Microstructure and mechanical properties characterization of AA6061/TiC aluminum matrix composites synthesized by in situ reaction of silicon carbide and potassium fluotitanate

Aluminum alloys AA6061 reinforced with various amounts （0, 2.5% and 5%, mass fraction） of TiC particles were synthesized by the in situ reaction of inorganic salt K2TiF6 and ceramic particle SiC with molten aluminum. The casting was carried out at an elevated temperature and held for a longer duration to decompose SiC to release carbon atoms. X-ray diffraction patterns of the prepared AMCs clearly revealed the formation of TiC particles without the occurrence of any other intermetallic compounds. The microstructure of the prepared AA6061/TiC AMCs was studied using field emission scanning electron microscope （FESEM） and electron backscatter diffraction （EBSD）. The in situ formed TiC particles were characterized with homogeneous distribution, clear interface, good bonding and various shapes such as cubic, spherical and hexagonal. EBSD maps showed the grain refinement action of TiC particles on the produced composites. The formation of TiC particles boosted the microhardness and ultimate tensile strength （UTS） of the AMCs.

Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Yttria Coated-Alumina Particulates Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites

The liquid-phase coating method was used to deposit Y2O3 ceramic on the surface of α-Al2O3. The coated-Al2O3p/6061AI composites were produced using squeeze casting technology. The microstructure and tensile properties of the composites were analysed and studied. The results showed that the coated AI2O3 particles are able to disperse homogeneously in the aluminum liquid. The microstructure of the composites is more even in comparison with that of as-received powders. The tensile testing indicated that mechanical properties of the coated-AI2O3p/6061AI composites are better than those of uncoated particles. In the composite with 30% volume fraction, the tensile strength, yield strength as well as elongation is increased by 29.8%, 38.4% and 10.3%, respectively. The SEM analysis of fracture indicated that the dimples of the coated-Al2O3p/6061Al composites are more even.

Microstructures and mechanical properties of in-situ TiB2/Al−xSi−0.3Mg composites

In-situ 2 vol.%TiB2 particle reinforced Al−xSi−0.3Mg(x=7,9,12,15 wt.%)composites were prepared by the salt−metal reaction,and the microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated.The results show that the TiB2 particles with a diameter of 20−80 nm and the eutectic Si with a length of 1−10μm are the main strengthening phases in the TiB2/Al−xSi−0.3Mg composites.The TiB2 particles promote grain refinement and modify the eutectic Si from needle-like to short-rod shape.However,the strengthening effect of TiB2 particles is weakened as the Si content exceeds the eutectic composition,which can be attributed to the formation of large and irregular primary Si.The axial tensile test results and fractography observations indicate that these composites show more brittle fracture characteristics than the corresponding alloy matrixes.

Effects of nano-SiC_p content on microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC_p/A356 composites assisted with ultrasonic treatment

nano-SiCp/A356 composites with different nano-SiCp contents were prepared by squeeze casting after ultrasonic treatment（UT）. The effects of SiCp content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. Theresults show that with the addition of nano-SiCp, the microstructure of nanocomposites is obviously refined, the morphology of theα（Al） grains transforms from coarse dendrites to rosette crystals, and long acicular eutectic Si phases are shortened and rounded. Themechanical properties of 0.5%, 1% and 2% （mass fraction） SiCp/A356 nanocomposites are improved continuously with the increaseof nano-SiCp content. Especially, when the SiCp content is 2%, the tensile strength, yield strength and elongation are 259 MPa,144 MPa and 5.3%, which are increased by 19%, 69% and 15%, respectively, compared with those of the matrix alloy. Theimprovement of strength is attributed to mechanisms of Hall？Petch strengthening and Orowan strengthening.

Effect of alumina short fiber and air-cooling processing on solidification microstructure and tensile properties of Al_2O_3/Al-15Si composites

The effect of microstructure variation by addition of alumina short fiber and optimization of tensile properties by air cooling processing in Al 2O 3/Al 15Si composites were studied. The results show that in Al 15Si alloy matrix composites with 14% and 30%(volume fraction) fiber, the primary silicon is hardly refined, but the eutectic silicon is effectively refined and granulated. Granulation of some eutectic silicon mainly happens in fiber segregation areas. Refining and granulation of the eutectic silicon are related to the physical constraint arising from the fiber. After the 30%Al 2O 3/Al 15Si composite was remelted and air cooled, the number of the eutectic silicon on the surface of the fiber increases, which results in the improvement of fiber/matrix interface and tensile properties for the as cast composite. Air cooling processing may be reliable for the optimization of the microstructure and properties of fiber reinforced hypereutectic Al 15Si alloy composites.

Effect of Trace Addition of Ceramic on Microstructure Development and Mechanical Properties of Selective Laser Melted AlSi10Mg Alloy

Selective laser melting(SLM)is an emerging additive manufacturing technology for fabricating aluminum alloys and aluminum matrix composites.Nevertheless,it remains unclear how to improve the properties of laser manufactured aluminum alloy by adding ceramic reinforcing particles.Here the effect of trace addition of TiB2 ceramic(1%weight fraction)on microstructural and mechanical properties of SLM-produced AlSi10Mg composite parts was investigated.The densification level increased with increasing laser power and decreasing scan speed.A near fully dense composite part(99.37%)with smooth surface morphology and elevated inter-layer bonding was successfully obtained.A decrease of lattice plane distance was identified by X-ray diffraction with the laser scan speed decreased,which implied that the crystal lattices were distorted due to the dissolution of Si and TiB2 particles.A homogeneous composite microstructure with the distribution of surface-smoothened TiB2 particles was present,and a small amount of Si particles precipitated at the interface between reinforcing particles and matrix.In contrast to the AlSi10Mg alloy,the composites showed a stabilized microhardness distribution.A higher ultimate tensile strength of 380.0 MPa,yield strength of 250.4 MPa and elongation of 3.43%were obtained even with a trace amount of ceramic addition.The improvement of tensile properties can be attributed to multiple mechanisms including solid solution strengthening,load-bearing strengthening and dispersion strengthening.This research provides a theoretical basis for ceramic reinforced aluminum matrix composites by additive manufacturing.

Effect of Hot-Plate Rolling on the Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of In-Situ Nano-TiC_(P)/Al-Mg-Si Composites

The hot-plate rolling(HPR)process is adopted to achieve the optimal strength-ductility for the in-situ nano-TiC_(P)/Al-Mg-Si composites.There was no crack in the sheet by single pass of hot-plate rolling with a thickness reduction of 80%,while there were numerous cracks in the sheet by two passes of conventional hot rolling to achieve a total reduction of 50%.The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites subjected to 80%thickness reduction of hot rolling at 540℃were investigated by tensile tests,scanning electron microscopy,and electron backscatter diffraction.The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of in-situ nano-TiC_(P)/Al-Mg-Si composites after the hot-plate rolling process and T6 heat treatment increased significantly due to the dislocation strengthening and precipitation strengthening.

Compressive response and microstructural evolution of in-situ TiB_(2)particle-reinforced 7075 aluminum matrix composite

The hot forming behavior,failure mechanism,and microstructure evolution of in-situ TiB_(2)particle-reinforced 7075 aluminum matrix composite were investigated by isothermal compression test under different deformation conditions of deformation temperatures of 300−450℃ and strain rates of 0.001^(−1)s^(−1).The results demonstrate that the failure behavior of the composite exhibits both particle fracture and interface debonding at low temperature and high strain rate,and dimple rupture of the matrix at high temperature and low strain rate.Full dynamic recrystallization,which improves the composite formability,occurs under conditions of high temperature(450℃)and low strain rate(0.001 s^(−1));the grain size of the matrix after hot compression was significantly smaller than that of traditional 7075Al and ex-situ particle reinforced 7075Al matrix composite.Based on the flow stress curves,a constitutive model describing the relationship of the flow stress,true strain,strain rate and temperature was proposed.Furthermore,the processing maps based on both the dynamic material modeling(DMM)and modified DMM(MDMM)were established to analyze flow instability domain of the composite and optimize hot forming processing parameters.The optimum processing domain was determined at temperatures of 425−450℃ and strain rates of 0.001−0.01 s^(−1),in which the fine grain microstructure can be gained and particle crack and interface debonding can be avoided.

Preparation and properties of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced aluminum composites

5.0 vol.% graphene nanoplatelets(GNPs) and aluminum powders were mixed to prepare GNPs/Al composites via high-energy ball milling(HEBM). The mixed powders were subjected to spark plasma sintering(SPS) and subsequent hot extrusion. The microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded composites were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and tensile tests. In the extruded composites, 5.0 vol.% GNPs were dispersed homogeneously and no serious GNP-Al interfacial reaction occurred. As a result, the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the extruded GNPs/Al composites reached 462 and 479 MPa, which were 62% and 60% higher than those of the extruded Al matrix, respectively. The enhanced mechanical properties were attributed to the effective load transfer capacity of dispersed GNPs. This demonstrated that it may be promising to introduce dispersed high-content GNPs via HEBM, SPS and hot extrusion techniques and GNP-Al interfacial reaction can be controlled.

MICROSTRUCTURE AND COMPRESSIVE PROPERTIES OF NiAl-TiB_2 PARTICULATE COMPOSITES

Ni-50at.%A1 matrix composites containing 0 to 20v.% TiB2 particles have been successfully fabricated by HPES technique. The results show that the Vickers hardness at room temperature and the compressive yield strength from room temperature to 1000℃ of the composites increase with increasing volume fraction of the strengthening phase. Especially, the yield strength of NiAl-20TiB2 was approximately twice as high as that of unreinforced NiAl. The ductility of the composites at room temperature is also superior to the monolithic NiAl.

A review of particulate-reinforced aluminum matrix composites fabricated by selective laser melting

Selective laser melting(SLM)is an emerging layer-wise additive manufacturing technique that can generate complex components with high performance.Particulate-reinforced aluminum matrix composites(PAMCs)are important materials for various applications due to the combined properties of Al matrix and reinforcements.Considering the advantages of SLM technology and PAMCs,the novel SLM PAMCs have been developed and researched in recent years.Therefore,the current research progress about the SLM PAMCs is reviewed.Firstly,special attention is paid to the solidification behavior of SLM PAMCs.Secondly,the important issues about the design and fabrication of high-performance SLM PAMCs,including the selection of reinforcement,the influence of parameters on the processing and microstructure,the defect evolution and phase control,are highlighted and discussed comprehensively.Thirdly,the performance and strengthening mechanism of SLM PAMCs are systematically figured out.Finally,future directions are pointed out on the advancement of high-performance SLM PAMCs.

Fabrication and Microstructure of BN Matrix Composites with Electrical Conductivity

BN ceramic is an advanced engineering ceramics with excellent thermal shock resistance, good workability and excellent dielectricity.TiB 2 ceramic has excellent electric conductivity,high melting points, and corrosion resistance to molten metal.Therefore,the composite consisting of BN and TiB 2 ceramics is expected to have a combination of above mentioned properties,thereby can be used as self heating crucible.In this paper,hot pressing technology was used to fabricate the high performance BN TiB 2 composite materials.microstructure and electric conducting mechanism were studied,and the relationship between the microstructure and physical property was discussed.The results show that the microstructure of composites has a great influence on the physical property of composites.The BN TiB 2 composites with excellent mechanical strength and stable resistivity can be obtained by optimizing the processing parameter and controlling the microstructure of composites.

Tensile properties and hot extrusion behavior of Zn O-coated Mg_2B_2O_(5w)/6061 Al composites

The 6061 aluminum matrix composites reinforced with ZnO-coated Mg_2B_2O_5w were fabricated by squeeze casting method and followed by extruded under a technical equivalent condition. The mechanical properties and microstructures of the composites were investigated. The results showed that the elastic modulus of the as-cast composites increased straightly with increasing ZnO coating content. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the as-cast composites rapidly increased initially and then declined with increasing ZnO coating content. However, the elongations of all the as-cast composites had similar values. The elongations of the composites were highly enhanced and the ultimate tensile strength of the composite without ZnO coating was the largest after extrusion. A number of whiskers in the composites with ZnO coating were fractured during the extrusion process, but the whiskers＇ breakage extent was limited with the increase of coating content.

Microstructure and properties of Si_p/4032Al composite

The environmental-friendly Si_p/4032Al composite with high content of silicon particles (65%, mass fraction) was fabricated by squeeze-casting method. The results show that the composite is dense and silicon particles are distributed uniformly. Transmission electron microscope observations show that a high density of stacking faults, twins and dislocations are found in silicon particles. The Si-Al interfaces are well-bonded and no interface reactants are found. The dislocations and eutectic silicon precipitates are observed in 4032Al matrix. The Si_p/4032Al composite has low density (2.4g/cm3), low coefficient of thermal expansion (8.1×10 -6/℃), high thermal conductivity (161.3W/(m·℃)), and the annealing treatment can reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion and improve the thermal conductivity. Moreover, the composite has excellent special strength(131.8MPa·cm3/g)and special modulus (49.7GPa·cm3/g).

Microstructure elaboration and mechanical properties of AlN_p/4032Al composite

A dense and uniform 50%AlN_p/4032Al(Al-12%Si) composite was fabricated by squeeze casting process that involved pressure infiltration of molten 4032Al into a porous AlN preform. TEM observations show that there are high densities of dislocations in the aluminum, and these thermally induced dislocations are attributed to the difference of coefficients of thermal expansion between AlN and aluminum. The Si phases in the matrix are found to preferentially nucleate around AlN particles, and the reasons influencing heterogeneous nucleation of Si on AlN are discussed. The composite exhibits excellent mechanical properties, with a Brinell hardness of 268 and a bending strength of 556MPa. The modulus of AlN_p/Al composite reaches 145GPa and agrees well with the prediction by Hashin-Shtrikman model.

Effect of Hot Extrusion on Interfacial Microstructure and Tensile Properties of SiC_p/2009Al Composites Fabricated at Different Hot Pressing Temperatures

The effects of hot extrusion on the interfacial microstructures and tensile properties of 15 vol.SiCp/2009Al composites fabricated at different hot pressing temperatures were investigated.After hot extrusion,the relative density of the composites increased,the SiC particle distribution became more uniform,and the SiC particles tended to align along the extrusion direction.Furthermore,the interface bonding was improved after hot extrusion;however,the extrusion exerted no obvious effect on the interfacial reaction products formed during sintering process.Tensile tests indicated that the mechanical properties of the composites were improved significantly after extrusion.Fractography revealed that the fracture mechanism of the extruded composites fabricated at the hot pressing temperatures below 540℃ was mainly the interfacial debonding.For the extruded composites fabricated at 560-600℃,the fracture was the matrix ductile fracture and the SiC particle fracture.When the composites were hot pressed at or above 620℃,after extrusion,the fracture mechanism of the composites was the matrix ductile fracture,the interface cracking and the SiC particle fracture.

Effect of B_4C on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of As-Cast TiB+TiC/TC4 Composites

Different additions of BaC were introduced into TC4 to alter the microstructure and mechanical properties. The morphologies of reinforcements are related to the solidification paths. The refinement of lamellar spacing 2 is based on the precipitation pattern of [3-phases. Microhardness, compression elastic modulus （Ec）, and elastic modulus of the matrix （Em） appear non-linear relationships with B4C additions. Due to the refinement of lamellar spacing with Hall-Petch-type relationships, and the solution strengthening of C on the α＋ β matrix, the effect of reinforcements on the mechanical properties will be more efficient when the additions of B4C are no more than 0.19 wt%. When the additions of B4C are more than 0.19 wt%, the efficiency will decrease.

TiB2／Al复合材料的组织性能研究进展

TiB_2/Al复合材料是一种很有潜力的复合材料.在耐磨、航空航天等领域有着广阔的应用前景。复合材料的性能除了取决于基体和增强体外,还与制备材料所用的工艺有关。综述了采用不同工艺制备的TiB_2/Al复合材料的显微组织、力学性能和摩擦磨损性能,详细介绍了采用不同工艺制备出的TiB_2/Al复合材料组织性能的特点,并展望了其研究趋势。

超声外场对原位TiB2/2A14铝基复合材料的摩擦磨损性能的影响

采用超声外场-原位混合盐反应法制备3%TiB 2/2A14(体积分数)铝基复合材料,在往复式摩擦磨损试验机上进行4种不同载荷(20,30,40,50N)的磨损实验,研究不同超声处理工艺制备的复合材料的耐磨性和摩擦行为。使用显微硬度计测量基体和复合材料的显微硬度。采用X射线衍射仪、扫描电子显微镜对测试样品进行物相成分鉴定、显微组织和表面磨损形貌观察,并研究其磨损机理。结果表明:超声能够有效打散颗粒团聚,改善颗粒分布状态,强化颗粒与基体的界面结合强度,因此经过超声处理的复合材料的耐磨性和显微硬度明显优于合金基体。经120s超声处理获得的复合材料,其硬度约为基体合金的2倍。在50N载荷的作用下,其磨损率约为基体合金的57.43%。在干摩擦条件下,基体主要表现为黏着磨损,复合材料表现为黏着磨损+磨粒磨损的混合型磨损,耐磨性能更佳。