Microstructure Regulation and Combustion Performance Optimization of PVDF/Al Composite Powder by Non-covalent Functionalized Graphenes

Graphene prepared by non-covalent modification of sulfonated poly(ether-ether-ketone)(SPG)was combined with polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)/Al to improve the PVDF/Al thermal conductivity while reducing the effect of the thermal resistance at the graphene-polymer interface.The regulation rule of SPG with different contents on the energy release of fluorine-containing system was studied.When the content of SPG is 4%,the peak pressure and rise rate of SPG/PVDF/Al composite powder during ignition reach the maximum of 4845.28 kPa and 8683.58 kPa/s.When the content of SPG is 5%,the PVDF/Al composite powder is completely coated by SPG,and the calorific value of the material reachs the maximum of 29.094 kJ/g.Through the design and micro-control of the composite powder,the calorific value of the material can be effectively improved,but the improvement of the mass release rate still depends on the graphene content and surface modification state.

Effect of Ni content on the wear behavior of Al-Si-Cu-Mg-Ni/SiC particles composites

In recent years,the addition of Ni has been widely acknowledged to be capable of enhancing the mechanical properties of Al-Si alloys.However,the effect of Ni on the wear behaviors of Al-Si alloys and Al matrix composites,particularly at elevated temperat-ures,remains an understudied area.In this study,Al-Si-Cu-Mg-Ni/20wt%SiC particles(SiCp)composites with varying Ni contents were prepared by using a semisolid stir casting method.The effect of Ni content on the dry sliding wear behavior of the prepared compos-ites was investigated through sliding tests at 25 and 350℃.Results indicated that theθ-Al_(2)Cu phase gradually diminished and eventually disappeared as the Ni content increased from 0wt%to 3wt%.This change was accompanied by the formation and increase inδ-Al_(3)CuNi andε-Al_(3)Ni phases in microstructures.The hardness and ultimate tensile strength of the as-cast composites improved,and the wear rates of the composites decreased from 5.29×10^(−4)to 1.94×10^(−4)mm^(3)/(N∙m)at 25℃and from 20.2×10^(−4)to 7×10^(−4)mm^(3)/(N∙m)at 350℃with the increase in Ni content from 0wt%to 2wt%.The enhancement in performance was due to the presence of strengthening network structures and additional Ni-containing phases in the composites.However,the wear rate of the 3Ni composite was approximately two times higher than that of the 2Ni composite due to the fracture and debonding of theε-Al_(3)Ni phase.Abrasive wear,delamination wear,and oxidation wear were the predominant wear mechanisms of the investigated composites at 25℃,whereas delamination wear and oxid-ation wear were dominant during sliding at 350℃.

Direct deposition of graphene nanowalls on ceramic powders for the fabrication of a ceramic matrix composite

Uniform mixing of ceramic powder and graphene is of great importance for producing ceramic matrix composite. In this study, graphene nanowalls(GNWs) are directly deposited on the surface of Al2 O3 and Si3 N4 powders using chemical vapor deposition system to realize the uniform mixing. The morphology and the initial stage of the growth process are investigated. It is found that the graphitic base layer is initially formed parallel to the powder surface and is followed by the growth of graphene nanowalls perpendicular to the surface. Moreover, the lateral length of the graphene sheet could be well controlled by tuning the growth temperature. GNWs/Al2 O3 powder is consolidated by using sparking plasma sintering method and several physical properties are measured. Owing to the addition of GNWs, the electrical conductivity of the bulk alumina is significantly increased.

Advances in graphene reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites:Mechanisms,processing,modelling,properties and applications

Graphene has been extensively explored to enhance functional and mechanical properties of metalmatrix nanocomposites for wide-range applications due to their superior mechanical,electrical and thermal properties.This article discusses recent advances of key mechanisms,synthesis,manufacture,modelling and applications of graphene metal matrix nanocomposites.The main strengthening mechanisms include load transfer,Orowan cycle,thermal mismatch,and refinement strengthening.Synthesis technologies are discussed including some conventional methods(such as liquid metallurgy,powdermetallurgy,thermal spraying and deposition technology)and some advanced processing methods(such as molecular-level mixing and friction stir processing).Analytical modelling(including phenomenological models,semi-empirical models,homogenization models,and self-consistent model)and numerical simulations(including finite elements method,finite difference method,and boundary element method)have been discussed for understanding the interface bonding and performance characteristics between graphene and different metal matrices(Al,Cu,Mg,Ni).Key challenges in applying graphene as a reinforcing component for the metal matrix composites and the potential solutions as well as prospectives of future development and opportunities are highlighted.

Graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

Graphene-reinforced 7055 aluminum alloy composites with different contents of graphene were prepared by spark plasma sintering（SPS）. The structure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Testing results show that the hardness, compressive strength, and yield strength of the composites are improved with the addition of 1wt% graphene. A clean, strong interface is formed between the metal matrix and graphene via metallurgical bonding on atomic scale. Harmful aluminum carbide（Al_4C_3） is not formed during SPS processing. Further addition of graphene（above 1wt%） results in the deterioration in mechanical properties of the composites. The agglomeration of graphene plates is exacerbated with increasing graphene content, which is the main reason for this deterioration.

Mechanical and corrosion properties of graphene nanoplatelet–reinforced Mg–Zr and Mg–Zr–Zn matrix nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Magnesium(Mg)-based biomaterials have gained acceptability in fracture fixation due to their ability to naturally degrade in the body after fulfilling the desired functions.However,pure Mg not only degrades rapidly in the physiological environment,but also evolves hydrogen gas during degradation.In this study,Mg0.5Zr and Mg0.5ZrxZn(x=1–5 wt.%)matrix nanocomposites(MNCs)reinforced with different contents(0.1–0.5 wt.%)of graphene nanoplatelets(GNP)were manufactured via a powder metallurgy technique and their mechanical and corrosion properties were evaluated.The increase in GNP concentration from 0.2 wt.%to 0.5 wt.%added to Mg0.5Zr matrices resulted in decreases in the compressive yield strength and corrosion resistance in Hanks’Balanced Salt Solution(HBSS).On the other hand,a higher concentration(4–5 wt.%)of Zn added to Mg0.5Zr0.1GNP resulted in an increase in ductility but a decrease in compressive yield strength.Overall,an addition of 0.1 wt.%GNPs to Mg0.5Zr3Zn matrices gave excellent ultimate compressive strength(387 MPa)and compressive yield strength(219 MPa).Mg0.5Zr1Zn0.1GNP and Mg0.5Zr3Zn0.1GNP nanocomposites exhibited 29%and 34%higher experimental yield strength,respectively,as compared to the theoretical yield strength of Mg0.5Zr0.1GNP calculated by synergistic strengthening mechanisms including the difference in thermal expansion,elastic modulus,and geometry of the particles,grain refinement,load transfer,and precipitation of GNPs in the Mg matrices.The corrosion rates of Mg0.5Zr1Zn0.1GNP,Mg0.5Zr3Zn0.1GNP,Mg0.5Zr4Zn0.1GNP,and Mg0.5Zr5Zn0.1GNP measured using potentiodynamic polarization were 7.5 mm/y,4.1 mm/y,6.1 mm/y,and 8.0 mm/y,respectively.Similarly,hydrogen gas evolution tests also demonstrated that Mg0.5Zr3Zn0.1GNP exhibited a lower corrosion rate(1.5 mm/y)than those of Mg0.5Zr1Zn0.1GNP(3.8 mm/y),Mg0.5Zr4Zn0.1GNP(1.9 mm/y),and Mg0.5Zr5Zn0.1GNP(2.2 mm/y).This study demonstrates the potential of GNPs as effective nano-reinforcement particulates for improving the mechanical and corrosion properties of Mg–Zr–Zn matrices.

Development and Characterization of Aluminium-Based Metal Matrix Composites

Aluminum based metal matrix composites were fabricated using stir casting where silicon carbide and alumina were the reinforcements. Different types of properties (physical-density, mechanical-tensile, hardness, chemical-corrosion etc.) were measured and compared with base metals/alloys. The properties were significantly varied. The highest density was obtained for pure aluminium with 5% Al2O3 whereas the lowest was obtained for AA-4032 alloy. The highest hardness was obtained for AA-4032 with 5% Al2O3 whereas the lowest was obtained for pure Al with 5% Al2O3. The highest strength was obtained for AA-6061 with 5% coarse SiC whereas the lowest was obtained for pure Al. The highest impact strength was obtained for AA-4032 with 5% Al2O3 whereas the lowest was obtained for AA-6061. The corrosion resistance of all composites was lower than that of the base materials.

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.

Mechanical Properties of Boron Carbide/Reducedgraphene-oxide Composites Ceramics

Reduced graphene oxide(rGO)enhanced B_(4)C ceramics was prepared by SPS sintering,the enhancement effect of rGO on the microstructure and mechanical properties of composites was studied through experiments and numerical simulation.The results show that the composite with 2wt%rGO has the best comprehensive mechanical properties.Compared with pure boron carbide,vickers hardness and bending strength are increased by 4.8%and 21.96%,respectively.The fracture toughness is improved by 25.71%.The microstructure observation shows that the improvement of mechanical properties is mainly attributed to the pullout and bridge mechanism of rGO and the crack deflection.Based on the cohesive force finite element method,the dynamic crack growth process of composites was simulated.The energy dissipation of B_(4)C/rGO multiphase ceramics during crack propagation was calculated and compared with that of pure boron carbide ceramics.The results show that the fracture energy dissipation can be effectively increased by adding graphene.

Influence of tool rotation speeds on mechanical and morphological properties of friction stir processed nano hybrid composite of MWCNT-Graphene-AZ31 magnesium

The ever-increasing demand for light weighted hard materials for transportation industries encouraged researchers to develop composites with excellent mechanical properties which can transform it into more economical and eco-friendly.Reinforcing the metals with carbonaceous nanomaterials are progressively in focus due to their excellent capability to inculcate and tailor the properties of MMCs.In the present research,a hybrid nanocomposite of MWCNT-Graphene-AZ31 Mg alloy has been developed by using variable tool rotation speeds with friction stir processing(FSP).Optimized reinforcement ratio of 1.6%vol.MWCNT and 0.3%vol.of graphene have been used with variable tool rotation speeds,whereas other processing parameters are kept constant.The developed specimens were investigated using standard testing equipment for evaluating and comparing the mechanical properties on the basis of the microstructure of the processing regions and their morphological analysis,according to the ASTM standards.The obtained results revealed an improvement of 19.72%in microhardness and 77.5% of compressive strength in comparison with the base metal AZ 31 Magnesium alloy,with a tool rotational speed of 1400rpm.The values of tensile stress and percentage area reduction were recorded as less than that of the base metal matrix,but an increasing trend has been observed in the values of both with the improvement on rotational speeds of the tool.The effectual strengthening mechanisms are analyzed on the bases of SEM images and observed that discussed and found that grain refinement strengthening is the major contributor to the strength of the nanocomposite.

Improvement of the matrix and the interface quality of a Cu/Al composite by the MARB process

The matrix accumulative roll bonding technology （MARB） can improve the matrix performance of metal composite and strengthen the bonding quality of the interface./n this research, for the fwst time, the technology of MARB was proposed. A sound Cu/AI bonding composite was obtained using the MARB process and the bonding characteristic of the interface was studied using scanning electricity microscope （SEM） and energy-dispersive spectroscopy （EDS）. The result indicated that accumulation cycles and diffusion annealing temperature were the most important factors for fabricating a Cu/AI composite material. The substrate aluminum was strengthened by MARB, and a high quality Cu/AI composite with sound interface was obtained as well.

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.

Processing and mechanical properties of 2024 aluminum matrix composites containing Tungsten and Tantalum prepared by PM

The 2024 Al composites containing W, Ta were fabricated by powder metallurgy for their potential use as shielding material. W, Ta powders and gas-atomized 2024 Al aluminum powders were mixed by a ball mixer. The mixtures were consolidated by cold isostatic pressing (CIP) and then hot-extruded into full-density bars. The extruded bars were heat treated in T6 conditions. The microstructure and its relationship with the mechanical properties were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the particles of nonuniform size and irregular shape randomly disperse in the 2024 aluminum alloy matrix. The tensile tests show that an increase of tensile strength and decrease of elongation to failure of the heat treated composites compared with the extruded composites.

Corrosion Behavior and Protection Efficiency of 2024Al and SiC_p/2024Al Metal Matrix Composite

The corrosion resistance of 2024 Al and SiC particle reinforced 2024 Al metal matrix composite (SiCp?024AI MMC) in 3.5% NaCl solution was investigated with electrochemical method and immersion test, and the corrosion protection of sulfuric acid anodized coatings on both materials was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that the SiCp?024AI MMC is more susceptible to corrosion than its matrix alloy in 3.5% NaCI. For 2024AI, the anodized coating provides excellent corrosion resistance to 3.5% NaCI. The anodized coating on the SiCp?024AI provides satisfactory corrosion protection, but it is not as effective as that for 2024AI because the structure of the anodized layer is affected by the SiC particulates.

Effect of Matrix Composition on Physical Properties of Al_3CON In-situ Reaction Reinforced Corundum Composite

60% white corundum used for aggregate, 5% aluminium powder for fixed additions and 35% various additives for matrix were prepared for specimens 1#,2#,3#. They were mixed uniformly with the suitable resin as a binder and pressed under pressure of 315 ton forging press, then dried at 200℃ for 24 h. Effects of various additives on 1500 ℃×2 h creep properties of Al3CON reinforced corundum composite were researched. The experimenal results show that creep coefficients of specimens 1#,2#,3# at 1500 ℃×2 h are 1.4×10^- 4, -9.4×10^-4, -22.6×10^-4, respectively. Crushing strength of the slide plate added with suitable additive A after fired at 1500 ℃ ×3 h reaches to 225 MPa, the creep rate is positive all the time from 0% to 0.014% at 1500 ℃ for 2 h. The microstructure result analysis shows that reinforced phases of Al3CON fiber composite have been formed after fired with Al powder in coke at high temperatures for specimen 1#, and the strength of the composite is increased. The hot modulus of rupture is up to 59 MPa at 1400 ℃ and the RUL is obviously higher than that at 1700 ℃. Its service life is two times as that of Al2O3-C slide plate when used in the process of pouring steel. The mechanism of creep rate resistance of the composites can be discovered by means of SEM and EDAX analysis. It is concluded that the active Al3CON and Al2O3 multiphases that were formed by N2 in gas, C, Al and Al2O3 inside the matrix of the composites during in-situ reaction,which gives the composites outstanding creep rate resistance for the dense zone resuiting from Al3CON oxidation that inhibits contraction at the high temperature. Besides, the matrix will turn into the multiphase with high refractoriness, N content and its Al3CON reinforced fiber will further increase accordingly. In addition, Al3CON formed by Al2O3 and C, Al in the matrix with N2 in gas will inhibit the creep rate and also greatly improve the creep rate resistance of the composites.

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.

Microstructure and Tribological Behavior of Al2O3 Particle Reinforced Al Matrix Composites Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering

Nanoparticles and microparticles reinforced Al matrix composites were fabricated by spark plasma sintering, and the microstructure and tribological properties were investigated systemically. The nano-Al2O3 particle and micro-Al2O3 particle uniformly dispersed in Al matrix composites. The introduction of nanoparticles is beneficial to the decrease of friction coefficient and wear rate, while microparticles are responsible to the high friction coefficient, resulting in the abrasive wear. With the introduction of both nanoparticles and microparticles, their synergic effect will lead to the variation of tribological behavior.

The Role of Ti in the Preparation of SiC/7075 Aluminum Matrix Composite

SiC/7075 aluminum matrix composites were prepared by a liquid stirring method.The role of Ti facilitating the preparation of SiC/7075 aluminum matrix were studied by means of direct-reading spectrometer,scanning electron microscope,energy dispersive spectrometer,X-ray diffraction and the sessile drop method.The results show that the SiC content in the SiC/7075 composite increases with an increase of Ti addition.The addition of Ti can significantly improve the wettability of SiC/Al system,there is a critical value of above 0.5%of Ti content in improving the wettability of the Al/SiC system at 1173K.The temperature of the"non wetting-wetting"transition for the(Al-2Ti)/SiC system is about 1123K,the contact angle decreases to 88°at 200 seconds and reaches a stable contact angle of 28°at 2100 seconds.

JOINING MECHANISMS OF β"-Al_2O_3 CERAMIC AND PYREX GLASS TO Al MATRIX COMPOSITE

The bonding of β″-Al2O3 and pyrex glass to A1 matrix composites by anodic bonding process is achieved. The microstructure of the bonded interface and the joining mechanisms are analyzed with scanning electron microscope （SEM）, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer （EDX）. It is observed that the bonding region across the interface consists of the metal layer, oxide transitional layer and the ceramic layer, with the transitional layer composed of surface region and sub-surface region. The bonding process can mainly be categorized into anodic bonding process and solid state diffusing process. The pile-up of the ions and its drift in the interface area are the main reasons for anode oxidation and joining of the interface. The temperature, voltage and the drift ions in the ceramic or glass during the bonding process are the essential conditions to solid state diffusing and oxide bonding at the interface. The voltages, temperature, pressure as well as the surface state are the main factors that influence the anodic bonding.

Influence of Reinforcement Type on Microstructure, Hardness, and Tensile Properties of an Aluminum Alloy Metal Matrix Composite

This paper presents the results of the comparative study of as cast microstructures and mechanical properties viz yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus, percentage elongation, hardness, percentage porosity and fracture characteristic of 5 wt% SiC and Al2O3 particulate reinforced Al-4% Cu-2.5% Mg matrix composites. These composite materials were prepared through stir casting process. Quantitative metallographic techniques were utilized to determine the average grain size of particles. The microstructures and tensile fracture characteristic of the representative samples of the composites were examined using optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The experimental results demonstrate a fairly uniform distribution of 50.8 μm Al2O3 and 49.2 μm SiC spherical particles with some clustering in few areas. At the interfaces of Al2O3 and the matrix, MgO and MgAl2O4 were observed. Similarly, Al4C3 was formed at the interfaces between SiC and the matrix. The mechanical property test results revealed that, for the same weight percentage of reinforcement, Al-4% Cu-2.5% Mg/5 wt% SiC composite exhibit a 15.8%, 16.4%, 4.97% and 10.8% higher yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus, and hardness, respectively. On the other hand, even if some porosity was observed in the Al2O3 reinforced composite, the percentage elongation (ductility) was 31% higher than that of SiC rein-forced composite. The tensile specimen of SiC reinforced composite failed in a brittle fashion without neck formation, whereas the Al2O3 reinforced composite failed in a ductile fashion with noticeable neck formation.