Assessing efficacy of standard impregnation techniques on die-cast aluminum alloys using X-ray micro-CT

Utilizing lightweight Al alloys in various industrial applications requires achieving precise pressure tightness and leak requirements.Vacuum pressure impregnation(VPI)with thermosetting polymers is commonly used to address leakage defects in die-cast Al alloys.In this study,the efficacy of the VPI technique in sealing alloy parts was investigated using a combination of nondestructive micro X-ray computed tomography(micro XCT)and a standard leak test.The results demonstrate that the commonly used water leak test is insufficient for determining the sealing performance.Instead,micro XCT shows distinct advantages by enabling more comprehensive analysis.It reveals the presence of a low atomic number impregnates sealant within casting defects,which has low grey contrast and allows for visualizing primary leakage paths in 3D.The effective atomic number of impregnated resin is 6.75 and that of Al alloy is 13.69 by dual-energy X-ray CT.This research findings will contribute to enhancing the standard VPI process parameters and the properties of impregnating sealants to improve quality assurance for impregnation in industrial metals.

INFLUENCE OF HEAT TREATMENT ON OXIDATION PROPERTIES OF C/C COMPOSITES FABRICATED BY HIGH PRESSURE IMPREGNATION CARBONIZATION

Felt base carbon/carbon composites fabricated by super-high pressure impregnation carbonization process (SPIC) were heat treated at high temperature 2773K. The oxidation properties of felt base carbon/carbon composites were investigated at different temperatures (773-1173K), and the microstructures of carbon/carbon composites were studied by SEM and X-ray diffraction. The experimental results showed that the inter-laminar distance of (002) plane (d002) deceased while the microcrystalline stack height (Lc) increased. The oxidation rate of felt base carbon/carbon composites was invari-able at certain temperatures. The oxidation mechanism of carbon/carbon composites changed remarkably at the oxidation temperature 973K. At the initial oxidation stage of carbon/carbon composites, carbon matrix was oxidized much more rapidly than carbon felt.

Polyarylacetylene as a novel graphitizable precursor for fabricating high-density C/C composite via ultra-high pressure impregnation and carbonization

High-density carbon/carbon(C/C)composite plays a critical role in the aerospace industry owing to excellent mechanical properties and resistance to ablation.However,traditional manufacturing relies on pitch precursor and hot isostatic pressure impregnation and carbonization(HIPIC)technology,which is time-consuming and expensive.In this study,we report an innovative method utilizing polyarylacetylene(PAA)resin and ultra-high pressure impregnation and carbonization(UHPIC)technology.The extremely high char yield of PAA resin(85 wt.%)and high isotropic pressure of UHPIC(over 200 MPa)promote the densification of the composite.As a result,we achieve a high-density(1.90 g/cm^(3))C/C composite with a high degree of graphitization(81%).This composite exhibits impressive properties,including flexural strength of 146 MPa,compressive strength of 187 MPa,and thermal conductivity of 147 W/(m K).When exposed to oxyacetylene flame at 3000 K for 100 s,it displays minimal linear ablation,with a rate of 1.27×10^(-2)mm/s.This study demonstrates the exceptional graphitizable characteristic of PAA resin,setting it apart from conventional resins.Our time-saving and cost-effective approach holds significant promise for aerospace applications,particularly in harsh aerodynamic heating environments.

Thermostability,mechanical and tribological behaviors of polyimide matrix composites interpenetrated with foamed copper

Polyimide matrix composites interpenetrated with foamed copper were prepared via pressure impregnation and vacuum immersion to focus on their thermostability, mechanical and tribological behaviors as sliding electrical contact materials. The results show that the interpenetrating phase composites（IPC） are very heat-resistant and exhibit higher hardness as well as bending strength, when compared with homologous polyimide matrix composites without foamed copper. Sliding electrical contact property of the materials is also remarkably improved, from the point of contact voltage drops. Moreover, it is believed that fatigue wear is the main mechanism involved, along with slight abrasive wear and oxidation wear. The better abrasive resistance of the IPC under different testing conditions was detected, which was mainly attributed to the successful hybrid of foamed copper and polyimide.

New Development of VPI Process for Large Superconducting Coils

High vacuum is required for Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI) process of large coils used in cryogenic. The defects such as dry spots and over rich resins should be minimized in large superconducting coils used. Both sealing problems associated with the mold and over rich resin problems are eliminated by using vacuum bag mold method with which we can simplify the design of vacuum mold.