of metal–polymer composites

Metallic cobalt nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrogen reduction method. Particles were coated in situ with carbon by adding ethene to reaction flow. Particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray emission, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and BET method. The observed cobalt particle size distributions in different cobalt batches produced with unvarying reaction parameters was reproducible: The mean diameter of primary cobalt particle varied only 5% from the mean value of 76 nm in different batches. Increased carbon precursor concentration decreased mean diameter of cobalt particles to 17 nm. The produced nanoparticles were used as filler material in 0–3 type metal–polymer composites. Composite samples with varying filler loading were fabricated with mixing extrusion and injection moulding techniques. The magnetic properties of the fabricated composites were measured up to 1 GHz. In order to analyse the particle distribution in composite matrix and its effect on magnetic properties the microstructure was studied.     

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.     

Preparation and optical properties of TPPS-doped metal–carboxylate-salts glasses

Li and Na carboxylate salts glasses with different number chains containing molecules of Tetraphenyl-porphine-tetrasulfonic acid (TPPS) were prepared by the melting method. TPPS doped in the glasses had the same form as the TPPS in the aqueous solutions. However the form of TPPS in the glasses changed because TPPS reacted with matrix glass during the melting process. Tetraphenyl-porphine (TPP) could no be incorporated into the Li and Na carboxylate salts glasses by the present melting method. The free base TPPS is important for photochemical hole burning (PHB) properties, and a mixed metal–carboxylate salts glasses containing free-base TPPS, which is the active form for PHB, were prepared by controlling the melting condition. It was found that a preparation condition such as holding time of the melts affects the formation of the complex of the TPPS and that in the mixed metal–carboxylate salts melts the TPPS formed a complex with Li but did not form a complex with Na.     

Compressive properties of a new metal–polymer hybrid material

Compressive properties of a new hybrid material, fabricated through filling of an aluminum foam with a thermoplastic polymer, are investigated. Static (0.01 s⁻¹) and dynamic (100 s⁻¹) compression testing has been carried out to study the behavior of the hybrid material in comparison with its parent foam and polymer materials. Considering the behavior of metal foams, the point on a compressive stress–strain curve corresponding to the minimum cushion factor is defined as the “densification” point. The analysis of the stress–strain curves provides insight into the load carrying and energy absorption characteristics of the hybrid material. At both strain rates, the hybrid is found to carry higher stresses and absorb more energy at “densification” than the foam or polymer.     

Kinetics of silicon–metal alloy infiltration into porous carbon

The kinetics of infiltration of Si and its alloys into porous carbon has been investigated theoretically using a modified Washburn model. The effect of alloy composition and temperature on infiltration has been quantified. The resulting characteristics depend on the type of alloy and the composition of the secondary metallic phase. Aluminum generally suppresses infiltration rate while the influence of Cu depends on composition. Infiltration is enhanced for low Cu concentration below a threshold value, and attenuated for higher concentration. Increasing the temperature enhances both the infiltration capacity and reaction rate.     

Recent progress in the synthesis of metal–organic frameworks

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted considerable attention for various applications due to their tunable structure, porosity and functionality. In general, MOFs have been synthesized from isolated metal ions and organic linkers under hydrothermal or solvothermal conditions via one-spot reactions. The emerging precursor approach and kinetically tuned dimensional augmentation strategy add more diversity to this field. In addition, to speed up the crystallization process and create uniform crystals with reduced size, many alternative synthesis routes have been explored. Recent advances in microwave-assisted synthesis and electrochemical synthesis are presented in this review. In recent years, post-synthetic approaches have been shown to be powerful tools to synthesize MOFs with modified functionality, which cannot be attained via de novo synthesis. In this review, some current accomplishments of post-synthetic modification (PSM) based on covalent transformations and coordinative interactions as well as post-synthetic exchange (PSE) in robust MOFs are provided.     

Preparation and optical properties of TPPS-doped metal–carboxylate-salts glasses

Li and Na carboxylate salts glasses with different number chains containing molecules of Tetraphenyl-porphine-tetrasulfonic acid (TPPS) were prepared by the melting method. TPPS doped in the glasses had the same form as the TPPS in the aqueous solutions. However the form of TPPS in the glasses changed because TPPS reacted with matrix glass during the melting process. Tetraphenyl-porphine (TPP) could no be incorporated into the Li and Na carboxylate salts glasses by the present melting method. The free base TPPS is important for photochemical hole burning (PHB) properties, and a mixed metal–carboxylate salts glasses containing free-base TPPS, which is the active form for PHB, were prepared by controlling the melting condition. It was found that a preparation condition such as holding time of the melts affects the formation of the complex of the TPPS and that in the mixed metal–carboxylate salts melts the TPPS formed a complex with Li but did not form a complex with Na.     

Mechanochemistry: Toward green synthesis of metal–organic frameworks

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted a special attention due to outstanding porosity, adjustable pore sizes, and huge opportunities in varying organic–inorganic compositions. Enormous studies conducted so far on MOFs indicate their high potential in catalysis, gas adsorption, drug delivery, water treatment, energy storage, among others. However, mass production of MOFs is still limited mainly due to the non-economic, non-green and complex synthesis methods. Mechanochemistry is an alternative solution for efficient and environmentally friendly syntheses of various MOFs. Fast and solvent-free or solvent-less mechanosynthesis seems to be a very powerful versatile method for obtaining these advanced porous materials. The mechanochemical concept was used for the preparation of various MOFs including the most popular structures: MOF-5, ZIF-8, HKUST-1, MIL-101, UiO-66. These MOFs feature high specific surface areas, comparable to those prepared by conventional solvent-based methods. Furthermore, mechanochemistry was successfully used for the synthesis of non-conventional multimetallic MOFs and previously unreported solid phases. This review shows the recent developments, challenges and perspectives of green synthesis of diverse MOF structures using mechanochemistry. Besides describing the mechanochemical synthesis of MOFs, some achievements in green applications are also summarized. Importantly, current trends in research suggests for further development of these fields i.e., harmful gas adsorption, water treatment, and energy storage.     

Effect of transition metal on the hydrogen storage properties of Mg–Al alloy

Mg–Al alloys were prepared via sintering combined with ball milling, and the effect of a transition metal (TM = Ti, V, Ni) on the hydrogen storage properties of these alloys was investigated; the alloys were characterized via X-ray diffraction, pressure composition isotherms, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the alloys were mainly composed of Mg and the Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase, and the cell volume of these phases decreased after the addition of TM (TM = Ti, V, Ni), which is attributed to the improved hydrogenation kinetics of Mg–Al alloy. Moreover, the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation temperature of the Mg–Al alloy decreased with the addition of TM (TM = Ti, V, Ni). Ti, Ni, and V acted as a catalyst, thereby lowering the reaction barrier for dehydrogenation and promoting the reversible hydrogenation reaction of the Mg–Al alloy. The onset temperature of dehydrogenation of the Mg–Al–V alloy was ~244 °C, which was 66 °C lower than that of the Mg–Al alloy (~310 °C). And the apparent activation energy of the Mg–Al–V alloy was 80.1 kJ mol^?1, where it was 34.6 kJ mol^?1 lower than that of Mg–Al alloy.