Fabrication and abrasive wear properties of metal matrix composites reinforced with three-dimensional network structure

Reticulated polyurethane was chosen as the preceramic material for preparing the porous preform using the replication process. The immersing and sintering processes were each performed twice for fabricating a high-porosity and super-strong skeleton. The aluminum magnesium matrix composites reinforced with three-dimensional network structure were prepared using the infiltration technique by pressure assisting and vacuum driving. Light interfacial reactions have played a profitable role in most of the ceramic-metal systems. The metal matrix composites interpenetrated with the ceramic phase have a higher wear resistance than the metal matrix phase. The volume fraction of ceramic reinforcement has a significant effect on the abrasive wear, and the wear rate can be decreased with the increase of the volume fraction of reinforcement.

12.6μm-Thick Asymmetric Composite Electrolyte with Superior Interfacial Stability for Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries

Solid-state lithium metal batteries(SSLMBs)show great promise in terms of high-energy-density and high-safety performance.However,there is an urgent need to address the compatibility of electrolytes with high-voltage cathodes/Li anodes,and to minimize the electrolyte thickness to achieve highenergy-density of SSLMBs.Herein,we develop an ultrathin(12.6μm)asymmetric composite solid-state electrolyte with ultralight areal density(1.69 mg cm^(−2))for SSLMBs.The electrolyte combining a garnet(LLZO)layer and a metal organic framework(MOF)layer,which are fabricated on both sides of the polyethylene(PE)separator separately by tape casting.The PE separator endows the electrolyte with flexibility and excellent mechanical properties.The LLZO layer on the cathode side ensures high chemical stability at high voltage.The MOF layer on the anode side achieves a stable electric field and uniform Li flux,thus promoting uniform Li^(+)deposition.Thanks to the well-designed structure,the Li symmetric battery exhibits an ultralong cycle life(5000 h),and high-voltage SSLMBs achieve stable cycle performance.The assembled pouch cells provided a gravimetric/volume energy density of 344.0 Wh kg^(−1)/773.1 Wh L^(−1).This simple operation allows for large-scale preparation,and the design concept of ultrathin asymmetric structure also reveals the future development direction of SSLMBs.

Vacuum brazing of Si/SiC ceramic composite and Invar alloy using TiSOCu-W filler metals

Si/SiC ceramic composite and lnvar alloy were successfidly joined by vacuum brazing using Ti5OCu-W filler metals into which W was added to release the thermal stress of the brazed joint. Microstructures of the brazed joints were irwestigated by scanning electron micrascope （SEM） and energy dispersive spectrometer （EDS）. The mechanical properties of the brazed joints were measured by shearing tests. The results showed that the brazed joints were composed of Ti-Cu phase, W phase and Ti-Si phase. W had no effect on the wettability and mobility of the .filler metals. The growth of Ti2 Cu phase was restrained, and the reaction between ceramic composite and filler metals was weakened. The specimen, brazed at 970°C for 5 rain, had the maximum shear strength of 108 MPa at room temperature.

Strength and interfacial microstructure of Si3N4 joint brazed with amorphous Ti-Zr-Ni-Cu filler metal

In this paper, the vacuum brazing of Si3N4 ceramic was carried out with Ti40Zr25Ni15Cu20 amorphous filler metal. The interfacial microstructure was investigated by scanning electron microscopy （ SEM ）, energy dispersive spectroscopy （EDS） etc. According to the analysis, the interface reaction layer was mode up of TiN abut on the ceramic and the Ti-Si, Zr-Si compounds. The influence of brazing temperature and holding time on the joint strength was also studied. The results shows that the joint strength first increased and then decreased with the increasing of holding time and brazing temperature. The joint strength was significantly affected by the thickness of the reaction layer. Under the same experimental conditions, the joint brazed with amorphous filler metal exhibits much higher strength compared with the one brazed with crystalline filler metal with the same composition. To achieve higher joint strength at relatively low temperature, it is favorable to use the amorphous filler metal than the crystalline filler metal.

Suppression of Co(Ⅱ)ion deposition and hazards:Regulation of SEI film composition and structure

Despite the presence of Li F components in the solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)formed on the graphite anode surface by conventional electrolyte,these Li F components primarily exist in an amorphous state,rendering them incapable of effectively inhibiting the exchange reaction between lithium ions and transition metal ions in the electrolyte.Consequently,nearly all lithium ions within the SEI film are replaced by transition metal ions,resulting in an increase in interphacial impedance and a decrease in stability.Herein,we demonstrate that the SEI film,constructed by fluoroethylene carbonate(FEC)additive rich in crystalline Li F,effectively inhibits the undesired Li^(+)/Co^(2+)ion exchange reaction,thereby suppressing the deposition of cobalt compounds and metallic cobalt.Furthermore,the deposited cobalt compounds exhibit enhanced structural stability and reduced catalytic activity with minimal impact on the interphacial stability of the graphite anode.Our findings reveal the crucial influence of SEI film composition and structure on the deposition and hazards associated with transition metal ions,providing valuable guidance for designing next-generation electrolytes.

Lithiated Nafion-garnet ceramic composite electrolyte membrane for solid-state lithium metal battery

Single-ion conducting solid polymer electrolytes are expected to play a vital role in the realization of solid-state Li metal batteries.In this work,a lithiated Nafion(Li-Nafion)-garnet ceramic Li6.25La3 Zr2 Al0.25O12(LLZAO)composite solid electrolyte(CSE)membrane with 30μm thickness was prepared for the first time.By employing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope,the interaction between LLZAO and Li-Nafion was investigated.It is found that the LLZAO interacts with the Li-Nafion to form a space charge layer at the interface between LLZAO and Li-Nafion.The space charge layer reduces the migration barrier of Li-ions and improves the ionic conductivity of the CSE membrane.The CSE membrane containing 10 wt%LLZAO exhibits the highest ionic conductivity of2.26×10-4 S cm-1 at 30℃among the pristine Li-Nafion membrane,the membrane containing 5 wt%,20 wt%,and 30 wt%LLZAO,respectively.It also exhibits a high Li-ion transference number of 0.92,and a broader electrochemical window of 0-+4.8 V vs.Li+/Li than that of 0-+4.0 V vs.Li+/Li for the pristine Li-Nafion membrane.It is observed that the CSE membrane not only inhibits the growth of Li dendrites but also keeps excellent electrochemical stability with the Li electrode.Benefitting from the above merits,the solid-state LiFePO4/Li cell fabricated with the CSE membrane was practically charged and discharged at 30℃.The cell exhibits an initial reversible discharge specific capacity of 160 mAh g-1 with 97%capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.2 C,and maintains discharge specific capacity of 126 mAh g-1 after500 cycles at 1 C.The CSE membrane prepared with Li-Nafion and LLZAO is proved to be a promising solid electrolyte for advanced solid-state Li metal batteries.

High-performance all-solid-state polymer electrolyte with fast conductivity pathway formed by hierarchical structure polyamide 6 nanofiber for lithium metal battery

The utilization of all-solid-state electrolytes is considered to be an effective way to enhance the safety performance of lithium metal batteries.However,the low ionic conductivity and poor interface compatibility greatly restrict the development of all-solid-state battery.In this study,a composite electrolyte combining the electrospun polyamide 6(PA6)nanofiber membrane with hierarchical structure and the polyethylene oxide(PEO)polymer is investigated.The introduction of PA6 nanofiber membrane can effectively reduce the crystallinity of the polymer,so that the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte can be enhanced.Moreover,it is found that the presence of finely branched fibers in the hierarchical structure PA6 membrane allows the polar functional groups(C=O and N-H bonds)to be fully exposed,which provides sufficient functional sites for lithium ion transport and helps to regulate the uniform deposition of lithium metal.Moreover,the hierarchical structure can enhance the mechanical strength(9.2 MPa)of the electrolyte,thereby effectively improving the safety and cycle stability of the battery.The prepared Li/Li symmetric battery can be stably cycled for 1500 h under 0.3 mA cm^(-2) and 60℃.This study demonstrates that the prepared electrolyte has excellent application prospects in the next generation all-solid-state lithium metal batteries.

Mechanical Behaviors of ZrO_2-Al_2O_3 Ceramic Composites with Y_2O_3 as Stabilizer

The ZrO2-Al2O3 ceramic composites were prepared by appropriate techniques with commercial ZrO2 and Al2O3 powders as raw materials and Y2O3 as stabilizer. The results indicate that with the introduction of Al2O3 into the ZrO2 matrix where the quantity of additive Y2O3 is 3.5% (mole fraction), the growth of ZrO2 grains is efficiently inhibited, which helps the ZrO2 grains exist in a metastable tetragonal manner; thus higher strength and toughness are acquired. When the content of alumina is 20% (mass fraction), the bending strength and fracture toughness of the composites are 676.7 MPa and 10 MPa·m1/2 respectively, the mechanical behaviors are close to those prepared with ZrO2 and Al2O3 powders synthesized through wet chemical approach. The mechanical behaviors of the composites are well improved owing to the dispersion toughening of alumina grains and phase transformation toughening of zirconia grains.

INTERFACIAL REACTION BEHAVIOUR AND JOINT STRENGTH OF TiC_p/Si_3N_4 COMPOSITE BONDED WITH Al FOIL

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Fine structure and phase composition of Fe–14Mn–1.2C steel:influence of a modified mixture based on refractory metals

The effect of TiO;,ZrO;and Na;AlF;ultrafine powders on the fine structure and the phase composition of Fe–14Mn–1.2C steel was investigated.The introduction of the ultrafine powders into the melt influenced the grain size,the quantity,and the character of distribution of nonmetallic inclusions in the railroad frogs.The microstructure of castings was improved significantly because of the refinement of the grain structure and an increase of the grain-boundary area.After the modifying mixture was introduced into the melt,either the microtwins of one or two intersecting systems or the precipitations of ε-martensite of different types,or simultaneously the microtwins and wafers of ε-martensite,were present in each grain.

EFFECTS OF COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF ALGTNATES ON ADSORPTION OF DIVALENT METALS

Results of a series of experiments(on the adsorption of divalent metal ions by dried alginic acid, Na and Ca alginates of different composition and block structure) conducted in this systematic study of the effects of the composition and structure of alginates on the static adsorption equilibrium of divalent metal ions indicate that the properties of alginate adsorption to divalent metal ions are highly different, depending not only on the cations used, but also on the form and structure of the alginates. There is close correlation between the adsorption properties and the structure of the alginates. The selectivity coefficient of Na alginate for Cd-Sr ion exchange tends to increase with the increase of the M/G ratio in alginate, whereas the adsorption capacity of Ca alginate for Cu2+ ion decrease with the increase of the G-block or the average length of the G-block (NG) and the total adsorption capacity of alginic acid is found to vary in the same order as the FMM(diad frequency) in alginate in the mixed solution of Sr2+, Ba2+ and Cd2+.

Influence of thermomechanical processing on the structure and properties of Cu-Ag alloy in situ composites

The influences of the thermomechanical processing, including the solidification conditions, the cold deformation and the intermediate annealing treatment, on the structure and properties of the Cu-10Ag alloy in situ composite were studied in this paper. The cast structure and the structural changes in the cold deformation and intermediate annealing process were observed. The properties including the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the electrical conductivity were determined. A two-stage strain strengthening effect for the Cu-10Ag alloy in situ filamentary composite was observed. The factors influencing the UTS and conductivity were discussed. The solidification conditions in the range of 10-1000 K/s cooling rates and the intermediate heat treatment showed obviously influence on the structure and properties on the Cu-10Ag alloy in situ filamentary composite. The typical properties of the Cu-Ag alloy in situ filamentary composites through thermomechanical processing were reported.

Coarse WC Particles Ceramic-Metal Composite Coating by Laser Cladding

The coarse WC particles ceramic-metal com- posite coatings with WC density of 67 wt-% and thickness of 1.0-1.2 mm have been cladded on 20Ni4Mo steel surface by a 2 kW CO_2 laser.The sintered WC particles with the size of 600-1000 μm are chosen as the main strengthening phase, Ni-base self-flux alloy as the binder in the compo- site coatings.The microstructure and microhardness of both WC particles and binder are analysed.The rigid ball indention with acoustic emission technique is used to evaluate the brittleness of the coating.Finally,the abrasive wear resistance of the coating is tested.Besides,the coatings with the same ratio and size of WC parti- cles in low carbon steel tube rod were cladded on 20Ni4Mo steel by atomic hydrogen welding tech- nique and analysed by the same way,their results are compared.

Identification of Growth Promoter to Fabrication SiCp/Al₂O₃Ceramic Matrix Composites Prepared by Directed Metal Oxidation of An Al Alloy

SiC particulates reinforced alumina matrix composites were fabricated using Directed Metal Oxidation (DIMOX) process. Continuous oxidation of an Al-Si-Mg-Zn alloy with different interlayers (dopents) as growth promoters, will encompasses the early heating of the alloy ingot, melting and continued heating to temperature in the narrow range of 950°C to 980°C in an atmosphere of oxygen. Varying interlayers (dopents) are incorporated to examine the growth conditions of the composite materials and to identification of suitable growth promoter. The process is extremely difficult because molten aluminum does not oxidize after prolonged duration at high temperatures due to the formation of a passivating oxide layer. It is known that the Lanxide Corporation had used a combination of dopents to cause the growth of alumina from molten metal. This growth was directed, i.e. the growth is allowed only in the required direction and restricted in the other directions. The react nature of the dopants was a trade secret. Though it is roughly known that Mg and Si in the Al melt can aid growth, additional dopents used, the temperatures at which the process was carried out, the experimental configurations that aided directed growth were not precisely known. In this paper we have evaluated the conditions in which composites can be grown in large enough sizes for evaluation application and have arrived at a procedure that enables the fabrication of large composite samples by determining the suitable growth promoter (dopant). Scanning electron microscopic, EDS analysis of the composite was found to contain a continuous network of Al2O3, which was predominantly free of grain-boundary phases, a continuous network of Al alloy. Fabrication of large enough samples was done only by the inventor company and the property measurements by the company were confirmed to those needed to enable immediate applications. Since there are a large number of variable affecting robust growth of the composite, fabrication large sized samples for measurements is a difficult task. In the present work, to identify a suitable window of parameters that enables robust growth of the composite has been attempted.

Metal-Ceramic Smart Composite in Ti(C,N)-Ni-Mo-W System

Goal: Low wolfram-containing cutting composite was obtained by fusion of titanium carbonitride and high melting temperature binding metallic phase. Method: The composite was obtained via compaction and further sintering in vacuum furnace at 1600°C under 10-3 Pa pressure. Phase analysis was performed on X-ray apparatus “DRON-3”;microstructure was determined by electron microscope NANOLAB-7, microhardness by MUCKE-mark microhardness meter;relative resistance of cutters was evaluated at similar modes of cutting according to distances they passed;experiments were carried out on turning lathe. Results: Physical-mechanical characteristics of the obtained composite are: σbend, = 1000 - 1150 MPa, σbend1000°C = 600 MPa, HV = 14 GPa;HV1000°C = 6.5 GPa. High speeds of cutting and high temperatures resistance of cutters made by the obtained composites exceeds 1.5 - 2-folds that of cutters made of the known BK8 and KNT20 hard alloys. Conclusion: Its application is recommended in hot steel treatment by cutting, for removal of the so-called burrs, as well as in steel treatment by cutting during pure and semi-pure operations. It can also be used in jet engines, chemical industry apparatuses, electric-vacuum devices, in industry of responsible details of rockets, nuclear reactors, flying apparatuses.

A novel approach for fabricating a CNT/AlSi composite with the self-aligned nacre-like architecture by cold spraying

A fully dense carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced AlSi matrix composite with the multiscale nacre-like architecture was designed and successfully realized by flake powder metallurgy followed by cold spraying (CS). The nanolaminated and ultrafine-grained structure initially created in the CNT/AlSi flaky powder was perfectly conserved, due to the typical ‘cold’ feature of CS. As discussed based on finite element analysis and single splat observation, self-alignment behavior of the flaky powders during impact also allowed the formation of the microlaminated structure. Hence, the scalable CS technique opens a new avenue for bioinspired material design and fabrication with complex shape.

Transition metal carbonate anodes for Li-ion battery: fundamentals,synthesis and modification

Even though transition metal carbonates(TMCs, TM = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni etc.), show high theoretical capacities, rich reserves and environmental friendliness as anodes for lithium-ion batteries(LIBs), they suffer from sluggish electronic/ionic conductivities and huge volume variation, which severely deteriorate the rate capacities and cycling performances. Understanding the intrinsic reaction mechanism and further developing ideal TMC-based anode with high specific capacity, excellent rate capabilities, and longterm cycling stability are critical for the practical application of TMCs. In this review, we firstly focus on the fundamental electrochemical energy-storage mechanisms of TMCs, in terms of conversionreaction process, pseudocapacitance-type charge storage, valence change for charge storage and catalytic conversion mechanisms. Based on the reaction mechanisms, various modification strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of TMCs are summarized, covering:(i) micro-nano structural engineering, in which the influence factors on the morphology are discussed, and multiple architectures are listed;(ii) elemental doping, in which the intrinsic mechanisms of metal/nonmetal elements doping on the electrochemical performance are deeply explored;(iii) multifunctional compositing strategies, in which the specific affections on structure, electronic conductivity and chemo-mechanical stability are summarized.Finally, the key challenges and opportunities to develop high-performance TMCs are discussed and some solutions are also proposed. This timely review sheds light on the path towards achieving cost-effective and safe LIBs with high energy density and long cycling life using TMCs-based anode materials.

Interaction between AE44 magnesium alloy and SiC-Al_2O_3-SiO_2 ceramic foam

The interaction between a molten magnesium alloy AE44 and a SiC?Al2O3?SiO2 ceramics and the resulting reaction products were studied. The samples were investigated using optical and electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. SiO2was predominantly reduced by Mg during the contact of the magnesium-rich melt with the ceramics. The main reaction product was MgO, whilst Si dissolved in the melt. Two novel tetragonal phases formed at the interface: AlSiRE and AlMgSiRE, having a specific mutual crystallographic orientation relationship. The interactions resulted in strongly connected interfaces between the metal and ceramics after short interaction time; however, interactions lead to disintegration of the ceramics after longer contact time.

Modeling mechanical behaviors of composites with various ratios of matrixeinclusion properties using movable cellular automaton method

Two classes of composite materials are considered: classical metaleceramic composites with reinforcing hard inclusions as well as hard ceramics matrix with soft gel inclusions. Movable cellular automaton method is used for modeling the mechanical behaviors of such different heterogeneous materials. The method is based on particle approach and may be considered as a kind of discrete element method. The main feature of the method is the use of many-body forces of inter-element interaction within the formalism of simply deformable element approximation. It was shown that the strength of reinforcing particles and the width of particle-binder interphase boundaries had determining influence on the service characteristics of metaleceramic composite. In particular, the increasing of strength of carbide inclusions may lead to significant increase in the strength and ultimate strain of composite material. On the example of porous zirconia ceramics it was shown that the change in the mechanical properties of pore surface leads to the corresponding change in effective elastic modulus and strength limit of the ceramic sample. The less is the pore size, the more is this effect. The increase in the elastic properties of pore surface of ceramics may reduce its fracture energy.

Development of 3D bicontinuous metal-intermetallic composites through subsequent alloying process after liquid metal dealloying

This study presents a novel process for the fabrication of metal-intermetallic composites with a 3D bicontinuous structure, achieved through a combination of liquid metal dealloying(LMD) and subsequent alloying. Initially, porous Ti structures are produced using the LMD process, followed by immersion in a molten Mg-3Al(wt%) metal. Due to the higher thermodynamic miscibility of Al with Ti compared to Mg, the concentration of Al in the Ti matrix increases as the immersion time increases. This results in a sequential phase transition within the Ti matrix: α-Ti → Ti_(3)Al → Ti Al. The phase transition considerably affects the hardness and strength of the composite material,with the Mg-Ti_(3)Al-Ti Al composite exhibiting a maximum hardness nearly twice as high as that of the conventional Mg-Ti composite. This innovative process holds potential for the development of various bicontinuous metal-intermetallic composites.