Characterization of ceramic reinforced titanium matrix composites fabricated by spark plasma sintering for anti-ballistic applications

Titanium has found extensive use in various engineering applications due to its attractive physical,mechanical, and chemical characteristics. However, titanium has relatively low hardness for use as an armour material. ZrB2 was incorporated to the Ti matrix to form a Ti-based binary composites. In this study, powder metallurgy techniques were employed to disperse the ceramic particulates throughout the matrix material then consolidated through spark plasma sintering. The composites were densified at1300 ℃, pressure of 50 MPa, and holding time of 5 min. The microstructure and phase analysis of the sintered composites was carried out using SEM and XRD, while the hardness was determined using Vickers' microhardness tester. The SEM and XRD results confirmed the presence of the TiB whiskers which renowned with the improving the hardness of titanium. The hardness of the composite with 10 wt% ZrB_2 showed the highest hardness compared to that obtained for the 5 and 15 wt% ZrB_2 composites which was 495 and 571 Hv respectively.

Microstructure and wear characteristics of ATZ ceramic particle reinforced gray iron matrix surface composites

The alumina toughened zirconia(ATZ) ceramic particle reinforced gray iron matrix surface composite was successfully manufactured by pressureless infi ltration. The porous preform played a key role in the infi ltrating progress. The microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM); the phase constitutions was analyzed by X-ray diffraction(XRD); and the hardness and wear resistance of selected specimens were tested by hardness testing machine and abrasion testing machine, respectively. The addition of high carbon ferrochromium powders leads to the formation of white iron during solidifi cation. The wear volume loss rates of ATZ ceramic particle reinforced gray iron matrix surface composite decreases fi rst, and then tends to be stable. The wear resistance of the composite is 2.7 times higher than that of gray iron matrix. The reason is a combination of the surface hardness increase of gray iron matrix and ATZ ceramic particles and alloy carbides protecting effect on gray iron matrix.

PARTICULATE SIZE EFFECTS IN THE PARTICLE-REINFORCED METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES

The influences of I,article size on the mechanical properties of the particulate metal matrix composite;are obviously displayed in the experimental observations. However, the phenomenon can not be predicted directly using the conventional elastic-plastic theory. It is because that no length scale parameters are involved in the conventional theory. In the present research, using the strain gradient plasticity theory, a systematic research of the particle size effect in the particulate metal matrix composite is carried out. The roles of many composite factors, such as: the particle size, the Young's modulus of the particle, the particle aspect ratio and volume fraction, as well as the plastic strain hardening exponent of the matrix material, are studied in detail. In order to obtain a general understanding for the composite behavior, two kinds of particle shapes, ellipsoid and cylinder, are considered to check the strength dependence of the smooth or non-smooth particle surface. Finally, the prediction results will be applied to the several experiments about the ceramic particle-reinforced metal-matrix composites. The material length scale parameter is predicted.

Exploration of Al-based matrix composites reinforced by hierarchically spherical agents

Al-based composites reinforced with A1-Ti intermetallic compounds/Ti metal hierarchically spherical agents were successfully fabricated by powder metallurgy. This kind of structure produces strongly bonded interfaces as well as soft/hard/soft transition regions between the matrix and reinforced agents, which are beneficial to load transfer during deformation. As expected, the resultant composites exhibit promising mechanical properties at ambient temperature. The underlying mechanism was also discussed in this paper.

Fabrication and densification enhancement of SiC-particulate-reinforced copper matrix composites prepared via the sinter-forging process

The fabrication of copper （Cu） and copper matrix silicon carbide （Cu/SiCp） particulate composites via the sinter-forging process was investigated. Sintering and sinter-forging processes were performed under an inert Ar atmosphere. The influence of sinter-forging time, temperature, and compressive stress on the relative density and hardness of the prepared samples was systematically investigated and subsequently compared with that of the samples prepared by the conventional sintering process. The relative density and hardness of the composites were enhanced when they were prepared by the sinter-forging process. The relative density values of all Cu/SiCp composite samples were observed to decrease with the increase in SiC content.

Cavitation-erosion mechanism of laser cladded SiC particle reinforced metal matrix composite

With 2 kW continuous wave Nd-YAG laser, SiC ceramic powder was laser-cladded on the AA6061 aluminium alloy surface. Within the range of process parameters investigated, the parameters were optimized to produce the SiC_p reinforced metal matrix composites(MMC) modified layer on AA6061 alloy surface. After being treated, the modified layer is crack-free, porosity-free, and has good metallurgical bond with the substrate. The microstructure and chemical composition of the modified layer were analyzed by such detection devices as scanning electronic microscope(SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffractometer(XRD). The performance of electrochemical corrosion and cavitation erosion and their mechanism were estimated by the microhardness tester, potentiostat and (ultrasonic-)(induced) cavitation device.

Damage analysis for particle reinforced metal matrix composite by ultrasonic method

The damage characteristic of particle reinforced metal matrix composite (PMMC) was studied by ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation method. After the sample was damaged induced by tensile load, the ultrasonic wave that propagated in the sample were collected. The damage parameter was defined by ultrasonic parameter and the wave signals were analyzed by correlation method. The results show that with the increase of tensile load, the damage parameter increases and the correlation coefficient decreases. The fracture section morphologies of PMMC under tensile load were observed by SEM. It is found that there are many concaves in the metal matrix. Therefore the damage evolution can be concluded. The initial damage is induced by void nucleation, growth and subsequent coalescence in the matrix or interface separation.

Study on Diffusion Welding Parameters of Particle reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composite Al_2O_(3p) /6061Al

Effects of diffusion welding process parameters on strength of welded joint based on particle reinforced aluminium matrix composite Al 2O 3p /6061Al have been studied through comparing with aluminium matrix alloy. The mechanism for loss of joint strength has been analyzed. It should be pointed out that key processing parameters affecting the strength of joint was welding temperature. The high quality joint can be successfully obtained with appropriate diffusion welding parameters.

A Review on Particle Reinforced Mg Matrix Composites Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy

This paper provides a comprehensive review of research progress in particle-reinforced Mg matrix composites prepared via powder metallurgy.The article discusses different strategies,such as micro-sized,nano-sized particles,and multi-particle hybridization,which has been employed to enhance the performance of the composites.In addition,a range of preparation techniques that optimize the dispersion of the reinforcing particles are summarized.The paper also highlights how the different configurations between the reinforcements and matrix alloy impact the composites’performance.Finally,the article outlines the prospects of particles reinforced Mg matrix composites fabricated via powder metallurgy and recommends modification methods that could be explored to further develop these materials for various applications.

Processing of nanostructured metallic matrix composites by a modified accumulative roll bonding method with structural and mechanical considerations

Particulate reinforced metallic matrix composites have attracted considerable attention due to their lightweight, high strength, high specific modulus, and good wear resistance. A1/B4C composite strips were produced in this work by a modified accumulative roll bonding process where the strips were rotated 90° around the normal direction between successive passes. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses reveal the development of nanostructures in the Al matrix after seven passes. It is found that the B4C reinforcement distribution in the matrix is improved by progression of the process. Additionally, the tensile yield strength and elongation of the processed materials are increased with the increase of passes.

STUDY ON DIFFUSION WELDING OF ALUMINIUN MATRIX COMPOSITE

Effects of diffusion welding parameters on strength of welded joint based on particle reinforced alumini- um matrix composite Al2O3p/6061Al were studied by comparing with aluminium matrix alloy,Mecha- nism for the loss of joint strength was analyzed.It was pointed out that the key processing parameters affecting the strength of joint was the welding temperature.The high quality joint can be successfully obtained with appropriate diffusion welding parameters.

Pseudo-in-situ stir casting: a new method for production of aluminum matrix composites with bimodal-sized B_4C reinforcement

A new method was applied to produce an Al-0.5wt%Ti-0.3wt%Zr/5vol%B_4C composite via stir casting with the aim of characterizing the microstructure of the resulting composite. For the production of the composite, large B4 C particles（larger than 75 μm） with no pre-heating were added to the stirred melt. Reflected-light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, laser particle size analysis, and image analysis using the Clemex software were performed on the cast samples for microstructural analysis and phase detection. The results revealed that as a consequence of thermal shock, B_4 C particle breakage occurred in the melt. The mechanism proposed for this phenomenon is that the exerted thermal shock in combination with the low thermal shock resistance of B_4 C and large size of the added B_4 C particles were the three key parameters responsible for B_4 C particle breakage. This breakage introduced small particles with sizes less than 10 μm and with no contamination on their surfaces into the melt. The mean particle distance measured via image analysis was approximately 60 μm. The coefficient of variation index, which was used as a measure of particle distribution homogeneity, showed some variations, indicating a relatively homogeneous distribution.

Pulse-Impact on Microstructure of Liquid-Phase-Pulse-Impact Diffusion Welded Joints of Particle Reinforcement Aluminum Matrix Composites at Various Temperatures

Investigation was to study the influence of pulse-impact on microstructure of Liquid-Phase-Pulse-Impact Diffusion Welding (LPPIDW) welded joints of aluminum matrix composite SiCp/A356, SiCp/6061Al, Al2O3p/6061Al. Results showed that under the effect of pulse-impact: 1) the interface state between reinforcement particle (SiC, Al2O3) and matrix was prominently;2) the initial pernicious contact-state of reinforcement particles was changed from reinforcement (SiC, Al2O3)/reinforcement (SiC, Al2O3) to reinforcement (SiC, Al2O3)/matrix/ reinforcement (SiC, Al2O3);3) the density of dislocation in the matrix neighboring to and away from the interface in the matrix was higher than its parent composite;and 4) the intensively mutual entwisting of dislocation was occurred. Studies illustrated that: 1) deformation was mainly occurred in the matrix grain;and 2) under the effect of pulse-impact, the matrices around reinforcement (SiC, Al2O3) particles engendered intensive aberration offered a high density nucleus area for matrix crystal, which was in favor of forming nano-grains and improved the properties of the successfully welded composite joints.

混杂颗粒增强Ni基复合材料的冲蚀磨损性能研究

煤炭开采、石油化工等极端工况条件下的机械装备对部分关键零部件材料的磨损性能提出了更高要求。本研究设计制备了大尺寸氧化锆颗粒(ZTAp)承载与小尺寸碳化钨颗粒(WCp)强化基体相结合的混杂颗粒增强金属基复合材料,研究了介质、冲蚀角度、ZTAp尺寸、WCp含量对复合材料冲蚀磨损性能的影响及其机理。结果表明,适量ZTAp、WCp的添加能够显著提高复合材料的抗冲蚀磨损性能。固定体积分数的ZTA颗粒,尺寸越大,复合材料冲蚀磨损性能越好,其主要失效形式为脆性剥落和疲劳断裂。WC颗粒通过第二相增强、固溶强化以及析出强化的方式,提高了基体的硬度和耐磨性,抑制了酸性介质中腐蚀与磨损的交互作用,冲蚀过程中主要失效形式为脆性断裂剥落。

旋转超声加工对TiBw网状钛基复合材料表面残余应力的影响

为研究不同切削条件下旋转超声加工对材料表面残余应力的影响,选取硼化钛晶须(TiB whiskers,TiBw)网状钛基复合材料为实验对象,使用镍基电铸金刚石砂轮进行旋转超声加工,并分析了加工后材料的表面残余应力。结果表明:由于钛基复合材料具有网状结构和优异的高温性能,使切削热和微观相变产生的残余应力较小,磨粒机械作用产生的残余应力更大。随着超声振动的引入,磨粒高频冲击工件表面,使旋转超声加工工件表面残余应力均大于普通磨削。在主轴转速n=9000 r/min,进给速度v f=8 mm/min,加工深度a p=25μm的加工参数下,旋转超声加工工件表面存在-540 MPa的残余压应力,随着主轴转速增大,残余应力显著减小,并且残余应力的影响层深度逐渐减小。超声振动的引入增大工件表面残余压应力,提高材料抗疲劳性能。

60%SiCp/2009铝基复合材料表面等离子体电解氧化膜的生长和表征

在硅酸盐溶液中采用等离子体电解氧化技术在60%SiCP(体积分数)/2009铝基复合材料表面制备陶瓷膜。研究氧化膜的显微组织、成分、润湿性及其耐腐蚀性能,探讨SiC颗粒表面火花放电的产生机理。结果表明,来自硅酸盐溶液的不溶性化合物(SiO_(2))使SiC颗粒表面产生火花放电,Al-Si-O化合物中的缺陷为SiC颗粒表面放电电流的传导提供优先路径。1200s时铝基复合材料表面形成5.5μm厚的均匀膜层,膜层的表面自由能在40s时达到最大值37.10 m J/cm^(2),并在1200 s时下降到25.95 m J/cm^(2)。此外,等离子体电解氧化处理可以显著提高复合材料的耐蚀性。

SiC复合陶瓷增韧研究现状

SiC陶瓷具有优良的性能,被广泛应用于各领域,但因韧性不足而制约其作为结构材料的应用,故提升其韧性已成为研究热点和焦点。因此,综述了颗粒、晶须、纤维和低维纳米材料(碳纳米管和石墨烯)等不同增强相增韧SiC复合陶瓷的研究现状,期望为今后SiC陶瓷的增韧研究提供参考。

原位合成颗粒增强铜基复合材料的研究进展

弥散强化型铜基复合材料,兼具优异的导电导热性能、高强度、良好的热稳定性和耐磨性,是核反应堆、航空器及高端装备中各种导电导热元件的关键材料,在核电、航空、交通、军事等诸多重要领域有不可替代的作用。原位合成法是在一定温度下金属基体内发生化学反应,原位生成一种或几种陶瓷增强体的技术。原位反应制备颗粒增强铜基复合材料存在两个重要的问题亟待解决:一是增强相的团聚问题,二是增强相的尺寸调控问题。本文总结了几种较为常用的制备弥散强化型铜基复合材料的原位合成方法,并对比分析了几种方法的特点、优劣及技术难点。同时,本文综述了原位合成法对铜基复合材料中颗粒尺寸和分布的影响,分析了原位合成法不同参数对复合材料力学及综合性能的影响规律,并从增强相颗粒形核与生长的原理出发,提出了促成细小弥散颗粒增强相的工艺方案。

颗粒增强铝基复合材料热等静压近净成形有限元模拟

目的建立可靠的模拟方法,以更高效地预测颗粒增强铝基复合材料(PRAMC)粉末热等静压中的形状变化和不同部位致密度的差异,解决传统实验试错方法适用性差且费时费力的问题,满足批量应用的需求。方法以45%(体积分数)SiCp/6092Al复合材料为研究对象,构建了能预测粉末热等静压成形过程的有限元模型。使用Gurson-Tvergard-Needleman(GTN)模型作为粉末本构模型,建立了粉末尺度的代表性体积单元(RVE)对GTN模型进行修正。结果通过对比GTN模型计算结果与实验结果,发现修正后的GTN模型能更准确地预测模型的最终变形尺寸,与修正前相比,相对误差降低了1.6%~2.9%。使用修正后的GTN模型对杯形回转体零件的热等静压成形过程进行预测,最终形状的计算结果与实验结果的相对误差仅为0.2%~3.1%,致密度分布的相对误差在0.5%以内。在探究包套厚度对热等静压过程的影响时发现,随着包套厚度的增大,热等静压过程中的屏蔽作用增强,内部粉体致密度下降。结论为PRAMC热等静压近终形制备的形状和致密度控制问题提供了有限元预测工具,辅助优化了热等静压工艺和包套设计,降低了颗粒增强铝基复合材料热等静压近净成形过程开发的试错成本。

碳纤维增强树脂基复合材料的层间颗粒增韧技术研究进展

碳纤维增强树脂基复合材料(CFRP)具有高强高模的优点,被广泛应用于汽车、体育、船舶、航空航天等领域,达到了材料轻量化的要求。目前使用较多的树脂基体以环氧树脂(EP)等热固性树脂为代表,普遍存在脆性大、韧性差的问题,导致复合材料层合板容易在层间发生开裂。层间增韧是一种有效的增韧方式,它可以在不改变基体树脂粘度的情况下对特定区域进行增韧,提高材料的断裂韧性。本文介绍了层间断裂模式并总结了层间断裂韧性(ILFT)测试的数据处理方法,总结了聚合物颗粒与无机纳米颗粒(主要是碳纳米管)的颗粒种类、增韧机制、引入方式,并主要通过层间断裂韧性评价了各种颗粒的增韧效果。