MICROSTRUCTURES AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF IN-SITU Al_2O_3/TiAl COMPOSITES BY EXOTHERMIC DISPERSION METHOD

In-situ Al2O3/TiAl composites were fabricated by pressure-assisted exothermic dispersion （PAXD） method from elemental powder mixtures of Ti, Al, TiO2, and Nb2O5. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the as-sintered composites are investigated. The results show that the as-sintered products consist of γ-TiAl, α2-Ti3Al, Al2O3, and NbAl3 phases. Microstructure analysis indicates that Al2O3 particles tend to disperse on the grain boundaries. Application of a moderate pressure of 35 MPa at 1200℃ yields Al2O3/TiAl composites with fine Al2O3 reinforcement and a discontinuous network linking by Al2O3 particles. The aluminide component has a fine submicron γ ＋α2 lamellar microstructure. With increasing Nb2O5 content, Al2O3 particles are dispersed uniformly in the matrix. The hardness of the composites increases gradually, and the bending strength and fracture toughness of the composites reach to the maximum value, respectively.

Effect of Al2O3np on the Properties and Microstructure of B4Cp/Al Composites

Aluminum-matrix boron carbide (B4Cp/Al) is a kind of neutron absorbing material widely used in nuclear spent fuel storage. In order to improve the tensile property of B4Cp/Al composites, a new type of nano-Al2O3 particle (Al2O3np) reinforced B4Cp/Al + Al2O3np composites were prepared by powder metallurgy method. The Monte Carlo particle transport program (MCNP) was used to determine the influence of Al2O3np on the thermal neutron absorptivity of composites. The universal material testing machine and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to study the mechanical properties, microstructure and fracture morphology of B4Cp/Al composites. The results indicated that the neutron absorption properties of B4Cp/Al composites were not affected by the addition of nano-Al2O3 particles in the range of 1 wt%-15 wt%. The addition of Al2O3np can obviously reduce the grain size of B4Cp/Al matrix metals thus improve the tensile strength of the composites. The addition threshold of Al2O3np is about 2.5 wt%. Both B4Cp and Al2O3np change the fracture characteristics of the composites from toughness to brittleness, and the latter is more important.

Microstructure Characteristics of Interaction Layer of Zn-Al Eutectic Alloy with Al_2O_3p/6061Al Composites

The interaction between Zn-AI eutectic alloy and Al203p/6061AI composites in the vacuum furnace was investigated. Great attention has been paid to the elements diffusion, the microstructure and formation of the interface between Zn-AI eutectic alloy and Al2O3p/6061AI composites. Experimental results show that Zn-AI eutectic alloy has a good wetting ability to Al2O3p/6061 Al composites and the wetting angle decreases with increasing the temperature in vacuum. After the interaction, an interaction layer forms between Zn-AI alloy and Al2O3p/6061 Al composites. The phases in the interaction layer mainly consist of α-AI(Zn), Al2O3 and CuZn5 resulted from the diffusion of elements from the Zn-AI alloy. Several porosities distribute in the region near the interface of the Zn-AI alloy/interaction layer. The amount of shrinkage voids in the interacting layer is relevant to the penetration of Zn element into Al2O3p/6061Al composites which is a function of temperature. So it is necessary to lower heating temperature in order to limit the Zn penetration.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Submicron-grained NiAl-Al_2O_3 Composite Prepared by Pulse Current Auxiliary Sintering

Dense and submicron-grained NiAl-Al2O3 composite was fabricated by pulse current auxiliary sintering（PCAS）.Its microstructure was analyzed by XRD,SEM and TEM,and its mechanical behavior was evaluated through compression test and fracture toughness test.The average grain sizes of NiAl and Al2O3 are about 200 nm and 100 nm respectively.The Al2O3 particles dispersed in NiAl matrix,forming intergranular structure and intragranular structure.During sintering,Al2O3 particles were remarkably spherized due to the unique sintering mechanism of PCAS,which is beneficial to the improvement of toughness.The NiAl-Al2O3 composite exhibits high compressive yield strength,whether at room temperature or elevated temperature.Its room-temperature（23 ℃） and elevated-temperature（1 200 ℃） compressive yield strength are up to 2 050 MPa and 140 MPa,respectively.Meanwhile,its fracture toughness is significantly enhanced,which is up to 8.2 MPa？m1/2.It is suggested that the main strengthening-toughening mechanisms are grain refinement strengthening and Al2O3 dispersion strengthening.The fracture of larger NiAl grain is the transgranular cleavage and this is induced by crack tip deflection and grain boundary weakening which are caused by intergranular and intragranular Al2O3 particles,respectively.

Microstructures and Mechanism of Al_2O_3/Al Composites Fabricated by the Reaction between SiO_2 and Molten Aluminum

Al 2O 3/Al composite was fabricated by the reaction between SiO 2 and molten aluminum.The microstructures of the composite obtained under different reaction conditions were analyzed. The formation mechanism of the composite microstructure was discussed. Results show that the reaction kinetics is influenced remarkably by the reaction temperature, reaction time and the quantity of SiO 2.The morphologies of Al 2O 3 have different features,depending on the reaction temperature.The composite has equiaxed Al 2O 3 grains when materials reacted below 1200℃,and the composite is composed of a large number of fine Al 2O 3 grains and aluminum.The composite has a frame shaped Al 2O 3 microstructure at the reaction temperature of above 1250℃.

The Interfacial Microstructure of Al_2O_3 Fibre Reinforced Al－5．5Zn Matrix Composite

The interfacial microstructure of Al 2O 3 short fibre reinforced Al 5.5Zn matrix composite was studied using transmission electron microscope (TEM) in this paper.Experimental results show that there exist a diffusional layer with a wide thickness range and a third phase in the fibre/matrix interface,resulting from Al/SiO 2 reaction.Some of the reduced silicon atoms adhere to the fibre/matrix interface and nucleate to form the elemental eutectic silicon,and the others diffuse into the Al/Zn melt and form the diffusional layer.The complexity of the interfacial microstructure may result from the different solidification conditions between the regions in the melt because of the non uniformity of the fibre distribution and orientation in the preform.

Evaluation on Microstructure and Mechanical Behaviour of Al6061-Al₂O₃-Gr Hybrid Composites

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are gaining widespread recognition in numerous technological fields owing to its superior mechanical properties when compared with conventional metals/alloys. The aluminium based hybrid composites are increasingly being used in the transport, aerospace, marine, automobile and mineral processing industries, owing to the improved strength, stiffness and wear resistance properties. In the present research work, the composites were prepared using the liquid metallurgy technique, in which 2 - 10 weight percentage of Al2O3 particulates and 1 weight percentage of Graphite were dispersed in the base Al6061 alloy. The Casted hybrid composites were subjected to machining process to prepare the specimens according to ASTM standards. Then, the prepared specimens are subjected for assessing the Microstructure followed by its Mechanical behaviors such as, Hardness, Tensile strength, Compressive strength respectively. The microstructure analysis confirms that homogenous distribution of Al2O3 and Gr in the Al6061 matrix alloy and there was a momentous enhancement in decisive tensile strength, compressive strength and hardness properties of the hybrid composite. However, a substantial increase in the compressive strength was noticed in graphite reinforced composites as the graphite content was increased and there was a significant diminution in hardness coupled with monotonic increases in the ductility. Further, the ultimate tensile strength and compressive strength of the composite was noticed;thus the outcome of the study will provide explicit rationalizations for these observable facts. Therefore, the proposed way out in the study can provide ample of approaches to minimize the existing problem by employing this newer hybrid composites.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-B4C composite at elevated temperature strengthened with in situ Al2O3 network

This study evaluated the mechanical properties and thermal properties of Al-12 vol%B4 C composite at elevated temperature strengthened with in situ Al2 O3 network.The composite was fabricated using powder metallurgy(PM)with raw materials of fine atomized aluminum powders,and the associated microstructures were observed.At 350℃,the composite had ultimate tensile strength of UTS=137 MPa,yield strength of YS0.2=118 MPa,and elongation ofε=4%.Besides,the mechanical properties of the composite remained unchanged at 350℃after the long holding periods up to 1000 h.The excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability at 350℃were secured by in situ am-Al2O3 network that strengthened the grain boundaries.The interfacial debonding and brittle cracking of B4 C particles were the main fracture mechanisms of the composite.In addition,the influence of sintering temperature and rolling deformation on the microstructures and mechanical properties was studied.

Phase evolution, microstructure and properties of Y_2O_3-doped TiCN-based cermets

Y2O3-doped TiCN-based cermets were prepared by pressureless sintering with powders TiC, TiN, Ni, etc. as main starting materials. The influence of sintering processes and Y2O3 on properties of TiCN-based cermets were investigated. The phase composition of TiCN-based cermets almost had no change with Y2O3 addition. The fullly densified TiCN-based cermets were achieved by P-2 sitering process. The fracture surface showed lots of small dimples caused by hard phase particles pulling-off, and the left hard phase particles were attached to the arborous dendritic matrix. The Vickers hardness, fracture toughness and bending strength of TiCN-based cermets increased firstly and then decreased with the increment of Y2O3 content. When Y2O3 contents were both 0.8 wt.%, compared with the P-1 sintered samples, the Vickers hardness, fracture toughness and bending strength of the P-2 sintered sampies reached 14.84 GPa, 8.66 MPa-m1/2 and 660.4 MPa, which were increased by 7.9%, 6.1% and 45.8%, respectively.

Study on Interface between Sub-micron Particles and Matrix in Al_2O_3p/Al Composites

The microstructural characteristic of 1070AI matrix composites reinforced by 0.15 祄 AI2O3 particles whose volume fraction was 40% was investigated by TEM and HREM. The results showed that the interface between the matrix and reinforcements was clean and bonded well, without any interfacial reaction products. There were some preferential crystallographic orientation relationships between Al matrix and AI2O3 particle because of the lattice imperfection on the surface of Al2O3 particles.

Parameter optimization for plasma-sprayed Al2O3p/Al composite coatings on AZ31 magnesium alloy

Al2O3p/Al composite coatings were prepared on the surface of AZ31 magnesium alloy by plasma spraying technology with mixed powders of Al and Al2O3. An orthogonal test containing six factors and five levels was carried out to acquire the optimum technical parameters. Mierostruetures and properties of the composite coatings were studied. The results show that the coatings consist of Al2O3 particulates distributed uniformly and Al matrix, and the interface between the particulate and matrix is continuous, compact and clean. With increasing the mass fraction of Al2O3 in the mixed powders, the volume fraction of Al2O3 in the coatings iacreases. The Al2O3p/Al composite coating with 14% Al2O3 volume fraction has more compact microstrueture and more satisfactory properties.

Self-Propagating High-Temperature Reductive Synthesis of TiB_2-Al_2O_3 Composite Powders

TiB2-Al2O3 composite powders were produced by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis（SHS） method with reductive process from B2O3-TiO2-AI system. X-ray diffraction（XRD） and scanning electron microscopy（SEM） analyses show the presence of TiB2 and Al2O3 only in the composite powders produced by SHS. The powders are uniform and free-agglomerate. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） and high resolution electron microscopy （HREM） observation of microstructure of the composite powders indicate that the interfaces of the TiB2-Al2O3 bond well, without any interfacial reaction products. It is proposed that the good interfacial bonding of the composite powders can be resulted from the TiB2 particles crystallizing and growing on the Al2O3 particles surface with surface defects acting as nucleation centers.

Fabrication and Mechanical Properties of Al_2O_3/TiAl Composites

Al2O3/TiAl composites were successfully fabricated by hot-press-assisted exothermic dispersion method with elemental powder mixtures of Ti, Al TiO2 and Nb2O5, and the microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. The results indicate the fine Al2O3 particles tend to disperse on the grain boundaries. The grain size of TiAl matrix decreases and the hardness increases with increasing Nb2O5 content. The bending strength and fracture toughness reach to a maximum when Nb2O5 content is 6 wt%, under 642 MPa and 6.69 MPa·m^1/2, respectively. Based on the fractography and the observation of crack propagation path, it is concluded that the strengthening and toughening of such composites at room temperature can be attributed to the refinement of the TiAl matrix, the deflection behavior in the crack propagation and the dispersion of Al2O3 particles.

Preparation of Al_2O_3-SiO_2-TiO_2-ZrO_2 Composite Ceramic Membranes by Sol-Gel Method

Al 2O 3-SiO 2-TiO 2-ZrO 2 supported membranes were prepar ed by Sol-Gel method. These composite ceramic membranes are level, even and no macro crack. There exist several crystalline phases such as Al 2O 3, TiO 2(a natase), Al 2SiO 5, and ZrO 2 in these membranes. Changing the molar ratio of Al∶Si∶Ti∶Zr,the kinds and content of crystal phases of composite membranes could be different, which may lead to a variety of microstructure of membranes. The surface nanoscale topography and microstructure of membranes were investiga ted by XRD,SEM,AFM,EPMA. The effects of additives and heat treatments on the sur face nanoscale topography and microstructure of composite ceramic membranes were also analyzed.

Sol-Gel法制备Al_2O_3-SiO_2-TiO_2-ZrO_2复合陶瓷膜的研究

将Sol-Gel法应用于无机膜的制备,成功的研制出一种新型的膜面平整、膜厚均匀且无宏观缺陷的Al2O3-SiO2-TiO2-ZrO2复合陶瓷膜,复合膜含有γ-Al2O3、SiO2、TiO2、ZrO2和Al2SiO5等晶相,改变体系组成含量,晶相组成和含量随之变化,从而引起膜的显微结构的变化。利用XRD、SEM、AFM、EPMA等测试手段重点研究了膜的表面形貌和显微结构,并分析了添加剂、热处理方式等对膜的表面形貌和显微结构影响。

热震条件下Al_(2)O_(3)-O’-SiAlON-SiC复合材料氧化行为研究

以板状刚玉(骨料和细粉)、α-Al_(2)O_(3)微粉和硅粉等为原料,在1500℃下埋炭保温3 h烧结制备了Al_(2)O_(3)-O’-SiAlON-SiC复合材料。研究了热震及不同热震次数对复合材料氧化行为的影响。研究结果表明:在无热震和热震条件下,试样氧化增重率在900~1300℃均随温度升高而增加;热震氧化条件下的增重率大于无热震条件,且随热震次数增加,氧化增重率略有增加。无热震条件下,试样恒温氧化曲线类似于抛物线型,而热震条件下,试样氧化曲线接近直线型。因此,热震明显促进了复合材料的氧化,其原因在于热震使试样表面的氧化保护膜破裂,试样产生微裂纹,为氧气进入试样内部提供通道,进而加速材料氧化。

Effect of High-energy Ball Milling on Synthetic Reaction in Al-TiO_2-C System

High-energy ball milling has a great influence on the temperature characters of synthetic reaction in Al-TiO2-C system by changing the size,distribution state and wet ability of reactants.Reaction temperature characters（reaction ignition time,ignition temperature time.the maximum temperature and temperature rising rate）were changed by different milling time.The longer the milling time.the earlier the reaction.the quicker the temperature rise and the higher the maximum temperature.When the milling time exceeded 10 hours,the reactivity of reactants was so high that the synthetic reaction could take place at 850℃ directly without a long time pretreatment at 670℃.The microstructure of synthetic composites became uniform and the reinforced particles（TiC and α-Al2O3）became fine with milling time increasing.

THE INTERFACIAL BEHAVIORS OF ALUMINUM MATRIX COMPOSITE IN DIFFERENT WELDING METHODS

Non-interlayer liquid phase diffusion welding (China Patent) and laser welding methods for aluminum matrix composite are mainly described in this paper. In the non-interlayer liquid phase diffusion welding, the key processing parameters affecting the strength of joint is welding temperature. When temperature rises beyond solidus temperature, the bonded line vanishes. The strength of joint reaches the maximum and becomes constant when welding temperature is close to liquid phase temperature. Oxide film in the interface is no longer detected by SEM in the welded joint. With this kind of technique, particle reinforced aluminum matrix composite Al2 O3p/6061Al is welded successfully, and the joint strength is about 80% of the strength of composite (as-casted). In the laser welding, results indicate that because of the huge specific surface area of the reinforcement, the interfacial reaction between the matrix and the reinforcement is restrained intensively at certain laser power and pulsed laser beam. The laser pulse frequency directly affects the reinforcement segregation and the reinforcement distribution in the weld, so that the weldability of the composite could be improved by increasing the laser pulse frequency. The maximum strength of the weld can reach 70% of the strength of the parent.

Synthesis and Characterization of In Situ(Al_2O_3–Si)/Al Composites by Reaction Hot Pressing

In situ （Al2O3-Si）/Al composites with a reinforcement volume fraction of 10% were synthesized from the Al-SiO2 system using low energy ball milling and reaction hot pressing. Differential thermal analysis was used to investigate the reaction mechanisms between SiO2 and Al. X-ray diffraction results revealed that the reaction between Al and SiO2 took place completely at 900 ℃ with a holding time of 2 h, thereby forming Al2O3 and Si. Scanning electron microscopic, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic, and transmission electron microscopic （TEM） results showed that the in situ synthesized A1203 and Si particles, whose sizes are less than 2 μm, were polygonal in shape and dispersed uniformly in the matrix. Moreover, Al2O3 particle size showed a tendency to increase from - 2 to - 6 μm when the synthesis temperature was increased. Furthermore, TEM observation showed that the interface between the reinforcements and Al matrix is clean. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and Brinell hardness of the in situ （Al2O3-Si）/Al composite was significantly higher than the aluminum matrix. Mechanisms governing the tensile fracture process are discussed.

Effects of Nano-Y_2O_3 and Sintering Parameters on the Fabrication of PM Duplex and Ferritic Stainless Steels

Here we report the effects of nano-Y203 addition, sintering atmosphere and time during on the fabrication of PM duplex and ferritic stainless steels composites by dual-drive planetary milling of elemental Fe, Cr and Ni powders followed by conventional pressureless sintering. Yttria-free and yttria-dispersed duplex and ferritic stainless steels are fabricated by conventional sintering at 1000, 1200 and 1400 ℃ temperatures under argon atmosphere. In another set of experiment, yttria-free and yttria-dispersed duplex and ferritic stainless steels are consolidated at 1000 ℃ for l h under nitrogen atmosphere to study the effect of sintering atmosphere. It has been found that densities of duplex and yttria- dispersed duplex stainless steel increase from 71% to 91% and 78% to 94%, respectively, with the increase in sintering temperature. Similarly, hardness value increases from 257 to 567 HV25 in case of duplex, and from 332 to 576 HV25 in yttria-dispersed duplex stainless steel. X-ray diffraction analysis shows the domination of more intense austenite phase than ferrite at higher sintering temperature and also in nitrogen atmosphere. It is also evident that addition of yttria enhances phase transformation from a-Fe to 7-Fe. Duplex and yttria-dispersed duplex stainless steels exhibit the maximum com- pressive yield strength of 360 and 312 MPa, respectively.