Microstructures, densification and mechanical properties of TiC–Al2O3–Al composite by field-activated combustion synthesis

Dense TiC–Al₂O₃–Al composite was prepared with Al, C and TiO₂ powders by means of electric field-activated combustion synthesis and infiltration of the molten metal (here Al) into the synthesized TiC–Al₂O₃ ceramic. An external electric field can effectively improve the adiabatic combustion temperature of the reactive system and overcome the thermodynamic limitation of reaction with x < 10 mol. Thereby, it can induce a self-sustaining combustion synthesis process. During the formation of Al₂O₃–TiC–Al composite, Al is molten first, and reacted with TiO₂ to form Al₂O₃, followed by the formation of TiC through the reaction between the displaced Ti and C. Highly dense TiC–Al₂O₃–Al with relative density of up to 92.5% was directly fabricated with the application of a 14 mol excess Al content and a 25 V cm⁻¹ field strength, in which TiC and Al₂O₃ particles possess fine-structured sizes of 0.2–1.0 μm, with uniform distribution in metal Al. The hardness, bending strength and fracture toughness of the synthesized TiC–Al₂O₃–Al composite are 56.5 GPa, 531 MPa and 10.96 MPa m^1/2, respectively.     

Corrosion of magnesia–chrome brick in molten MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–CaO–FetO slag

The corrosion of magnesia–chrome (MgO–Cr₂O₃) brick in molten MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–CaO–Fe_tO slag has been characterized using a dynamic rotary slag corrosion testing for various test cycles at 1650 °C. The open porosity decreases from 15.3 to 4.0% for three cycles, then it gradually increases from 4.0 to 4.8% when the test is extended to nine cycles, in which the permeating depth of the slag maintains at about 20 mm. The XRD pattern of the permeated layer shows the presence of the MgO, MgCr₂O₄ and CaMgSiO₄ phases. In the interior of the permeating layer cracks are formed and corrosion starts at the pores and cracks of MgO and decreases gradually. However, at 20–40 mm beneath the permeated layer edge, different shapes of MgO particles are found.     

Synthesis and characterization of Zn/Al2O3 nanocomposite by mechanical alloying

In this study, fabrication and characterization of zinc-based metal matrix nanocomposite reinforced by Al₂O₃ particles was investigated. Aluminum and zinc oxide powder mixture was milled in a planetary ball mill in order to produce Zn/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite. The structural evaluation milled and annealed powders studied by X-ray diffraction, SEM observation and hardness measurement. The zinc crystallite size estimated with broadening of XRD peaks by Williamson-Hall formula. The zinc oxide was found to react with Al through a rapid self-sustaining combustion reaction process. As a result a zinc matrix composite reinforced by Al₂O₃ particulate was formed. The microhardness value of produced nanocomposite powder was about 350 HV which was 10–15 times higher than the microhardness of pure zinc (20–30 HV).     

Abrasive wear of Al2O3-reinforced aluminium-based MMCs

The effects of volume fraction, Al₂O₃ particle size and effects of porosity in the composites on the abrasive wear resistance of compo-casting Al alloy MMCs have been studied for different abrasive conditions. It was seen that porosity in the composites is proportional to particle content. In addition, process variables like the stirring speed, and the position and diameter of the stirrer affect of the porosity content in a way similar to that observed for particle content. In addition, the abrasive wear rates of composites decreased more rapidly with increase in Al₂O₃ volume fraction in tests performed over 80 grade SiC abrasive paper than in tests conducted over 220 grade SiC abrasive paper. Furthermore, the wear rates decreased with increase in Al₂O₃ size for the composites containing the same amount of Al₂O₃. Hence, it is deduced that aluminium alloy composites reinforced with larger Al₂O₃ particles are more effective against abrasive wear than those reinforced with smaller Al₂O₃ particles. At the same time the results show that the beneficial effects of hard Al₂O₃ particles on wear resistance far surpassed that of the sintered porosity in the compocasting metal-matrix composites (MMCs). Nevertheless, the fabrication of composites containing soft particles such as graphite favors a reduction in the friction coefficient. For this reason graphite and copper were used in the matrix in different amounts to detect their effect on wear resistance. Finally, it was seen that wear rate of the composites decreased considerably with graphite additions.     

超声化学原位合成纳米Al_2O_3/6063Al复合材料组织及高温蠕变性能

为研究纳米颗粒增强铝基复合材料的高温蠕变特性,基于6063Al-Al2(SO4)3体系,采用超声化学原位合成技术,制备出不同Al2O3体积分数(5%、7%)的纳米Al2O3/6063Al复合材料,通过高温蠕变拉伸试验测试其高温蠕变性能,利用XRD、OM、SEM及TEM分析其微观形貌。结果表明:施加高能超声可显著细化增强体颗粒并提高其分布的均匀性,所生成的Al2O3增强颗粒以圆形或近六边形为主,尺寸为20~100nm;纳米Al2O3/6063Al复合材料的名义应力指数、表观激活能和门槛应力值与基体相比大幅提高,均随着增强体体积分数的增加而提高,表明纳米Al2O3/6063Al复合材料的抗蠕变性能提高;纳米Al2O3/6063Al复合材料的真应力指数为8,说明复合材料蠕变机制符合微结构不变模型,即受基体晶格扩散的控制;纳米Al2O3/6063Al复合材料的高温蠕变断口特征以脆性断裂为主,高应力下形成穿晶断裂,低应力下形成沿晶断裂和晶界孔洞;纳米Al2O3/6063Al复合材料的主要强化机制为位错强化与弥散强化。     

Crystal morphology and growth mechanism of reinforcements synthesized by direct melt reaction in the system Al–Zr–O

In-situ Al₃Zr and Al₂O₃ particulates reinforced aluminum matrix composites were fabricated by the direct melt reaction (DMR) technique in the system Al–Zr–O. Microstructures of the composites and crystal morphology of in-situ formed Al₃Zr and Al₂O₃ particulates were analyzed by scanning-electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results indicated that in-situ formed Al₃Zr and Al₂O₃ particles were finer and well distributed in aluminum matrix. Al₃Zr particulates with a tetragonal structure are mainly in the shape of polyhedron. A few of them are rectangular. The length/width ratio of the rectangular Al₃Zr is less than 2.0 and the maximum size is 4 μm. In addition, submicro Al₂O₃ particles with a hexagonal structure were also found in this system. Furthermore, it is found that twin may appear in the Al₃Zr crystal. The twin plane is (1 ). The twinning direction is [2 1].     

Effect of Al2O3 particles on mechanical properties of directionally solidified intermetallic Ti–46Al–2W–0.5Si alloy

The effect of Al₂O₃ particles on microhardness and room-temperature compression properties of directionally solidified (DS) intermetallic Ti–46Al–2W–0.5Si (at.%) alloy was studied. The ingots with various volume fractions of Al₂O₃ particles and mean ₂–₂ interlamellar spacings were prepared by directional solidification at constant growth rates ranging from 2.78×10⁻⁶ to 1.18×10⁻⁴ ms⁻¹ in alumina moulds. The ingots with constant volume fraction of Al₂O₃ particles and various mean interlamellar spacings were prepared by directional solidification at a growth rate of 1.18×10⁻⁴ ms⁻¹ and subsequent solution annealing followed by cooling at constant rates varying between 0.078 and 1.889 K s⁻¹. The mean ₂–₂ interlamellar spacing λ for both DS and heat-treated (HT) ingots decreased with increasing cooling rate according to the relationship λ∝ ^−0.46. In DS ingots, microhardness, ultimate compression strength, yield strength and plastic deformation to fracture increased with increasing cooling rate. In HT ingots, microhardness and yield strength increased and ultimate compression strength and plastic deformation to fracture decreased with increasing cooling rate. The yield stress increased with decreasing interlamellar spacing and increasing volume fraction of Al₂O₃ particles. A linear relationship between the Vickers microhardness and yield stress was found for both DS and HT ingots. A simple model including the effect of interlamellar spacing and increasing volume fraction of Al₂O₃ particles was proposed for the prediction of the yield stress.     

Synthesis and mechanical properties of niobium aluminide-based composites

Niobium aluminide-based composites reinforced with in situ and externally added Al₂O₃ and TiC particulates were fabricated by hot-pressed sintering at 1400 °C. In particular, Nb₂Al–Al₂O₃–TiC in situ composites were successfully obtained from the raw powder mixtures of Nb60Al40 (in at.%)–TiO₂20C8 (in wt.%) by means of this process. The influences of ceramic particulates on the microstructures, flexural strength and fracture toughness were examined. The experimental results indicate that the presence of ceramic particulates yielded a remarkable improvement in both the strength and fracture toughness in comparison with previous results for monolithic niobium aluminide compounds.     

Controllable formation of Er–Yb codoped Al2O3 films by the non-aqueous sol–gel method

1 mol%Er³⁺–10 mol%Yb³⁺ codoped Al₂O₃ thin films have been prepared on thermally oxidized SiO₂/Si(110) substrates by a dip-coating process in the non-aqueous sol–gel method from the hydrolysis of aluminum isopropoxide [Al(OC₃H₇)₃] under isopropanol environment. Addition of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as a drying control chemical additive (DCCA) into the sol suppresses formation of the cracks in the Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ codoped Al₂O₃ thin films when the rare-earth ion is doped with a high doping concentration. Homogeneous, smooth and crack-free Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ codoped Al₂O₃ thin films form at the conditions by a molar ratio of 1:1 for DMF:Al(OC₃H₇)₃. A strong photoluminescence spectrum with a broadband extending from 1.400 to 1.700 µm centered at 1.533 µm is obtained for the Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ codoped Al₂O₃ thin films, which is unrelated to the addition of DMF. Controllable formation of the Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ codoped Al₂O₃ thin films may be explained by the fact that the DMF assisted the deprotonation process of Al–OH at the surfaces of gel particles, resulting in enhancement of the degree of polymerization of sols and improvement of the mechanical properties of gel thin films.     

原位自生纳米Al2O3/Al-Zn-Cu复合材料的力学性能

将纳米ZnO粉末和Al粉球磨后冷压成Al-ZnO预制块,然后将其加到Al-Zn-Cu熔体中进行Al-ZnO原位反应,制备出纳米Al₂O₃颗粒增强Al-Zn-Cu基复合材料。能谱面扫描分析和透射电镜观察结果表明,复合材料由纳米Al₂O₃颗粒和Al₂Cu析出相两种颗粒/析出相组成。纳米Al₂O₃颗粒通过异质形核和晶界钉扎,细化了Al-Zn-Cu合金晶粒组织和Al₂Cu析出相。原位纳米Al₂O₃颗粒的生成提高了基体合金的拉伸性能,轧制+热处理使Al₂O₃/Al-Zn-Cu复合材料的拉伸强度比相同处理的基体合金提高约100%,总伸长率提高约98%。     

Strengthening mechanisms in Al2O3/SiC nanocomposites

A strengthening mechanism merely arising from internal (residual) microstresses due to thermal expansion mismatch is proposed for explaining the high experimental strength data measured in Al₂O₃/SiC nanocomposites. Upon cooling, transgranular SiC particles undergo lower shrinkage as compared to the surrounding matrix and provide a hydrostatic “expansion” effect in the core of each Al₂O₃ grain. Such a grain expansion tightens the internal Al₂O₃ grain boundaries, thus shielding both weakly bonded and unbonded (cracked) grain boundaries. It is shown that the shielding effect by intragranular SiC particles is more pronounced than the grain-boundary opening effect eventually associated with thermal expansion anisotropy of the Al₂O₃ grains, even in the “worst” Al₂O₃-grain cluster configuration. Therefore, an improvement of the material strength can be found. However, a large stress intensification at the grain boundary is found when intergranular SiC particles are present, which can produce a noticeable wedge-like opening effect and trigger grain-boundary fracture. The present model enables us to explain the experimental strength data reported for Al₂O₃/SiC nanocomposites and confirms that the high strength of these materials can be explained without invoking any toughening contribution by the SiC dispersion.     

Formation of MgAl2O4 in Al2O3-(Al-4wt.%Mg) composites

The Al₂O₃ particles are introduced into the Al-4wt.%Mg melt by the “vortex” method. After being cast, Al₂O₃-(Al-4wt.%Mg) composites are remelted at 700, 750, 800 and 850°C for different residence times to investigate the formation of MgAl₂O₄ (spinel).

The results show that MgAl₂O₄ is the unique interface of the Al₂O₃-(Al---Mg) composites held at 700–850°C. Fine MgAl₂O₄ crystals grow on the surface of the Al₂O₃ particle but, as the holding temperature and the residence time increase, some spinels will form themselves into pyramidal shape. The MgAl₂O₄ grows not only at the matrix-particle interface but also on the surface of the composite specimens. The formation reactions of interfacial MgAl₂O₄ are as follows: Mg(1) + 2Al(1) + 2O₂(g) = MgAl₂O₄(s)3Mg(1) + 4Al₂O₃(s) = 3MgAl₂O₄(s) + 2Al(1) Both of them are equally important.     

Processing, microstructure and properties of C40 Mo(Si,Al)2/Al2O3 composites

The C40 Mo(Si_0.75Al_0.25)₂/Al₂O₃ composites were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) of mechanically alloyed (MA) powders. The Mo(Si_0.75Al_0.25)₂/0–20 vol.% Al₂O₃ materials, showing micron and submicron composite structure, possess a hardness of 13.9–14.6 GPa but a poor toughness of 1.78–1.80 MPa m^1/2. The addition of 30 vol.% Al₂O₃ leads to the formation of the micron C40 Mo(Si_0.75Al_0.25)₂/Al₂O₃ composite with an intergranular distribution of Al₂O₃, that results in a drop of the hardness to 10.2 GPa and an improvement of the toughness to 3.67 MPa m^1/2. The transition of the cleavage facets to the intergranular fracture with the addition of Al₂O₃ is assumed as the main toughening mechanism.     

Synthesis of MoSi2–Al2O3 nanocomposite by mechanical alloying

MoSi₂–Al₂O₃ nanocomposite was synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA) of MoO₃, SiO₂ and Al powder mixture. The structural evolution of the powders was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Both β-MoSi₂ and -MoSi₂ were obtained after 3 h of milling. The spontaneous formation of β-MoSi₂ during milling proceeded by a mechanically induced self propagating reaction (MSR), analogous to that of the self propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS). After 70 h of milling the β-phase transformed to -phase. The crystallite size of -MoSi₂ and Al₂O₃ after milling for 100 h was 12 and 17 nm, respectively. Residual Mo and Si in the 3 and 70 h milled samples formed β-MoSi₂ and Mo₅Si₃ during heating at 1000 °C, respectively.     

On the structure of the NiO–Al2O3 systems, studied by diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy

Diffuse-reflectance spectra of the NiO–Al₂O₃ systems in the 350–800 nm spectral domain are analysed. Two types of Ni²⁺complexes in γ-Al₂O₃ have been found at low concentrations (<5%): [Ni²⁺6O²⁻] and [Ni²⁺4O²⁻] with octahedral (O_h) and tetrahedral (T_d) symmetries, respectively. Coexistence of these two complexes is discussed in connection with the sample preparation and their thermal treatment.     

Mechanical and machining properties of X38CrMoV5-1/Al2O3 metal matrix composites and components

Large plates and discs of X38CrMoV5-1/Al₂O₃ metal matrix composites (MMCs) were produced via Ti-activated pressureless melt infiltration. After machining the plates were characterised using non-destructive testing methods (X-ray and ultrasonic C-scans) in order to investigate the quality of infiltration before preparing bars for four-point-bending tests. Subsequently, parts of the plates were used for machining tests, including sawing, welding and spark erosion. Furthermore, MMC discs were prepared for wear tests. The as-infiltrated MMC discs show a low wear rate of 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁰–2.2 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s, which is 2–3 times better than the hardened steel itself, or 12–17 times better compared to X38CrMoV5-1 in the annealed state. As a first component a wire-drawing die was fabricated and successfully tested for drawing Al alloy AA6082 and steel 16MnCr5.     

三维网络Al2O3增强球墨铸铁基复合材料摩擦磨损性能

采用SRV摩擦磨损试验机研究了球墨铸铁及三维网络Al₂O₃增强球墨铸铁基复合材料的干摩擦磨损性能, 测量了球墨铸铁和复合材料在不同摩擦频率及载荷下的摩擦系数和磨损率; 用扫描电镜观察磨损表面形貌, 并分析了三维网络Al₂O₃对复合材料磨损机制的影响。结果表明: 陶瓷与金属基体之间具有良好界面结合的三维网络Al₂O₃/球墨鋳铁复合材料, 其摩擦系数随载荷和摩擦频率的变化保持稳定; 复合材料的耐磨性能远优于球墨铸铁, 而且随着摩擦频率和载荷的增加, 复合材料的抗磨损性能明显提高。这是由于复合材料中陶瓷与金属相之间三维空间结构和良好的界面结合有利于摩擦载荷的传递; 金属基体中的石墨减摩作用保持摩擦系数的稳定; 三维陶瓷骨架在磨损表面形成硬的微突体并起承载作用, 制约了基体的塑性变形和高温软化, 有利于磨损表面氧化膜的留存。     

三维网络结构Al2O3陶瓷/高铬铸铁复合材料干摩擦磨损性能

采用往复式滑动摩擦磨损（SRV）试验机研究了高铬铸铁及三维网络结构Al₂O₃陶瓷增强高铬铸铁复合材料的干摩擦磨损性能,测量了高铬铸铁和Al₂O₃陶瓷/高铬铸铁复合材料在不同摩擦频率及载荷下的摩擦系数和磨损率;用扫描电镜观察磨损表面形貌,并分析了三维网络Al₂O₃陶瓷对复合材料磨损机制的影响。结果表明：陶瓷Al₂O₃与高铬铸铁基体之间具有良好的界面结合,复合材料的摩擦系数随摩擦频率和载荷的变化保持稳定,耐磨性远优于高铬铸铁,而且随着摩擦频率和载荷的增加,Al₂O₃陶瓷/高铬铸铁复合材料的抗磨损性能明显提高,这是由于复合材料中Al₂O₃与高铬铸铁相之间三维空间结构和良好的界面结合有利于摩擦载荷的传递;三维Al₂O₃陶瓷骨架在磨损表面形成硬的网络突体并起承载作用,能有效保护金属基体;磨损机制为氧化磨损及磨粒磨损共同作用。     

The effect of second principal stress on the fatigue propagation of mode I surface crack in Al2O3/Al alloy composites

Using a plate made of A2017-T6 metal matrix composites reinforced with 10 volume % and 20 volume % Al₂O₃ particles and Al alloy possesses the same composition as matrix alloy, the crack propagation rate da/dN of a mode I surface crack by the simultaneous action of plane bending and cyclic torsion are studied. And the effects of crack tip opening stress σ_top, crack opening displacement COD, biaxial stress ratio C (=second principal stress/first principal stress) and the surface roughness of crack section are examined. When stress intensity factor range ΔK is lower than the specific level, da/dN decreases with the increase of volume fraction of Al₂O₃ in C=0 and C=−0.55. But, da/dN of Al alloy becomes minimum in C=−1 and the effect of Al₂O₃ particles disappears. σ_top rises with the increase of volume fraction of Al₂O₃ particles and the decline of C. On the other hand, COD doesn’t always rise with the decline of C. These phenomena can be explained by the residual compressive stress formed at the surface layer of the specimen by the fatigue test and the surface roughness of crack section.     

Al2O3-TiC/Al2O3-TiC-CaF2复合叠层陶瓷材料摩擦磨损性能

将Al₂O₃-TiC陶瓷材料与具有固体润滑特性的Al₂O₃-TiC-CaF₂陶瓷材料进行叠层, 通过真空热压烧结制备Al₂O₃-TiC/Al₂O₃-TiC-CaF₂复合叠层陶瓷材料。在环盘式摩擦磨损试验机上进行摩擦磨损实验, 研究该材料在不同载荷、 转速条件下的摩擦系数和磨损率, 分别用SEM及EDS观察材料磨损前后的微观形貌和分析其成分组成, 研究其磨损机制。结果表明: 在相同载荷条件下, Al₂O₃-TiC/Al₂O₃-TiC-CaF₂复合叠层陶瓷材料的摩擦系数和磨损率随着转速的升高而下降, 在相同转速条件下, 其摩擦系数和磨损率随着载荷的增加而下降; Al₂O₃-TiC/Al₂O₃-TiC-CaF₂复合叠层陶瓷材料的磨损机制主要是磨粒磨损和黏着磨损。