Squeeze casting of aluminum alloy A380: Microstructure and tensile behavior

A380 alloy with a relatively thick cross-section of 25 mm was squeeze cast using a hydraulic press with an applied pressure of 90 MPa. Microstructure and tensile properties of the squeeze cast A380 were characterized and evaluated in comparison with the die cast counterpart. Results show that the squeeze cast A380 possesses a porosity level much lower than the die cast alloy, which is disclosed by both optical microscopy and the density measurement technique. The results of tensile testing indicate the improved tensile properties, specifically ultimate tensile strength(UTS: 215.9 MPa) and elongation(Ef: 5.4%), for the squeeze cast samples over those of the conventional high-pressure die cast part(UTS: 173.7 MPa, Ef: 1.0%). The analysis of tensile behavior shows that the squeeze cast A380 exhibits a high tensile toughness(8.5 MJ·m-3) and resilience(179.3 k J·m-3) compared with the die cast alloy(toughness: 1.4 MJ·m-3, resilience: 140.6 k J·m-3), despite that, during the onset of plastic deformation, the strain-hardening rate of the die cast specimen is higher than that of the squeeze cast specimens. The microstructure analyzed by the scanning electron microscopy(SEM) shows that both the squeeze and die cast specimens contain the primary α-Al, Al2 Cu, Al5 Fe Si phase and the eutectic Si phase. But, the Al2 Cu phase present in the squeeze cast alloy is relatively large in size and quantity. The SEM fractography evidently reveals the ductile fracture features of the squeeze cast A380 alloy.

Review of Non-Newtonian Mathematical Models for Rheological Characteristics of Viscoelastic Composites

This study presents an overview of viscoelastic characteristics of biocomposites derived of natural-fibre-reinforced thermoplastic polymers and predictive models have been presented in order to understand their rheological behavior. Various constitutive equations are reviewed for a better understanding of their applicability to polymer melt in determining the viscosity. The models to be investigated are the Giesekus-Leonov model, the Upper Convected Maxwell (UCM) model, the White-Metzner model, K-BKZ model, the Oldroyd-B model, and the Phan-Thien-Tanner models. The aforementioned models are the most powerful for predicting the rheological behavior of hybrid and green viscoelastic materials in the presence of high shear rate and in all dimensions. The Phan-Thien Tanner model, the Oldroyd-B model, and the Giesekus model can be used in various modes to fit the relaxation modulus accurately and to predict the shear thinning as well as shear thickening characteristics. The Phan-Thien Tanner, K-BKZ, Upper convected Maxwell, Oldroyd-B, and Giesekus models predicted the steady shear viscosity and the transient first normal stress coefficient better than the White-Metzner model for green-fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites.

Cellulose-based Antimicrobial Composites and Applications: A Brief Review

Cellulose-based antimicrobial composites,typically in the form of functional films and cloth,have received much attention in various applications,such as food,medical and textile industries.Cellulose is a natural polymer,and is highly biodegradable,green,and sustainable.Imparting antimicrobial properties to cellulose,will significantly enhance its applications so that its commercial value can be boosted.In this review paper,the use of cellulose for antimicrobial composites’preparation was discussed.Two different approaches:surface loading/coating and interior embedding,were focused.Three most widely-applied sectors:food,medical and textile industries,were highlighted.Nanocellulose,as a leading-edge cellulose material,its unique application on the antimicrobial composites,was particularly discussed.

Emerging Trends in Automotive Lightweighting through Novel Composite Materials

Owing to unprecedented climate change issues in recent times, global automotive industry is striving hard in developing novel functional materials to improve vehicle’s fuel efficiency. It is believed that more than a quarter of all combined greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are associated with road transport vehicles. All these facts in association with heightened consumer awareness and energy security issues have led to automotive lightweighting as a major research theme across the globe. Almost all North American and European original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) related to automotive industry have chalked out ambitious weight reduction plans in response to stricter environmental regulations. This review entails main motives and current legislation which has prompted major OEMs to have drastic measures in bringing down vehicle weight to suggested limits. Also discussed are recent advances in developing advanced composites, and cellulose-enabled light weight automotive composites with special focus on research efforts of Center for Biocomposites and Biomaterials Processing (CBBP), University of Toronto, Canada.

Effect of Lithium Chloride on the Fibre Length Distribution, Processing Temperature and the Rheological Properties of High-Yield-Pulp-Fibre-Reinforced Modified Bio-Based Polyamide 11 Composite

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of lithium chloride (LiCl) on the fibre length distribution, melting temperature and the rheological characteristics of high yield pulp fibre reinforced polyamide biocomposite. The inorganic salt lithium chloride (LiCl) was used to decrease the melting and processing temperature of bio-based polyamide 11. The extrusion method and Brabender mixer approaches were used to carry out the compounding process. The densities and fibre content were found to be increased after processing using both compounding methods. The HYP fibre length distribution analysis realized using the FQA equipment showed an important fibre-length reduction after processing by both techniques. The rheological properties of HYP-reinforced net and modified bio-based polyamide 11 “PA11” (HYP/PA11) composite were investigated using a capillary rheometer. The rheological tests were performed in function of the shear rate for different temperature conditions. The low-temperature process compounding had higher shear viscosity;this was because during the process the temperature was low and the mixing and melting were induced by the high shear rate created during compounding process. Experimental test results using the extrusion process showed a steep decrease in shear viscosity with increasing shear rate, and this melt-flow characteristic corresponds to shear-thinning behavior in HYP/PA11, and this steep decrease in the melt viscosity can be associated to the hydrolyse reaction of nylon for high pulp fibre moisture content at high temperature. In addition to the low processing temperature, the melt viscosity of the biocomposite using the Brabender mixer approach increases with increasing shear rate, and this stability in the increase even at high shear rate for high pulp moisture content is associated to the presence of inorganic salt lithium chloride which creates the hydrogen bonds with pulp during the compounding process.

Evaluation of the Influence of Fibre Aspect Ratio and Fibre Content on the Rheological Characteristic of High Yield Pulp Fibre Reinforced Polyamide 11 “HYP/PA11” Green Composite

The rheological behavior of composites made with low-density polyamide 11 (PA11) and high yield pulp fibre (HYP) is evaluated. The rheological properties of high-yield, pulp-reinforced bio- based Nylon 11 HYP/PA11 composite were investigated using a capillary rheometer. The rheological tests were realized in function of the shear rate for different temperature conditions. The experimental results showed that identically for fibre content and aspect ratio, the shearing effects decreased as the temperature increased;that is, the HYP/PA11 became more non-Newtonian in the higher temperature region, which corresponds to the high pseudoplasticity of the HYP/PA11. At low HYP content, the shear viscosity is expected to increase rapidly with increasing concentrations of the fibres because of the rapidly increasing interactions between particles as they become more closely packed. However, at very high fibre content, random anisotropic structure of the fibres in polymer melts is created. The increase in shear viscosity is greater at lower shear rates, where fibre and polymer molecules are not completely oriented.

Modeling the Rheological Characteristics of Flexible High-Yield Pulp-Fibre-Reinforced Bio-Based Nylon 11 Bio-Composite

The aim of this work was to develop a mathematical model to investigate the rheological characteristics of viscoelastic pulp-fibre composite materials. The rheological properties of High-Yield Pulp (HYP) reinforced bio-based Nylon 11 (Polyamide 11) (PA11) composite (HYP/PA11) were investigated using a capillary rheometer. Novel predicted multiphase rheological-model-based polymer, fibre, and interphasial phases were developed. Rheological characteristics of the compo-site components influence the development of resultant microstructures;this in turn affects mechanical characteristics of a multiphase composite. The main rheological characteristics of polymer materials are viscosity and shear rate. Experimental and theoretical test results of HYP/PA11 show a steep decrease in apparent viscosity with increasing shear rate, and this melt-flow characteristic corresponds to shear-thinning behavior in HYP/PA11. The non-linear mathematical model to predict the rheological behavior of HYP/PA11 was validated experimentally at 200°C and 5000 S-1?shear rate. Finally, predicted and experimental viscosity results were compared and found to be in a strong agreement.