Functionally graded structure of a nitride-strengthened Mg_(2)Si-based hybrid composite

The ex-situ incorporation of the secondary SiC reinforcement,along with the in-situ incorporation of the tertiary and quaternary Mg_(3)N_(2) and Si_(3)N_(4) phases,in the primary matrix of Mg_(2)Si is employed in order to provide ultimate wear resistance based on the laser-irradiation-induced inclusion of N_(2) gas during laser powder bed fusion.This is substantialized based on both the thermal diffusion-and chemical reactionbased metallurgy of the Mg_(2)Si–SiC/nitride hybrid composite.This study also proposes a functional platform for systematically modulating a functionally graded structure and modeling build-direction-dependent architectonics during additive manufacturing.This strategy enables the development of a compositional gradient from the center to the edge of each melt pool of the Mg_(2)Si–SiC/nitride hybrid composite.Consequently,the coefficient of friction of the hybrid composite exhibits a 309.3%decrease to–1.67 compared to–0.54 for the conventional nonreinforced Mg_(2)Si structure,while the tensile strength exhibits a 171.3%increase to 831.5 MPa compared to 485.3 MPa for the conventional structure.This outstanding mechanical behavior is due to the(1)the complementary and synergistic reinforcement effects of the SiC and nitride compounds,each of which possesses an intrinsically high hardness,and(2)the strong adhesion of these compounds to the Mg_(2)Si matrix despite their small sizes and low concentrations.

Ceramic particles reinforced copper matrix composites manufactured by advanced powder metallurgy:preparation, performance, and mechanisms

Copper matrix composites doped with ceramic particles are known to effectively enhance the mechanical properties,thermal expansion behavior and high-temperature stability of copper while maintaining high thermal and electrical conductivity.This greatly expands the applications of copper as a functional material in thermal and conductive components,including electronic packaging materials and heat sinks,brushes,integrated circuit lead frames.So far,endeavors have been focusing on how to choose suitable ceramic components and fully exert strengthening effect of ceramic particles in the copper matrix.This article reviews and analyzes the effects of preparation techniques and the characteristics of ceramic particles,including ceramic particle content,size,morphology and interfacial bonding,on the diathermancy,electrical conductivity and mechanical behavior of copper matrix composites.The corresponding models and influencing mechanisms are also elaborated in depth.This review contributes to a deep understanding of the strengthening mechanisms and microstructural regulation of ceramic particle reinforced copper matrix composites.By more precise design and manipulation of composite microstructure,the comprehensive properties could be further improved to meet the growing demands of copper matrix composites in a wide range of application fields.

Preparation of ZrB_(2)-ZrO_(2)-SiC Composite Powder by Carbothermal Reduction from Zircon

Using zircon,boric acid and carbon black as starting materials,ZrB_(2)-ZrO_(2)-SiC composite powder was synthesized by calcining at 1500℃in flowing argon atmosphere.The effects of the soaking time(3,6 and 9 h)and the addition of additive AlF_(3)(0,0.5%,1.0%,1.5%,2.0%and 2.5%,by mass)on the phase composition and the microstructure of the synthesized products were investigated.The results show that:(1)ZrB_(2)-ZrO_(2)-SiC composite powder can be synthesized by carbothermal reduction at 1500℃in flowing argon atmosphere;ZrB_(2) and ZrO_(2) are granular-like,and SiC crystals are fiberous;(2)with the soaking time increasing,the amount of ZrB_(2) increases,the amounts of m-ZrO_(2) and SiC decrease,and the total amount of non-oxides ZrB_(2),SiC and ZrC gradually increases;the optimal soaking time is 3 h;(3)compared with the sample without AlF_(3),the sample with 0.5% AlF_(3) has decreased m-ZrO_(2)amount,noticeably increased ZrB_(2) amount but decreased SiC amount;however,when the addition of AlF_(3) increases from 0.5%to 2.5%,the m-ZrO_(2) amount increases,the ZrB_(2)amount decreases,and the SiC amount changes slightly;the optimum AlF_(3)addition is 0.5%.

Comparative Assessment on Microstructure and Properties of in-situ TiC+Ti_(5)Si_(3)Reinforced TiAl-Sn-Zr Matrix Composites by Spark Plasma Sintering and Argon Protected Sintering

The effects of SiC particles(SiCp)on high temperature oxidation behavior of titanium matrix composites(TMCs)under different powder metallurgy processes were investigated.In situ Ti C+Ti_(5)Si_(3)reinforced titanium matrix composites were prepared by discharge plasma sintering(SPS)and argon protective sintering(APS).The results show that the two processes have a negligible effect on the composition and hardness of the samples,but the hardness of the two samples is significantly improved by adding SiCp.The apparent porosity of SPS process is obviously smaller than that of APS process,whereas,the apparent porosity increases slightly with the addition of SiCp.The oxide layer thickness and mass gain of the samples obtained by SPS process are smaller than those obtained by APS process.The oxide thickness and mass gain of both processes are further reduced by adding SiCp.The SPS composites showed the best high temperature oxidation resistance.Therefore,TMCs with Si Cp by SPS can effectively improve the high-temperature oxidation behavior of the materials.

Effect of powder mixing process on the microstructure and thermal conductivity of Al/diamond composites fabricated by spark plasma sintering

Two powder mixing processes, mechanical mixing （MM） and mechanical alloying （MA）, were used to prepare mixed Al/diamond powders, which were subsequently consolidated using spark plasma sintering （SPS） to produce bulk Al/diamond composites. The effects of the powder mixing process on the morphologies of the mixed powders, the microstructure and the thermal conductivity of the composites were investigated. The results show that the powder mixing process can significantly affect the microstructure and the thermal conductivity of the composites. Agglomerations of the particles occurred in mixed powders using MM for 30 min, which led to high pore content and weak interfacial bonding in the composites and resulted in low relative density and low thermal conductivity for the composites. Mixed powders of homogeneous distribution of diamond particles could be obtained using MA for 10 min and MM for 2 h. The composite prepared through MA indicated a high relative density but low thermal conductivity due to its defects, such as damaged particles, Fe impurity, and local interfacial debonding, which were mainly introduced in the MA process. In contrast, the composite made by MM for 2 h demonstrated high relative density and an excellent thermal conductivity of 325 W.m^-1.K^-1, owing to its having few defects and strong inter-facial bonding.

Preparation of nanosized W/Cu composite powder by sol-gel technique

Cu(NO3)(2) and (NH4)(6)H(2)W(12)O(40)center dot 4H(2)O were used to prepare W/Cu nanosized composite powder by sol-gel technique. The influences of heat treatment process, pH value of the solution and the amount of an addition agent on particle size were investigated by DSC, XRD and TEM. The results show that, at a certain heat treatment temperature, the W/Cu nanoparticle size increases with the pH value or the amount of the addition agent increasing.

Fabrication of homogeneously dispersed graphene/Al composites by solution mixing and powder metallurgy

Graphene-reinforced aluminum （AI） matrix composites were successfully prepared via solution mixing and powder metallurgy in this study. The mechanical properties of the composites were studied using microhardness and tensile tests. Compared to the pure Al alloy, the graphene/Al composites showed increased strength and hardness. A tensile strength of 255 MPa was achieved for the graphene/Al com- posite with only 0.3wt% graphene, which has a 25% increase over the tensile strength of the pure Al matrix. Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the morphol- ogies, chemical compositions, and microstructures of the graphene and the graphene/A1 composites. On the basis of fractographic evidence, a relevant fracture mechanism is proposed.

Electromagnetic and microwave absorbing properties of FeCoB powder composites

The electromagnetic and microwave absorbing properties of FeCoB powder composites prepared by sin- gle-roller melt-spinning and mechanical milling processes were investigated in this paper. The result indicates that the flake-like powders are obtained. As milling time increases, the flake-like powder particles tend to agglomerate, causing the flake-like powders decrease gradually. The milling time plays an important role in the electromagnetic parameters which relates to the shape and size of the powder particles. The calculation shows that the sample milled for 6 h could achieve an optimal reflection loss of -11.5 dB at 5.8 GHz, with mass fraction of 83 % and a matching thickness of 1.8 mm. The result also indicates that the microwave absorbing properties of the FeCoB powder composites are adjustable by changing their thickness, and can be applied as a thinner microwave absorbing material in the range of 2-8 GHz.

Preparation and Mechanical Properties of-SiC Nanoparticle Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite by a Multi-step Powder Metallurgy Process

β-SiC nanoparticle reinforced A1 matrix （nano-SiCp/A1） composite was prepared by a multi- step powder metallurgy strategy including presureless sintering, hot compacting process and hot extrusion. The microstructures of the as-prepared composites were observed by scanning electronic microscopy （SEM）, and the mechanical properties were characterized by tensile strength measurement and Brinell hardness test. The experimental results revealed that the tensile strength of the composite with the addition of 5wt%/3-SIC nanoprtieles could be increased to 215 MPa, increasing by 110% compared with pure A1 matrix. Comparative experiments reflected that theβ-SIC nanoprticles showed significant reinforcement effect than traditional a-SiC micro-sized particles. The preparation process and sintering procedure were investigated to develop a cost effective preparation strategy to fabricate nano-SiCp/A1 composite.

Indium tin oxide nanosized composite powder prepared using waste ITO target

Indium tin oxide （ITO） nano-particles were prepared directly using waste ITO target, which had been coated by magnetron controlled sputtering. The waste ITO target was cleaned with de-ionized water, and then dissolved in acid, filtrated, neutralized, manipulated through azeotropic distillation and finally dried, and in this way the precursor of indium tin hydroxide was obtained. The nanosized rio composite powder was prepared after the precursor heat-treated at 500℃ for 2 h. TEM images show a narrow distribution of particle size is 5-20 nm and the particle size can be controlled. Its granule has a spherical shape and the dispersion of the particle is well. X-ray diffraction （XRD） patterns indicate the only cubic In2O3 phase in the ITO powder hot-treated at 500℃. The purity of ITO composite powder is 99.9907%. The content of radium within filtrate was detected by using the EDTA titration of determination of indium in the ITO powder and ITO target. Appropriate amount of SnCl4.5H2O was dissolved in the filtrate, and then ITO powder containing 10 wt.% SnO2 was successfully prepared by heat-treating.

The absorbing properties of Fe_(73.5) Cu_1 Nb_3Si_(13.5)B_9 amorphous powder/S-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composite panels

Fe73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9 （or FeCuNbSiB） powder/ S-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composite panels were pre- pared by mold pressing method. Metallographic analysis shows that the amorphous powders are evenly distributed between the layers of S-glass fibers. The effects of the Fe- CuNbSiB powder mass fraction on the complex permittivity, complex permeability, and microwave absorption of the composite panels have been studied in the frequency range of 2.6-18.0 GHz. The complex permittivity of the composite panels with different mass fractions of the FeCuNbSiB powders shows several peaks in the 2.6-18.0 GHz fre- quency range. The complex permeability of the composites decreases with the increasing frequency in the frequency range of 8-18 GHz. The composite with FeCuNbSiB/epoxy mass ratio of 2.5：1.0 has excellent microwave absorption properties of a minimum reflection loss value -30.5 dB at 10.93 GHz for a thickness of 2 mm. A reflection loss exceeding -10 dB can be obtained in a broad frequency range of 3.2-18.0 GHz with a thickness of 1.15-5.00 mm. For the FeCuNbSiB composites, the magnetic loss is the dominant term for microwave absorption. The FeCuNbSiB powders are a possible candidate for high-performance microwave absorption filler.

Properties, Phases and Microstructure of Microwave Sintered W-20Cu Composites from Spray Pyrolysis-continuous Reduction Processed Powders

The effects of microwave sintering on the properties, phases and microstructure of W-2OCu alloy, using composite powder fabricated by spray pyrolysis-continuous reduction technology, were investigated. Compared with the conventional hot-press sintering, microwave sintering to W-2OCu composites could be achieved with lower sintering temperature and shorter sintering time. Furthermore, microwave sintered W-Cu composites with high densification, homogenous microstructure and excellent properties were obtained. Microwave sintering could also result in finer microstructures. ：~

DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF NANO Si/C/N COMPOSITE POWDER AND NANO SiC POWDER AT HIGH FREQUENCIES AND MICROSTRUCTURE CHARACTERIZATION

The dielectric properties of nano Si/C/N composite powder and nano SiC powder at high frequencies have been studied. The nano Si/C/N composite powder and nano SiC powder were synthesized from hexamethyldisilazane ((Me 3Si) 2NH) (Me:CH 3) and SiH 4 C 2H 2 respectively by a laser induced gas phase reaction. The complex permittivities of the nano Si/C/N composite powder and nano SiC powder were measured between 8 2GHz and 12 4GHz. The real and imaginary parts of the complex permittivities of nano Si/C/N composite powder are much higher than those of nano SiC powder. The SiC microcrystalline in the nano Si/C/N composite powder dissolved a great deal of nitrogen. The local structure around Si atoms changed by introducing N into SiC. Carbon atoms around Si were substituted by N atoms. So charged defects and quasi free electrons moved in response to the electric field, diffusion or polarization current resulted from the field propagation. The high ε″and loss factor tgδ(ε″/ε′) of Si/C/N composite powder were due to the dielectric relaxation.

Corrosion properties in a simulated body fluid of Mg/β-TCP composites prepared by powder metallurgy

Magnesium matrix composites （MMC） reinforced with 5wt% tricalcium phosphate （TCP） particles were prepared by powder metallurgy. Pure magnesium （CP-Mg） was fabricated by the same procedure for comparison. Scanning electron microscopy and en- ergy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses revealed that TCP particles were distributed homogeneously in the MMC. In order to investi- gate the corrosion properties, MMC samples were immersed in a simulated body fluid （SBF） at 310~0.5 K for 72 h. The mass loss of the samples in SBF and the pH values of the SBF were evaluated. Moreover, electrochemical measurements were conducted in the SBF. It was shown that the corrosion rate of the MMC decreased with the addition of TCP compared with CP-Mg. Hydroxyapatite was formed on the surface of MMC samples after immersion in the SBF for 72 h but not on the surface of CP-Mg.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF EXTRUSION OF COMPOSITE POWDERS PREPARED BY HIGH ENERGY MILLING

Based on the characteristic of high energy milling and the micromechanics of composite material, a plastic constitutive equation is implemented for milled composite powders. To check the equation, the extrusion of Ti/Al composite powders prepared by high energy milling was simulated. It was from the numerical analysis that the predicted extrusion pressure mounted up with milling time and extrusion ratio increasing, which was perfect agreement with experimental results.

Mechanical and degradation behaviour of biodegradable magnesium-zinc/hydroxyapatite composite with different powder mixing

Magnesium-based biomaterials have recently gained great attention as promising candidates for the new generation of biodegradable implants.This study investigated the mechanical performance and biodegradation behaviour of magnesium-zinc/hydroxyapatite(Mg-Zn/HA)composites fabricated by different powder mixing techniques.A single step mixing process involved mechanical alloying or mechanical milling techniques,while double step processing involved a combination of both mechanical alloying and mechanical milling.Optimum mechanical properties of the composite were observed when the powders were prepared using single step processing via mechanical alloying technique.However,Mg-Zn/HA composite fabricated through single step processing via mechanical milling technique was found to have the most desirable low degradation rate coupled with highest bioactivity.The composite achieved the lowest degradation rate of 0.039×10^−3 mm/year as measured by immersion test and 0.0230 mm/year as measured by electrochemical polarization.Ca:P ratio of the composite also slightly more than enough to aid the initial bone mineralization,that is 1:1.76,as the required Ca:P ratio for initial bone mineralization is between 1:1 and 1:1.67.

Biological oyster shell waste enhances polyphenylene sulfide composites and endows them with antibacterial properties

To date,there is no research that deals with biological waste as fillers in polyphenylene sulfide(PPS).In this study,oyster shells were recycled and treated to prepare thermally-treated oyster shells(TOS),which were used as PPS fillers to make new bio-based antibacterial composite materials.The effect of varying the content of TOS was studied by means of structure and performance characterization.PPS/TOS composites were demonstrated to have an antibacterial effect on the growth of E coli and S.aureus.Qualitative analysis showed that when the TOS content was≥30%and 40%,the composite materials had an apparent inhibition zone.Quantitative analysis showed that the antibacterial activity increased with the TOS content.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the formation of hydrogen bonds between the molecular chains of TOS and PPS and the occurrence of a coordination reaction.At 10%TOS,the composite tensile strength reached a maximum value of 72.5 MPa,which is 9.65%higher than that of pure PPS.The trend of bending properties is the same as that of tensile properties,showing that the maximum property was reached for the composite with 10%TOS.At the same time,the crystallinity and contact angle were the highest,and the permeability coefficient was the lowest.The fatigue test results indicated that for the composite with 10%TOS,the tensile strength was 23%lower than static tensile strength,and the yield strength was 10%lower than the static yield strength.The results of the study showed that TOS not only could reduce the cost of PPS,but also could impart antibacterial properties and enhance the mechanical and,barrier properties,the thermostability,as well as the crystallinity.

Fabrication and characterization copper/diamond composites for heat sink application using powder metallurgy

Copper composites reinforced with diamond particles were fabricated by the powder metallurgical technique. Copper matrix and diamond powders were mixed mechanically, cold com- pacted at 100 bar then sintered at 900?C. The prepared powders and sintered copper/diamond composites were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDS). The effect of diamond contents in the Cu/diamond composite on the different properties of the composite was studied. On fracture surfaces of the Cu/uncoated diamond composites, it was found that there is a very weak bonding between diamonds and pure copper matrix. In order to improve the bonding strength between copper and the reinforcement, diamond particles were electroless coated with NiWB alloy. The results show that coated diamond particles distribute uniformly in copper composite and the interface between diamond particles and Cu matrix is clear and well bonded due to the formation of a thin layer from WB2, Ni3B, and BC2 between Cu and diamond interfaces. The properties of the composites materials using coated powder, such as hardness, transverse rupture strength, thermal conductivity, and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) were exhibit greater values than that of the composites using uncoated diamond powder. Additionally, the results reveals that the maximum diamond incorporation was attained at 20 Vf%. Actually, Cu/20 Vf% coated diamond com- posite yields a high thermal conductivity of 430 W/mK along with a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) 6 × 10–6/K.

Effect of ZrO_2-nitrides Composite Powder Addition on Oxidation Resistance of Al_2O_3-C Refractories

Oxidation of carbon is the main problem or Al2O3 - C refractories. ZrO2 - nitrides composite powder was synthesized through carbothermal reduction and nitridation （CRN） of zircon. The effect of ZrO2 - nitrides composite powder addition on oxidation resistance of the Al2O3 - C refractories was investigated by measuring the thickness of oxidation layer. Phase compositions of the Al2O3 - C refractories before and after oxidation were investigated by X-ray diffraction （ XRD ）. Results show that the oxidation resistance of the Al2O3 - C refractories can be obviously improved by adding the synthesized ZrO2 - nitrides composite powder. The formation of mullite and zircon in the oxidation layer results in the densification of oxidation layer, which prevents oxygen diffusion and bnproves the oxidation resistance of the Al2O3 - C refractories.

Influences of ZrO_2-SiC Composite Powder and Commercial SiC on Properties of Al_2O_3-C Refractories

In order to improve oxidation resistance and ther- mal shock resistance of Al2O3-C refractories, two groups of specimens were prepared with phenolic resin as binder, adding 0, 2 wt% , 4 wt% and 6 wt% commercial SiC or ZrO2-SiC composite powder synthesized from zircon respectively to Al2O3- C refractories, pressing at 200 MPa, drying fully at 250℃, and then carbon embedded firing at 1400℃ for 2 h. Oxidation resistance and thermal shock resistance were researched, phase composition was analyzed by XRD. The results showed that the oxidation of SiC in additives could protect carbon in specimens effectively and thus decreased the mass loss ratio and oxidation area, and improved the oxidation resistance of the specimen. Thermal shock resistance was improved owing to the micro crack toughening of ZrO2 and grain toughening of SiC. In this experiment, the specimens with 6 wt% ZrO2 -SiC composite powder or 6 wt% SiC powder had the best oxidation resistance and thermal shock resistance.