Microstructure and Strength of Laser Welds of Sub-micron Particulate-reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite Al_2O_(3p)/6061Al

The microstructure of laser welds of sub-micron particulate-reinforced aluminum matrix composite Al_2O_(3p)/6061Al and the weldability of the material were studied. Experimental results indicated that because of the huge specific surface area of the reinforcement, the interfacial reaction between the matrix and the reinforcement was re- strained intenslvely at elevated temperature and pulsed laser beam. The main factor affecting the weldability of the com- posite was the reinforcement segregation in the weld resulting from the push of the liquid/solid interface during the soli- dification of the molten pool. The laser pulse frequency directly affected the reinforcement segregation and the reinfor- cement distribution in the weld, so that the weldability of the composite could be improved by increasing the laser pulse frequency. On the basis of this, a satisfactory welded joint of sub-micron paniculate-reinforced aluminum matrix com- posite Al_2O_(3p)/6061Al was obtained by using appopriate welding parameters.

Microstructure-based three-dimensional characterization of chip formation and surface generation in the machining of particulate-reinforced metal matrix composites

Particulate-reinforced metal matrix composites(PRMMCs)are difficult to machine due to the inclusion of hard,brittle reinforcing particles.Existing experimental investigations rarely reveal the complex material removal mechanisms(MRMs)involved in the machining of PRMMCs.This paper develops a three-dimensional(3D)microstructure-based model for investigating the MRM and surface integrity of machined PRMMCs.To accurately mimic the actual microstructure of a PRMMC,polyhedrons were randomly distributed inside the matrix to represent irregular SiC particles.Particle fracture and matrix deformation and failure were taken into account.For the model’s capability comparison,a two-dimensional(2D)analysis was also conducted.Relevant cutting experiments showed that the established 3D model accurately predicted the material removal,chip morphology,machined surface finish,and cutting forces.It was found that the matrix-particle-tool interactions led to particle fractures,mainly in the primary shear and secondary deformation zones along the cutting path and beneath the machined surface.Particle fracture and dilodegment greatly influences the quality of a machined surface.It was also found that although a 2D model can reflect certain material removal features,its ability to predict microstructural variation is limited.

A new model for analysing thermal stress in granular composite

A double embedding model of inletting reinforcement grain and hollow matrix ball into the effective media of the particulate-reinforced composite is advanced. And with this model the distributions of thermal stress in different phases of the composite during cooling are studied. Various expressions for predicting elastic and elastoplastic thermal stresses are derived. It is found that the reinforcement suffers compressive hydrostatic stress and the hydrostatic stress in matrix zone is a tensile one when temperature decreases; when temperature further decreases, yield area in matrix forms; when the volume fraction of reinforcement is enlarged, compressive stress on grain and tensile hydrostatic stress in matrix zone decrease; the initial temperature difference of the interface of reinforcement and matrix yielding rises, while that for the matrix yielding overall decreases.

Titanium-niobium pentoxide composites for biomedical applications

The strength of titanium scaffolds with the introduction of high porosity decreases dramatically and may become inadequate for load bearing in biomedical applications.To simultaneously meet the requirements of biocompatibility,low elastic modulus and appropriate strength for orthopedic implant materials,it is highly desirable to develop new biocompatible titanium based materials with enhanced strength.In this study,we developed a niobium pentoxide(Nb2O5)reinforced titanium composite via powder metallurgy for biomedical applications.The strength of the Nb2O5 reinforced titanium composites(Ti-Nb2O5)is significantly higher than that of pure titanium.Cell culture results revealed that the Ti-Nb2O5 composite exhibits excellent biocompatibility and cell adhesion.Human osteoblast-like cells grew and spread healthily on the surface of the Ti-Nb2O5 composite.Our study demonstrated that Nb2O5 reinforced titanium composite is a promising implant material by virtue of its high mechanical strength and excellent biocompatibility.