Microstructure,interfacial reaction behavior,and mechanical properties of Ti_(3)AlC_(2)reinforced Al6061 composites

The interfacial reaction behavior of Al and Ti_(3)AlC_(2)at different pouring temperatures and its effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated.The results show that the addition of3.0 wt.%Ti_(3)AlC_(2)refines the average grain size ofα(Al)in the composite by 50.1%compared to Al6061 alloy.Morphological analyses indicate that an in-situ Al_(3Ti)transition layer of-180 nm in thickness is generated around the edge of Ti_(3)AlC_(2)at 720℃,forming a well-bonded Al-Al_(3Ti)interface.At this processing temperature,the ultimate tensile strength of A16061-3.0 wt.%Ti_(3)AlC_(2)composite is 199.2 MPa,an improvement of 41.5%over the Al6061 matrix.Mechanism analyses further elucidate that 720℃is favourable for forming the nano-sized transition layer at the Ti_(3)AlC_(2)edges.And,the thermal mismatch strengthening plays a dominant role in this state,with a strengthening contribution of about 74.8%.

Effect of Hot Extrusion on Microstructure and Properties of (ABOw+SiCp)/6061Al Composites Fabricated by Semi-solid Stirring Technique

6061Al matrix composites reinforced by 5vol.%ABOw and 15vol.%SiCp were fabricated by semi-solid stirring technique successfully at 640 ℃ for 40min with the stirring rate of 300 rpm,and the composites were extruded at a temperature of 500 ℃ using an extrusion ratio of 25:1 subsequently.Tensile tests were performed on as-casted and as-extruded(ABOw+SiCp)/6061Al composites at room temperature,and microstructures were observed by scanning electron microscope(SEM).SEM investigation showed that the as-extruded composite exhibited reduced porosity as well as a more uniform distribution of the reinforcements compared with the as-casted composite.The tensile tests results showed that the ultimate tensile strength and tensile elongation of as-extruded composite are higher than that of as-casted composite.

Effect of porosity and interface structures on thermal and mechanical properties of SiC_p/6061Al composites with high volume fraction of SiC

50 vol.% SiCp/Al composites with high thermal and mechanical properties were successfully produced by spark plasma sintering technique. The influences of sintering temperature on the thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion and bending strength of the SiCp/Al composites were carefully investigated. The results show that the SiCp/Al composites sintered at 520℃ exhibits a thermal conductivity of 189 W/(m·K), a coefficient of thermal expansion (50.200℃) of 10.03×10^-6 K^-1 and a bending strength of 649 MPa. The high thermal and mechanical properties can be ascribed to the nearly full density and the well interfacial bonding between the alloy matrix and the SiC particles. This work provides a promising pathway for producing materials to meet the needs of high performance electronic packaging.

Particle Removal Mechanism of High Volume Fraction SiCp/Al Composites by Single Diamond Grit Tool

Particle removal mechanism was presented during machining particle SiC/Al composites with diamond grinding tool. The relevant removal modes and their mechanisms were discussed considering the impact and squeezing effect of diamond grit on the SiC particle. The experimental results show that the aluminum matrix has larger plastic deformation, so the aluminum mixed with the surplus SiC particles is cut from the surface. The SiC particles can be removed in multiple ways, such as broken/fractured, micro cracks, shearing and pulled out, etc. More particles removed by shearing, and less particles removed by fractured during material removal progress can produce a better machined surface.

Optimization of Machining Characteristics for Al/SiCp Composites using ANN/GA

The present work is focused on optimization of machining characteristics of AI/SiCp composites. The machining characteristics such as specific energy, tool wear and surface roughness were studied. The parameters such as volume fraction of SiC, cutting speed and feed rate were considered. Artificial neural networks (ANN) was used to train and simulate the experimental data. Genetic algorithms (GA) was interfaced with ANN to optimize the machining conditions for the desired machining characteristics. Validation of optimized results was also performed by confirmation experiments.

Near-net shaped Al/SiCP composites via vacuum-pressure infiltration combined with gelcasting

To solve the problem of difficult machining, the near-net shaped Al/SiCP composites with high volume fraction of SiC particles were fabricated by vacuum-pressure infiltration. The SiCP preform with a complex shape was prepared by gelcasting. Pure Al, Al4Mg, and Al4Mg2Si were used as the matrices, respectively. The results indicate that the optimal parameters of SiCP suspension in gelcasting process are pH value of 10, TMAH content of 0.5 wt.%, and solid loading of 52 vol.%. The Al matrix alloyed with Mg contributes to improving the interfacial wettability of the matrix and SiC particles, which increases the relative density of the composite. The Al matrix alloyed with Si is beneficial to inhibiting the formation of the detrimental Al4C3 phases. The Al4Mg2Si/SiCP composite exhibits high relative density of 99.2%, good thermal conductivity of 150 W·m^-1·K^-1, low coefficient of thermal expansion of 10.1×10^-6 K^-1, and excellent bending strength of 489 MPa.

Preparation and characterization of different surface modified SiCp reinforced Al-matrix composites

The effects of SiCp surface modifications(Cu coating,Ni coating and Ni/Cu coating)on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Al matrix composites were investigated.Surface modification of SiC particles with Cu,Ni and Cu/Ni,respectively,was carried out by electroless plating method.SiCp/Al composites were prepared by hot pressed sintering followed by hot extrusion.The results show that the surface modification of SiC particles plays an effective role,which is relative to the type of surface coating,and the interfacial bonding become stronger in the following order:untreated SiCp<Ni(Cu)-coated SiCp<Ni/Cu-coated SiCp.The Ni/Cu-coated SiCp/Al composites exhibit the best comprehensive mechanical properties,with ultimate tensile strength(σUTS)and fracture strain(εf)of 389 MPa and 6.3%,respectively.Compared with that of untreated-SiCp/Al composites,theσUTS andεf are enhanced by 19.3%and 57.5%.

Effect of a Slight Interfacial Reaction on Mechanical Properties of SiCp/Al Composites

A slight interfacial reaction in squeeze-cast SiCp/6061AI composites has been studied. It is found that this kind of reaction has a particular effect on the mechanical properties of the composites. The results of fie-cure tests show that this reaction in the composites obviously increases the elastic properties, but is not beneficial to the fracture strength and ductility.This phenomenon can be interpreted in terms of two different micromechanisms which have been analyzed using TEM and HREM observations, acoustic emission (AE) technique and SEM fractography. In addition, a new method of SiC surface modification which can control the interface state is initially presented.

Effect of Na3AlF6 Addition and Surface Modification of SiCp on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of SiCp/Al Composites

Al-matrix composites reinforced with 56.5 vol% SiC were prepared by powder metallurgy with different amounts of additives and surface modifications of SiCp. The crystalline phase, morphology, elements on the surface of SiCp and the interface between SiCp and Al were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS and EPMA. The results show that it is favorable for the reaction between TiO2-C on the surface of SiCp and Al at the SiCp-Al interface at 1 050 ℃. Besides, the process of Na3 AlF6 melting, dissolving and then contacting with Al2 O3 formed the NaF-AlF3-Al2 O3 system, which generated OAlF2-, promoting the dessolution of Al2 O3 film on the surface of Al powder. Na3 AlF6 meets the needs of chemical reaction in TiO2-C-Al system at the SiCpAl interface in the way of offering more molten Al. After 0.75 wt% Na3 AlF6 was added into raw materials, the whole TiO2-C film and most SiO2 film were destroyed and the interfacial bonding between SiCp and Al was keeping good, in which no obvious void and crack were observed. Meanwhile, no brittle Al4 C3 phase formed in the system. At this time, the flexure strength and density of samples presented optimal values, reaching up to 106.5 MPa and 90.77% respectively.

Production and characterization of rich husk ash particulate reinforced AA6061 aluminum alloy composites by compocasting

Rice husk ash(RHA) is a potential particulate reinforcement to produce aluminum matrix composites(AMCs)economically.Compocasting method was applied to produce aluminum alloy AA6061 reinforced with various amounts(0,2%,4%,6%and 8%,mass fraction) of RHA particles.The prepared composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.X-ray diffraction patterns of AA6061/RHA AMCs revealed the presence of RHA particles without the formation of any other intermetallic compounds.The scanning electron micrographs showed a homogeneous distribution of RHA particles all over the aluminum matrix.Intragranular distribution of RHA particles was observed.Further,RHA particles were bonded well with the aluminum matrix and a clear interface existed.The reinforcement of RHA particles enhanced the microhardness and ultimate tensile strength(UTS) of the AMCs.The tensile behavior is correlated to the microstructure of the AMCs.

Microstructure and properties of high-fraction graphite nanoflakes/6061Al matrix composites fabricated via spark plasma sintering

30-50 wt.%graphite nanoflakes(GNFs)/6061Al matrix composites were fabricated via spark plasma sintering(SPS)at 610℃.The effects of the sintering pressure and GNF content on the microstructure and properties of the composites were investigated.The results indicated that interfacial reactions were inhibited during SPS because no Al4C3 was detected.Moreover,the agglomeration of the GNFs increased,and the distribution orientation of the GNFs decreased with increasing the GNF content.The relative density,bending strength,and coefficient of thermal expansion(CTE)of the composites decreased,while the thermal conductivity(TC)in the X−Y direction increased.As the sintering pressure increased,the GNFs deagglomerated and were distributed preferentially in the X−Y direction,which increased the relative density,bending strength and TC,and decreased the CTE of the composites.The 50wt.%GNFs/6061Al matrix composite sintered at 610℃ under 55 MPa demonstrated the best performance,i.e.,bending strength of 72 MPa,TC and CTE(RT−100℃)of 254 W/(m·K)and 8.5×10^(−6)K^(−1)in the X−Y direction,and 55 W/(m·K)and 9.7×10^(−6)K^(−1)in the Z direction,respectively.

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.

Experimental Study of Machinability in Millgrinding of SiCp/Al Composites

An attempt was made to investigate the machinability of Si Cp/Al composites based on the experimental study using mill-grinding processing method. The experiments were carried out on a high-speed CNC machining center using integrated abrasive cutting tool. The effects of combined machining parameters, e g, cutting speed（vs）, feed rate（vf）, and depth of cut（ap）, with the same change of material removal rate（MRR） on the mill-grinding force and surface roughness（Ra） were investigated. The formation mechanism of typical machined surface defects was analyzed by SEM. The experimental results reveal that with the same change of material removal rate, lower mill-grinding force values can be gained by increasing depth of cut and feed rate simultaneously at higher cutting speed. With the same change of MRR value, lower surface roughness values can be gained by increasing the feed rate at higher cutting speed, rather than just increasing the depth of cut, or increasing the feed rate and depth of cut simultaneously. The machined surface of Si Cp/Al composites reveals typical defects which can influence surface integrity.

Effects of whisker surface treatment on microstructure and properties of Al_(18)B_4O_(33w)/6061Al composites

6061Al matrix composites reinforced by ZnO-coated Al18B4O33 whiskers were fabricated by a semi-solid mechanical stirring technique.The effects of ZnO coating on interfacial reaction between whiskers and matrix and the tensile properties of the composites were investigated.Tensile tests on composites were performed at room temperature,and microstructures were observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The results show that the surface treatment of whiskers could reduce interfacial reaction effectively,improve the wettability between whiskers and matrix and enhance the tensile properties of the composites obviously.In addition,semi-solid stirring parameters were also under preliminary study.The stirring parameters were determined by the distribution of whiskers in the composites.The composites with homogeneously distributed whiskers were fabricated by semi-solid stirring at 610 ℃ for 30 min.

Investigation on Material Response of 55% SiCp/Al Composites Induced by Pulsed Laser

Silicon carbide particle reinforced aluminum matrix composites(SiCp/Al composites)are widely used in aviation,aerospace and electronic package.However,low machining efficiency,severe tool wear and poor surface quality are severe during the machining of SiCp/Al composites.Laser-induced oxidation is capable to improve the machinability of SiCp/Al composites.The material response of 55%(volume fraction)SiCp/Al composites induced by a nanosecond pulsed laser is studied.A metamorphic layer which is composed of an oxide layer and sub-layer is produced.The effects of reaction surrounding and laser average power on the microstructure and thickness of the oxide layer and sub-layer are investigated.Experimental results show that:A thicker oxide layer and a sub-layer are formed in an oxygen-rich atmosphere.The oxides are mainly composed of 2Al2O3·SiO2(mullite).A positive correlation between the laser average power and thicknesses of oxide layers and sub-layers is found.A loose oxide layer of 138μm and a sub-layer of 21μm are formed at the laser average power of 6 W,laser scanning pitch of 10μm,and laser scanning speed of 1 mm/s under an oxygen-rich atmosphere.The high efficient machining of Si Cp/Al composites can be realized by laser-induced oxidation.

Spark Effect on the Densification of SiCp/Al Composites by SPS

SiCp/ Al composites containing high volume fraction of SiC particles were fabricated by spark plasma sintering （SPS）. and their thermophysical properties, such as thermal conductivity （TC） and co.lent of thermal expansion （CTE）, were characterized. The electric field in the vacuum column was calculated and the generation condition of the spark was analyzed. Spark can be generated by a low current if the cavity in the green body is large enough. A high relative density of the composites was successfully achieved through the optimization of sintering parameters. The measured TCs of the SiCp/ Al composites fabricated by SPS are higher than 195 W/m ·K.

Reactive Diffusion Bonding of SiCp/Al Composites by Insert Powder Layers with Eutectic Composition

Mixed Al-Si and Al-Cu powders were investigated as insert layers to reactive diffusion bond SiCp/6063 metal matrix composite （MMC）. The results show that SiCp/6063 MMC joints bonded by the insert layers of the mixed Al-Si and Al-Cu powders have a dense joining layer of high quality. The mass transfer between the bonded materials and insert layers during bonding leads to the hypoeutectic microstructure of the joining layers bonded by both the mixed Al-Si and Al-Cu powders with eutectic composition. At fixed bonding time （temperature）, the shear strength of the joints by both insert layers of the mixed Al-Si and Al-Cu powders increases with increasing the bonding temperature （time）, but get maxima at bonding temperature 600℃ （time 90 min）.

Mixed rare earth metal conversion coatings on 2024 alloy and Al6061/SiC_p metal matrix composites

The processes of mixed rare earth metal (REM) conversion coatings on 2024 alloy and Al6061/SiC p metal matrix composites (MMC) were introduced. The coatings were examined to be honeycomb like feature by scanning electron microscope. X ray diffraction analysis revealed that the coatings are amorphous structure. The results of X ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the mixed REM conversion coatings consist predominantly of Ce and O, the contents of other rare earth elements (such as La, Pr) are relatively low, the coatings are about 2～4 μm thickness with excellent adhesion and wearability. The results of mass loss test showed that the mixed REM conversion coatings produce corrosion resistant surface of 2024 alloy and Al6061/SiC p. [

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Unidirectional W Filament Reinforced Al-6 Ti-6 Nb and SiCp-Al-6 Ti-6 Nb Matrix Composites

Unidirectional Tungsten filament (W_f) reinforced pure Al,Al-6Ti-6Nb and SiC_p-Al-6Ti-6Nb matrix composites were prepared by hot-pressing in vacuum atmosphere,their microstructure and room temperature mechanical properties were investigated. It was indicated that no reaction products appeared at W_f/Al interfaces in pure Al matrix composites. While, in W_f/Al-6Ti-6Nb and W_f/SiCp-Al-6Ti-6Nb,intermetallic WAl_4 interfacial reaction products formed. Much better strengthening effect from W filament was shown in the W_f/Al-6Ti-6Nb and W_f/SiCp-Al-6Ti-6Nb composites than in the pure Al matrix composite. Their strength reached 319 and 339MPa, respectively, with only a small content of W_f(<5Vol.%). The excellent reinforcement effects could be predominantly attributed to the strong W_f/Al interfacial bonding strength due to the interfacial reaction.

Pressureless infiltration processing and thermal properties of SiCp/Al composites with high SiC particle content

SiCp/1060Al, SiCp/ZL101,SiCp/ZL102 composites with SiCp volume fraction of 55% were fabricated by pressureless infiltration. The microstructure was examined and thermal properties were characterized for SiCp/Al composites. The results show that the composites are dense and macroscopically homogeneous. With the increase of temperature, the mean linear coefficient of thermal expansion(CTE) at 25-200℃of the composites increases and ranges from 7.23×10-6 to 10.4×10-6K-1, but thermal conductivity declines gradually at the same time. With the increase of Si content in the Al matrix, CTE of the composites declines and thermal conductivity also declines but not linearly, when Si content is up to 7%, the average thermal conductivity is 140.4 W/(m·K), which is close to that of the SiCp/1060Al composite (144.6 W/(m·K)). While Si content is 11.7%, the average thermal conductivity declines markedly to 87.74 W/(m·K). The annealing treatment is better than the solution aging treatment in reducing CTE and improving thermal conductivity of the composites. Compared with conventional thermal management materials, SiCp/Al composites are potential candidate materials for advanced electronic packaging due to their tailorable thermo-physical properties.