Effects of Manufacturing Processes on Microstructure and Properties of Al/A356–B4C Composites

Liquid and semi-solid stir casting processes were applied to fabricate B₄C particles-reinforced aluminum–matrix composites. The effects of manufacturing processes on particle distribution, particle/matrix interface, and mechanical properties of the prepared composites were studied. The results show that particle distribution can be significantly improved by using K₂TiF₆–flux and Ti powders in the liquid stir casting process, whereas in the semi-solid stir casting process it could be improved by decreasing the temperature of the slurry. With additions of Ti, the decomposition of B₄C was prevented, and the interfacial bonding strength was significantly improved due to the fact that a TiB₂ layer formed at the particle/matrix interface. Compared to the matrix, the hardness and tensile strength of the Al–B₄C composite fabricated by the liquid stir casting process were increased by 89.6% and 128.8%, respectively; those of the A356–B₄C composite fabricated by the semi-solid stir casting process had no significant improvement due to the weak particle/matrix interface and the presence of particle porosity clusters.     

Al-Si/SiC nanoparticles composites synthesized by double stir casting

The present invention provides Al-Si/SiC nanoparticles composites with the composition of 7%Si, 15%SiC with average particle size (APS) of SiC, 20, 30, 40 nm and 65μm using a novel double stir casting method. The inventive nano-composites by double stir casting show a nearly uniform distribution and good dispersion of the nano-particles within the Al matrix, although small agglomeration was found in the matrix of the micro-composite. The enhancement in values of impact strength and tensile strength observed in this study is due to small particle size and good distribution of the nano particles, which were confirmed by SEM spectrum. Patents WO 2010135848 and WO2011/011601 have some relevant information about the topic developed in this study, because the principle in both cases relies on the interactions between metal matrix and the nano-particles. Hence, novel double stir casting method can be used to improve the properties of nano-composites.     

Influences of extrusion parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of particulate reinforced magnesium matrix composites

SiCp/AZ91 composites fabricated by stir casting were extruded at different extrusion temperatures and ratios. Extrusion reduced the necklace-type particle distribution and improved particle distribution of the composites. As extrusion temperatures and ratios increased, particle distribution was improved, and the grain sizes of matrix increased. The mechanical properties of the composites were improved with the increase of extrusion temperatures and ratios. The microstructure evolution of matrix was not the main influential factor of the mechanical properties of the composites. The particle evolution, which included particle redistribution and particle cracking induced by extrusion, significantly affected the mechanical properties of the extruded composites.     

搅拌摩擦加工制备颗粒增强铝基复合材料的研究现状及展望

铝合金作为现代工程和高新技术领域发展的关键材料之一,具有密度小、比强度和比刚度高、耐蚀性好等特点。通过在铝基体中添加增强相颗粒,制备得到的颗粒增强铝基复合材料既有铝合金良好的强度、韧性、易成形性等特点,又有颗粒的高强、高模等优点,是近年来应用最广的一类金属基复合材料。 目前,制备铝基复合材料的方法主要有粉末冶金法、铸造以及超声波法等,但这些方法在制备过程中需要较高的温度,颗粒与金属基体容易发生不良的界面反应,从而影响界面结合效果,降低复合材料的性能。搅拌摩擦加工(FSP)作为一种新型的固相加工技术,可同时实现材料微观组织的细化、致密化和均匀化。目前,FSP直接法已在铝基复合材料制备方面取得应用,主要是将增强相颗粒通过打盲孔或开槽的方式预置在金属基体内再进行FSP,进而制备出高致密度的颗粒增强铝基复合材料。因为FSP过程的温度低,颗粒与铝基体不会发生界面反应,所以该方法也被用于制备具有形状记忆效应(SME)的铝基功能复合材料。 近年研究结果表明,颗粒相对FSP制备的铝基复合材料晶粒细化起到显著作用,这有助于提高复合材料的拉伸强度、显微硬度及疲劳强度等力学性能。随着颗粒含量的增加和颗粒尺寸的减小,复合材料的力学性能得以增强。再者,减小颗粒尺寸有利于改善颗粒与基体之间的结合。另外,通过优化搅拌头的结构、形状和尺寸,以及FSP工艺参数,已经可以实现加工后颗粒相在基体中的均匀分布。 鉴于搅拌摩擦加工(FSP)直接法在制备颗粒增强铝基复合材料方面所具备的短流程、高效能以及基体与增强相颗粒界面无杂质等优势,本文对目前FSP直接法制备颗粒增强铝基复合材料的最新研究现状进行了总结。主要综述了FSP制备颗粒增强铝基复合材料过程中颗粒的含量、类型及尺寸对复合材料组织与力学性能的影响,并对颗粒分布均匀性以及颗粒与铝基体的界面问题做了阐述。文章最后深入分析了当前研究中的不足之处并展望了未来的研究方向。     

Ultrasonic assisted fabrication of particle reinforced bonds joining aluminum metal matrix composites

This paper presents a method of producing uniform particle strengthened bonds between pieces of aluminum metal matrix composite (Al-MMCs), of strength equal to that of the substrate material. SiC particle reinforced Zn-based filler metals were fabricated by mechanical stir casting and ultrasonic treatment, and then used to join pieces of SiC_p/A356 composite with the aid of ultrasonic vibration. The filler metals made by mechanical stirring were porous and contained many particle clusters. Ultrasonic vibration was used to disperse the agglomerates and prevent further coagulation of SiC particles during joining, but the method failed to eliminate the porosity, resulting in a highly porous bond. The filler metal treated by ultrasonic vibration was free of defects and produced a non-porous bond strengthened with uniform particles between pieces of SiC_p/A356 composite. The presence of surface oxide films at the bonding interface significantly degraded the performance of SiC particle reinforced bond. Removal of this oxide film by at least 4 s of ultrasonic vibration significantly increased the bond strength, reaching a value equal to that of the substrate metal.     

Investigating effects of process parameters on microstructural and mechanical properties of Al5052/SiC metal matrix composite fabricated via friction stir processing

Friction stir processing (FSP) is a novel process for refinement of microstructure, improvement of material’s mechanical properties and production of surface layer composites. In this investigation via friction stir processing, metal matrix composite (MMC) was fabricated on surface of 5052 aluminum sheets by means of 5 μm and 50 nm SiC particles. Influence of tool rotational speed, traverse speed, number of FSP passes, shift of rotational direction between passes and particle size was studied on distribution of SiC particles in metal matrix, microstructure, microhardness and wear properties of specimens. Optimum of tool rotational and traverse speed for achieving desired powder dispersion in MMC was found. Results show that change of tool rotational direction between FSP passes, increase in number of passes and decrease of SiC particles size enhance hardness and wear properties.     

Microstructure and strengthening mechanism of bimodal size particle reinforced magnesium matrix composite

One kind of (submicron + micron) bimodal size SiCp/AZ91 composite was fabricated by the stir casting technology. After hot deformation process, the influence of bimodal size particles on microstructures and mechanical properties of AZ91 matrix was investigated by comparing with monolithic A91 alloy, submicron SiCp/AZ91 and micron SiCp/AZ91 composites. The results show that micron particles can stimulate dynamic recrystallized nucleation, while submicron particles may pin grain boundaries during the hot deformation process, which results in a significant grain refinement of AZ91 matrix. Compared to submicron particles, micron particles are more conducive to grain refinement through stimulating the dynamic recrystallized nucleation. Besides, the yield strength of bimodal size SiCp/AZ91 composite is higher than that of single-size particle reinforced composites. Among the strengthening mechanisms of bimodal size particle reinforced composite, it is found that grain refinement and dislocation strengthening mechanism play a larger role on improving the yield strength.     

等通道角变形对搅拌铸造SiC_P/AZ91复合材料显微组织与室温性能的影响

采用搅拌铸造法成功制备了SiC_P/Mg(AZ91)复合材料并对铸态复合材料进行了等通道角挤压变形(Equal channel angular pressing,ECAP)。结果表明,搅拌铸造态SiC_P/AZ91复合材料的基体组织致密,颗粒与基体结合良好,没有出现宏观团聚;SiC_P大部分聚集在晶界附近区域并呈"项链状"分布。ECAP变形可以有效地消除铸态SiC_P/AZ91复合材料中的SiC_P"项链状"分布,并且随着ECAP道次的增加,SiC_P分布更加均匀;在ECAP过程中,SiC_P发生了一定断裂但并不明显。SiC_P/AZ91复合材料基体晶粒随着变形道次的提高而逐渐细化。基体晶粒细化以及SiC_P分布均匀化是SiC_P/AZ91复合材料屈服强度和抗拉强度随着道次提升而逐渐增加的主要原因。     

Production and mechanical properties of SiC<Subscript>p</Subscript> particle-reinforced 2618 aluminum alloy composites

In this study, 2618 aluminum alloy metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with two different sizes and weight fractions of SiC_p particles upto 10% weight were fabricated by stir cast method and subsequent forging operation. The effects of SiC_p particle content and size of the particles on the mechanical properties of the composites such as hardness, tensile strength, hot tensile strength (at 120 °C), and impact strength were investigated. The density measurements showed that the samples contained little porosity with increasing weight fraction. Optical microscopic observations of the microstructures revealed uniform distribution of particles and at some locations agglomeration of particles and porosity. The results show that hardness and tensile strength of the composites increased, with decreasing size and increasing weight fraction of the particles. The hardness and tensile strength of the forged composites were higher than those of the cast samples.     

Fabrication and characterisation of Al–7Si–0.35Mg/fly ash metal matrix composites processed by different stir casting routes

In the present investigation, the effect of three different stir casting routes on the structure and properties of fine fly ash particles (13 μm average particle size) reinforced Al–7Si–0.35Mg alloy composite is evaluated. Among liquid metal stir casting, compocasting (semi solid processing), modified compocasting and modified compocasting followed by squeeze casting routes evaluated, the latter has resulted in a well-dispersed and relatively agglomerate and porosity free fly ash particle dispersed composites. Interfacial reactions between the fly ash particle and the matrix leading to the formation of MgAl₂O₄ spinel and iron intermetallics are more in liquid metal stir cast composites than in compocast composites.     

Influence of reinforcing particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir processed aluminium alloy AA7075-T651

This paper emphasis the improvement of mechanical properties of AA7075-T651 using friction stir processing through localized surface modification by adding nano boron carbide particles. The reinforcement techniques such as the groove and blind hole methods were used by changing reinforcements of nano boron carbide and a matrix of AA7075-T651 surface composites volume percentages (2 %, 4 %, and 6 %) along with tool rotational speed and processing speeds. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction analysis were used to examine the particle dispersion for the surface composites and to correlate with the enhanced mechanical properties. Results revealed that high input parameters have given grain coarsening and precipitate agglomeration and low input parameters provide poor nugget metal consolidation and no vertical material flow. The L9 orthogonal Array designed and optimized the process parameters for enhancing the surface properties of processed samples. Mechanical properties like ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, percentage of elongation and impact strength were evaluated for the groove friction stir processing method and blind-hole friction stir processing methods. From the results, it has been observed that the blind-hole technique resulted in higher hardness and the homogenous dispersion of nano boron carbide particles in the stir zone than the groove method. Consequently, for blind-hole friction stir processing, grey relational analysis (GRA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) approaches were proposed to optimise process parameters. From the compared optimization results between grey relational analysis and particle swarm optimization, particle swarm optimization approach was shown the best optimization results. Successively, the optimum condition in the respective experimentation is accomplished. Based on these observation and results, final validation tests were carried by changing the volume percentages of reinforcement keeping tool rotation speed and tool processing speed as constant. It is apparent that dynamic recrystallization in aluminium alloy at the processed zone due to presence of heterogeneous nucleation sites with nano boron carbide particles.     

Hot Extrusion Process Effect on Mechanical Behavior of Stir Cast Al Based Composites Reinforced with Mechanically Milled B4C Nanoparticles

In this study, aluminum alloy (Al-2 wt% Cu) matrix composites reinforced with 1, 2 and 4 wt% boron carbide nanoparticles fabricated through mechanical milling with average size of 100 nm were fabricated via stir casting method at 850℃. Cast ingots of the matrix alloy and the composites were extruded at 500℃ at an extrusion ratio of 10:1 to investigate the effects of hot extrusion on the mechanical properties of the composites. The microstructures of the as-cast and the extruded composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Density measurement, hardness and tensile tests were carried out to identify the mechanical properties of the composites. The extruded samples revealed a more uniform distribution of B4C nanoparticles. Also, the extruded samples had strength and ductility values superior to those of the as-cast counterparts. In the as-cast and the extruded samples, with increasing amount of B4C nanoparticles, yield strength and tensile strength increased but elongation to fracture decreased.     

Mechanical properties of rolled A356 based composites reinforced by Cu-coated bimodal ceramic particles

Three kinds of A356 based composites reinforced with 3 wt.% Al₂O₃ (average particle size: 170 μm), 3 wt.% SiC (average particle size: 15 μm), and 3 wt.% of mixed Al₂O₃–SiC powders (a novel composite with equal weights of reinforcement) were fabricated in this study via a two-step approach. This first process step was semi-solid stir casting, which was followed by rolling as the second process step. Electroless deposition of a copper coating onto the reinforcement was used to improve the wettability of the ceramic particles by the molten A356 alloy. From microstructural characterization, it was found that coarse alumina particles were most effective as obstacles for grain growth during solidification. The rolling process broke the otherwise present fine silicon platelets, which were mostly present around the Al₂O₃ particles. The rolling process was also found to cause fracture of silicon particles, improve the distribution of fine SiC particles, and eliminate porosity remaining after the first casting process step. Examination of the mechanical properties of the obtained composites revealed that samples which contained a bimodal ceramic reinforecment of fine SiC and coarse Al₂O₃ particles had the highest strength and hardness.     

Exemplary encapsulate feeding in stir casting for quality composites

The focus of this paper aims at addressing the contemporary issues, i.e., agglomeration and nonuniform dispersion of reinforcement particles prevailing with stir casting method of fabricating metal matrix composites. Although it has been dealt with different approaches, viable optimal technique has not evolved so far. A novel encapsulate feeding technique aimed to accomplish uniform dispersion of ceramic reinforcement particles. In this research, we have chosen Aluminum Alloy 6061 (AA 6061) as a matrix material and cubic boron nitride (c-BN) as a reinforcement companion to form a unique combination of advanced aluminum composites to prove this innovative feeding technique. Two percent of Mg added in every casting as a wetting agent to improve binding nature between metals and ceramics. The Aluminum Boron Nitride (Al/BN) composites are fabricated through bottom type of pouring stir casting machine. Metallographic characterization ensures uniform particle dispersion. The composites are tested using pin-fin apparatus and Xe-flash laser setup and found enhanced (12%) thermal properties than pure AA 6061.     

Investigation of microstructure and mechanical properties of nano MgO reinforced Al composites manufactured by stir casting and powder metallurgy methods: A comparative study

In the present work, Al–nano MgO composites using A356 aluminum alloy and MgO nanoparticles (1.5, 2.5, and 5 vol.%) have been fabricated via stir casting and powder metallurgy (PM) methods. Different processing temperatures of 800, 850, and 950 °C for stir casting and 575, 600, and 625 °C for powder metallurgy were considered. Powder metallurgy samples showed more porosity portions compare to the casting samples which results in higher density values of casting composites (close to the theoretical density) compare to the sintering samples. Introduction of MgO nanoparticles to the Al matrix caused increasing of the hardness values which was more considerable in casting samples. The highest hardness value for casting and sintering samples have been obtained at 850 and 625 °C respectively, in 5 vol.% of MgO. Compressive strength values of casting composites were higher than sintered samples which were majorly due to the more homogeneity of Al matrix, less porosity portions, and better wettability of MgO nanoparticles in casting method. The highest compressive strength values for casting and sintered composites have been obtained at 850 and 625 °C, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images showed higher porosity portions in sintered composites and more agglomeration and aggregation of MgO nanoparticles in casting samples which was due to the fundamental difference of two methods. Generally, the optimum processing temperatures to achieve better mechanical properties were 625 and 850 °C for powder metallurgy and stir-casting, respectively. Moreover, casting method represented more homogeneous data and higher values of mechanical properties compare to the powder metallurgy method.     

镁基复合材料制备技术研究现状

镁合金具有低密度、高比刚度和高比强度的优点,但其延展性不足及较差的耐腐蚀性严重阻碍了其大规模应用。研究者采用各种技术开发了多种镁基复合材料,开发出的镁基复合材料具有低密度、高强度及良好的耐腐蚀性能。综述了制备镁基复合材料的主流技术及制备的复合材料性能,分析了各种制备技术的优缺点。制备技术包括搅拌铸造、挤压铸造、超声波辅助铸造、等离子喷涂等液相制备技术,以及冷喷涂、粉末冶金、高压扭转和搅拌摩擦加工等固相制备技术。     

Fabrication of 5052Al/Al2O3 nanoceramic particle reinforced composite via friction stir processing route

In this research, microstructure and mechanical properties of 5052Al/Al₂O₃ surface composite fabricated by friction stir processing (FSP) and effect of different FSP pass on these properties were investigated. Two series of samples with and without powder were friction stir processed by one to four passes. Tensile test was used to evaluate mechanical properties of the composites and FSP zones. Also, microstructural observations were carried out using optical and scanning electron microscopes. Results showed that grain size of the stir zone decreased with increasing of FSP pass and the composite fabricated by four passes had submicron mean grain size. Also, increase in the FSP pass caused uniform distribution of Al₂O₃ particles in the matrix and fabrication of nano-composite after four passes with mean cluster size of 70 nm. Tensile test results indicated that tensile and yield strengths were higher and elongation was lower for composites fabricated by three and four passes in comparison to the friction stir processed materials produced without powder in the similar conditions and all FSP samples had higher elongation than base metal. In the best conditions, tensile strength and elongation of base material improved to 118% and 165% in composite fabricated by four passes respectively.     

搅拌摩擦加工制备羟基磷灰石增强镁复合材料的微观组织和力学性能

通过搅拌摩擦加工（Friction stir processing,FSP）制备了羟基磷灰石增强镁（HA/WE43）复合材料,研究了主轴转速对HA分布的影响及FSP加工前后材料微观组织和力学性能的变化。使用光学显微镜、SEM、TEM对该复合材料的显微组织进行了表征,同时对其显微硬度和室温拉伸性能进行了测试。结果表明:制得的HA/WE43复合材料晶粒尺寸相比于母材发生了显著的细化,加工过程中,HA颗粒的存在增强了FSP的晶粒细化作用;主轴转速较低时,HA/WE43复合材料中的HA团聚较严重,随着主轴转速的增加,HA的分布更加均匀,团聚现象得到改善;尽管局部团聚的HA颗粒会成为复合材料在拉伸变形过程中的裂纹源,但HA/WE43复合材料的极限抗拉强度、屈服强度和伸长率相对于母材仍有明显提高。      

Mechanical and tribological behaviour of tungsten carbide reinforced aluminum LM4 matrix composites

Aluminum-based metal matrix composites (AMCs) play a vital role for potential applications in aerospace and automotive industries. This paper explores the experimental analysis of a composite with aluminum LM4 alloy as the matrix and tungsten carbide (WC) as the reinforcement material. The composite specimens were fabricated by the stir casting process. The reinforced ratios of 5, 10 and 15?wt.% of WC particulates were stirred in molten aluminum LM4 alloy (AALM4). Once the composite is solidified, the specimens are prepared to the required ASTM dimensions and tested for various mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact strength and hardness. Moreover, the tribological behavior of the composite was studied using the pin-on-disc wear test apparatus. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was conducted to analyze the various elements present in the composites. Finally, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis reveals the uniform distribution of WC particles in Aluminum LM4 alloy matrix. The improvement in mechanical properties – hardness, impact strength and tensile strength – was achieved for the increase in the addition of wt.% of WC particles in the LM4 matrix. The decrease in mass loss was observed for the composite containing 15?wt.% of WC during the wear test among the various composites tested.     

Role of tool pin profiles on wear characteristics of friction stir processed magnesium alloy ZK60/silicon carbide surface composites

Poor friction and wear resistance are the major drawbacks that restrict structural applications of ZK60 magnesium alloys. The surface properties of magnesium alloy can be enhanced by reinforcing particles in the surface using friction stir processing (FSP). Tool pin profile is the significant process parameters which influences the material flow, particle breakups and its distribution in the processed zone. In this study, an attempt was made in order to understand the major effects of tool pin profiles namely, cylindrical thread (CT), plain cylindrical (PC), plain tapered cylindrical (PTC) and square (SA) pin profiles on the microstructure characteristics and particle distribution of friction stir processed/silicon carbide particle surface composites. The surface composites fabricated by plain tapered cylindrical pin profile yield superior properties which is attributed to the higher shear force and balanced state of material flow and heat generation in the processed zone. The formation of smaller grains and hardness enhancement due to dispersion strengthening are the main causes to get better wear resistance of friction stir processed/silicon carbide particle magnesium alloy.