Observation of interface of two kinds of bi-metal composite parts prepared by thixo-forging

Two kinds of bi-metal composite parts （Sn-15%Pb and Pb-22%Sn bi-metal system, and Al-7%Si and SiCp/6061 MMC bi-metal system） were prepared by the strain-induced melt activated thixo-forging. The interfaces of the bi-metal composites were observed by OM and SEM. The observations show that the semisolid metals keep independence during thixo-forging. The solid phases in the semisolid slurries maintain their original morphologies after thixo-forging. The liquid phases near the interface mix together and form a thin layer. The interfaces are bonded firmly with the metallurgical bonding. No oxide layers are found at the interfaces. Strengths of the interfaces were investigated by the micro-hardness test. The experimental results show that the composite interfaces have high strength. However, the agglomerated enhancing particles cause fine defect on the interface of the Al-7%Si and SiCr/6061 MMC bi-metal composite.

Interface-dominated mechanical behavior in advanced metal matrix composites

Metal matrix composites(MMCs)incorporate a reinforcing or functional secondary phase into a metal matrix to achieve specific properties.Of the parameters which may affect the mechanical behavior of MMCs,the structure and properties of the reinforcement/matrix interface play a crucial role.This article reviews recent developments in measuring the interfacial properties in advanced MMCs,with an emphasis on the use of micro-/nano-mechanical testing approaches.It is shown that,with the novel in situ and ex situ experimental capability,researchers can now obtain some of the critical interfacial properties as well as the effects of reinforcement/matrix interfaces on the composites’deformation and failure mechanisms that were unattainable previously by conventional methodologies.Moreover,the micro-/nano-mechanical testing platform allows for both fundamental and applied research on the composites’mechanical performance under service conditions,which is considered a promising and emerging research direction.

High strength bimetallic composite material fabricated by electroslag casting and characteristics of its composite interface

Bimetallic composite material of bainitic steel and PD3 steel was produced with electroslag casting process, and element distribution of its composite interface was investigated by theoretical calculation and energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS). Results show that the tensile strength(1,450 MPa), hardness(HRC 41-47) and impact toughness(94.7J·cm^(-2)) of bainitic steel were comparatively high, while its elongation was slightly low(4.0%). Tensile strength(1,100 MPa), hardness(>HRC 31) and elongation(7.72%) of the interface were also relatively high, but its impact toughness was low at 20.4 J·cm^(-2). Results of theoretical calculation of the element distribution in the interface region were basically consistent with that of EDS. Therefore, electroslag casting is a practical process to produce bimetallic composite material of bainitic steel and PD3 steel, and theoretical calculation also is a feasible method to study element distribution of their interface.

Investigation of Interfaces in Remelted A356-SiC Particulate Duralcan Metal Matrix Composite

For the manufacture of Al-based metalmatrix composites, the foundry productionroute can provide less expensive products witha greater flexibility in meeting designer’s needsamong a vaviety of fablication routes. Recent-ly, a commercially produced foundry ingot,the Duralcan composite of A356 Al alloy +20

INTERACTION OF PARTICLES WITH A SOLIDIFIED INTERFACE DURING SOLIDIFICATION OF METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE REINFORCED WITH PARTICLES

The interaction of particles with a solid-liquid interface during solidification of metal matrix composites has been investigated theoretically in this paper.Owing to the presence of particles in the melt,the shape of the solidification front and solute concentration field in front of solidification interface have been disturbed The thermodynamic method was employed,and a mathematical expression of the shape of the solidification interface and solute concentration field were deduced.Meanwhile,a theory is developed for evaluation of critical velocities of particles pushed by the solidification interface.A numerical simulation is done in which the critical velocity is evaluated as a function of particle size,thermal conductivity,diffusion coefficient,temperature gradient at the solidification front,the solid-liquid interfacial energy and the melt viscosity.The critical velocity is shown to be closely linked to the shape of the solidification interface and solute concentration field, and hence all the parameters also affect the shape of the solidification interface and solute concentration field of the front.

The Effects of Interfaces on Stress Transfer in Short Fiber Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites

In this paper, the effects of interface properties on the stress transfer between matrix and fiber in short fiber reinforced metal matrix composites (SFRMMCs) is studied with the method of the elasto plastic finite element. The interface properties include Young’s modulus, thickness and elasto plastic performances. In the calculation an interfacial layer with given thickness is introduced into the single fiber model. It is shown that, for a soft interface, the variation in interfacial properties influences the stress transfer greatly.

Research progress in interface modification and thermal conduction behavior of diamond/metal composites

Diamond/metal composites are widely used in aerospace and electronic packaging fields due to their outstanding high thermal conductivity and low expansion.However,the difference in chemical properties leads to interface incompatibility between diamond and metal,which has a considerable impact on the performance of the composites.To improve the interface compatibility between diamond and metal,it is necessary to modify the interface of composites.This paper reviews the experimental research on interface modification and the application of computational simulation in diamond/metal composites.Combining computational simulation with experimental methods is a promising way to promote diamond/metal composite interface modification research.

Research status and prospects of the fractal analysis of metal material surfaces and interfaces

As a mathematical analysis method,fractal analysis can be used to quantitatively describe irregular shapes with self-similar or self-affine properties.Fractal analysis has been used to characterize the shapes of metal materials at various scales and dimensions.Conventional methods make it difficult to quantitatively describe the relationship between the regular characteristics and properties of metal material surfaces and interfaces.However,fractal analysis can be used to quantitatively describe the shape characteristics of metal materials and to establish the quantitative relationships between the shape characteristics and various properties of metal materials.From the perspective of two-dimensional planes and three-dimensional curved surfaces,this paper reviews the current research status of the fractal analysis of metal precipitate interfaces,metal grain boundary interfaces,metal-deposited film surfaces,metal fracture surfaces,metal machined surfaces,and metal wear surfaces.The relationship between the fractal dimensions and properties of metal material surfaces and interfaces is summarized.Starting from three perspectives of fractal analysis,namely,research scope,image acquisition methods,and calculation methods,this paper identifies the direction of research on fractal analysis of metal material surfaces and interfaces that need to be developed.It is believed that revealing the deep influence mechanism between the fractal dimensions and properties of metal material surfaces and interfaces will be the key research direction of the fractal analysis of metal materials in the future.

Laser‑Induced and MOF‑Derived Metal Oxide/Carbon Composite for Synergistically Improved Ethanol Sensing at Room temperature

Advancements in sensor technology have significantly enhanced atmospheric monitoring.Notably,metal oxide and carbon(MO_(x)/C)hybrids have gained attention for their exceptional sensitivity and room-temperature sensing performance.However,previous methods of synthesizing MO_(x)/C composites suffer from problems,including inhomogeneity,aggregation,and challenges in micropatterning.Herein,we introduce a refined method that employs a metal–organic framework(MOF)as a precursor combined with direct laser writing.The inherent structure of MOFs ensures a uniform distribution of metal ions and organic linkers,yielding homogeneous MO_(x)/C structures.The laser processing facilitates precise micropatterning(<2μm,comparable to typical photolithography)of the MO_(x)/C crystals.The optimized MOF-derived MO_(x)/C sensor rapidly detected ethanol gas even at room temperature(105 and 18 s for response and recovery,respectively),with a broad range of sensing performance from 170 to 3,400 ppm and a high response value of up to 3,500%.Additionally,this sensor exhibited enhanced stability and thermal resilience compared to previous MOF-based counterparts.This research opens up promising avenues for practical applications in MOF-derived sensing devices.

Effect of Interface Form on Creep Failure and Life of Dissimilar Metal Welds Involving Nickel-Based Weld Metal and Ferritic Base Metal

For dissimilar metal welds(DMWs)involving nickel-based weld metal(WM)and ferritic heat resistant steel base metal(BM)in power plants,there must be an interface between WM and BM,and this interface suffers mechanical and microstructure mismatches and is often the rupture location of premature failure.In this study,a new form of WM/BM interface form,namely double Y-type interface was designed for the DMWs.Creep behaviors and life of DMWs containing double Y-type interface and conventional I-type interface were compared by finite element analysis and creep tests,and creep failure mechanisms were investigated by stress-strain analysis and microstructure characterization.By applying double Y-type interface instead of conventional I-type interface,failure location of DMW could be shifted from the WM/ferritic heat-affected zone(HAZ)interface into the ferritic HAZ or even the ferritic BM,and the failure mode change improved the creep life of DMW.The interface premature failure of I-type interface DMW was related to the coupling effect of microstructure degradation,stress and strain concentrations,and oxide notch on the WM/HAZ interface.The creep failure of double Y-type interface DMW was the result of Type IV fracture due to the creep voids and micro-cracks on fine-grain boundaries in HAZ,which was a result of the matrix softening of HAZ and lack of precipitate pinning at fine-grain boundaries.The double Y-type interface form separated the stress and strain concentrations in DMW from the WM/HAZ interface,preventing the trigger effect of oxide notch on interface failure and inhibiting the interfacial microstructure cracking.It is a novel scheme to prolong creep life and enhance reliability of DMW,by means of optimizing the interface form,decoupling the damage factors from WM/HAZ interface,and then changing the failure mechanism and shifting the failure location.

Ballistic performance of titanium-based layered composites made using blended elemental powder metallurgy and hot isostatic pressing

Metal matrix composites tiles based on Ti-6Al-4V(Ti64)alloy,reinforced with 10,20,and 40(vol%)of either TiC or TiB particles were made using press-and-sinter blended elemental powder metallurgy(BEPM)and then bonded together into 3-layer laminated plates using hot isostatic pressing(HIP).The laminates were ballistically tested and demonstrated superior performance.The microstructure and properties of the laminates were analyzed to determine the effect of the BEPM and HIP processing on the ballistic properties of the layered plates.The effect of porosity in sintered composites on further diffusion bonding of the plates during HIP is analyzed to understand the bonding features at the interfaces between different adjacent layers in the laminate.Exceptional ballistic performance of fabricated structures was explained by a significant reduction in the residual porosity of the BEPM products by their additional processing using HIP,which provides an unprecedented increase in the hardness of the layered composites.It is argued that the combination of the used two technologies,BEPM and HIP is principally complimentary for the materials in question with the abilities to solve the essential problems of each used individually.

12.6μm-Thick Asymmetric Composite Electrolyte with Superior Interfacial Stability for Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries

Solid-state lithium metal batteries(SSLMBs)show great promise in terms of high-energy-density and high-safety performance.However,there is an urgent need to address the compatibility of electrolytes with high-voltage cathodes/Li anodes,and to minimize the electrolyte thickness to achieve highenergy-density of SSLMBs.Herein,we develop an ultrathin(12.6μm)asymmetric composite solid-state electrolyte with ultralight areal density(1.69 mg cm^(−2))for SSLMBs.The electrolyte combining a garnet(LLZO)layer and a metal organic framework(MOF)layer,which are fabricated on both sides of the polyethylene(PE)separator separately by tape casting.The PE separator endows the electrolyte with flexibility and excellent mechanical properties.The LLZO layer on the cathode side ensures high chemical stability at high voltage.The MOF layer on the anode side achieves a stable electric field and uniform Li flux,thus promoting uniform Li^(+)deposition.Thanks to the well-designed structure,the Li symmetric battery exhibits an ultralong cycle life(5000 h),and high-voltage SSLMBs achieve stable cycle performance.The assembled pouch cells provided a gravimetric/volume energy density of 344.0 Wh kg^(−1)/773.1 Wh L^(−1).This simple operation allows for large-scale preparation,and the design concept of ultrathin asymmetric structure also reveals the future development direction of SSLMBs.

Highly Efficient Aligned Ion‑Conducting Network and Interface Chemistries for Depolarized All‑Solid‑State Lithium Metal Batteries

Improving the long-term cycling stability and energy density of all-solid-state lithium(Li)-metal batteries(ASSLMBs)at room temperature is a severe challenge because of the notorious solid–solid interfacial contact loss and sluggish ion transport.Solid electrolytes are generally studied as two-dimensional(2D)structures with planar interfaces,showing limited interfacial contact and further resulting in unstable Li/electrolyte and cathode/electrolyte interfaces.Herein,three-dimensional(3D)architecturally designed composite solid electrolytes are developed with independently controlled structural factors using 3D printing processing and post-curing treatment.Multiple-type electrolyte films with vertical-aligned micro-pillar(p-3DSE)and spiral(s-3DSE)structures are rationally designed and developed,which can be employed for both Li metal anode and cathode in terms of accelerating the Li+transport within electrodes and reinforcing the interfacial adhesion.The printed p-3DSE delivers robust long-term cycle life of up to 2600 cycles and a high critical current density of 1.92 mA cm^(−2).The optimized electrolyte structure could lead to ASSLMBs with a superior full-cell areal capacity of 2.75 mAh cm^(−2)(LFP)and 3.92 mAh cm^(−2)(NCM811).This unique design provides enhancements for both anode and cathode electrodes,thereby alleviating interfacial degradation induced by dendrite growth and contact loss.The approach in this study opens a new design strategy for advanced composite solid polymer electrolytes in ASSLMBs operating under high rates/capacities and room temperature.

Plasma-assisted aerogel interface engineering enables uniform Zn^(2+)flux and fast desolvation kinetics toward zinc metal batteries

The poor reversibility of Zn anodes induced by dendrite growth,surface passivation,and corrosion,severely hinders the practical applicability of Zn metal batteries.To address these issues,a plasmaassisted aerogel(PAG)interface engineering was proposed as efficient ion transport modulator that can simultaneously regulate uniform Zn^(2+)flux and desolvation behavior during battery operation.The PAG with ordered mesopores acted as an ion sieve to homogenize Zn deposition and accelerate Zn^(2+)flux,which is favorable for corrosion resistance and dendrite suppression.Importantly,the plasma-assisted aerogel with abundant hydrophilic groups can facilitate the desolvation kinetics of Zn^(2+)due to the multiple hydrogen-bonding interaction with the activated water molecules,thus accelerating the Zn^(2+)migration kinetics.Consequently,the Zn/Zn cell assembled with PAG-modified separator demonstrates stable plating and stripping behavior(over 1400 h at 1 mA cm^(-2))and high Coulombic efficiency(99.8%at1 mA cm^(-2)after 1100 cycles),and the Zn‖MnO_(2)full cell shows excellent long-term cycling stability and maintains a high capacity of 154.9 mA h g^(-1)after 1000 cycles at 1 A g^(-1).This study provides a feasible approach for the large-scale fabrication of aerogel functionalized separators to realize ultra-stable Zn metal batteries.

Functional inorganic additives in composite solid-state electrolytes for flexible lithium metal batteries

Flexible lithium metal batteries with high capacity and power density have been regarded as the core power resources of wearable electronics.However,the main challenge lies in the limited electrochemical performance of solid-state polymer electrolytes,which hinders further practical applications.Incorporating functional inorganic additives is an effective approach to improve the performance,including increasing ionic conductivity,achieving dendrite inhibiting capability,and improving safety and stability.Herein,this review summarizes the latest developments of functional inorganic additives in composite solid-state electrolytes for flexible metal batteries with special emphasis on their mechanisms,strategies,and cutting-edge applications,in particular,the relationship between them is discussed in detail.Finally,the perspective on future research directions and the key challenges on this topic are outlooked.

An overview of additively manufactured metal matrix composites:preparation,performance,and challenge

Metal matrix composites(MMCs)are frequently employed in various advanced industries due to their high modulus and strength,favorable wear and corrosion resistance,and other good properties at elevated temperatures.In recent decades,additive manufacturing(AM)technology has garnered attention as a potential way for fabricating MMCs.This article provides a comprehensive review of recent endeavors and progress in AM of MMCs,encompassing available AM technologies,types of reinforcements,feedstock preparation,synthesis principles during the AM process,typical AM-produced MMCs,strengthening mechanisms,challenges,and future interests.Compared to conventionally manufactured MMCs,AM-produced MMCs exhibit more uniformly distributed reinforcements and refined microstructure,resulting in comparable or even better mechanical properties.In addition,AM technology can produce bulk MMCs with significantly low porosity and fabricate geometrically complex MMC components and MMC lattice structures.As reviewed,many AM-produced MMCs,such as Al matrix composites,Ti matrix composites,nickel matrix composites,Fe matrix composites,etc,have been successfully produced.The types and contents of reinforcements strongly influence the properties of AM-produced MMCs,the choice of AM technology,and the applied processing parameters.In these MMCs,four primary strengthening mechanisms have been identified:Hall–Petch strengthening,dislocation strengthening,load transfer strengthening,and Orowan strengthening.AM technologies offer advantages that enhance the properties of MMCs when compared with traditional fabrication methods.Despite the advantages above,further challenges of AM-produced MMCs are still faced,such as new methods and new technologies for investigating AM-produced MMCs,the intrinsic nature of MMCs coupled with AM technologies,and challenges in the AM processes.Therefore,the article concludes by discussing the challenges and future interests of AM of MMCs.

The interface structure and property of magnesium matrix composites:A review

Magnesium matrix composites have garnered significant attention in recent years owing to their exceptional lightweight properties and notable potential in various engineering applications.The interface generally acts as a“bridge”between the matrix and reinforcement,playing crucial roles in critical processes such as load transfer,failure behavior,and carrier transport.A deep understanding of the interfacial structures,properties,and effects holds paramount significance in the study of composites.This paper presents a comprehensive review of prior researches related to the interface of Mg matrix composites.Firstly,the different interfacial structures and interaction mechanisms encompassing mechanical,physical,and chemical bonding are introduced.Subsequently,the interfacial mechanical properties and their influence on the overall properties are discussed.Finally,the paper addresses diverse interface modification methods including matrix alloying and reinforcement surface treatment.

In-situ coupling construction of interface bridge to enhance electrochemical stability of all solid-state lithium metal batteries

Polymer-based composite electrolytes composed of three-dimensional Li_(6.4)La_(3)Zr_(2)Al_(0.2)O_(12)(3D-LLZAO)have attracted increasing attention due to their continuous ion conduction and satisfactory mechanical properties.However,the organic/inorganic interface is incompatible,resulting in slow lithium-ion transport at the interface.Therefore,the compatibility of organic/inorganic interface is an urgent problem to be solved.Inspired by the concept of“gecko eaves”,polymer-based composite solid electrolytes with dense interface structures were designed.The bridging of organic/inorganic interfaces was established by introducing silane coupling agent(3-chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane(CTMS)into the PEO-3D-LLZAO(PL)electrolyte.The in-situ coupling reaction improves the interface affinity,strengthens the organic/inorganic interaction,reduces the interface resistance,and thus achieves an efficient interface ion transport network.The prepared PEO-3D-LLZAO-CTMS(PLC)electrolyte exhibits enhanced ionic conductivity of 6.04×10^(-4)S cm^(-1)and high ion migration number(0.61)at 60℃and broadens the electrochemical window(5.1 V).At the same time,the PLC electrolyte has good thermal stability and high mechanical properties.Moreover,the Li Fe PO_(4)|PLC|Li battery has excellent rate performance and cycling stability with a capacity decay rate of 2.2%after 100 cycles at 60℃and 0.1 C.These advantages of PLC membranes indicate that this design approach is indeed practical,and the in-situ coupling method provides a new approach to address interface compatibility issues.

Research progress in friction stir processing of magnesium alloys and their metal matrix surface composites: Evolution in the 21^(st )century

Rising concerns about climate change drive the demand for lightweight components.Magnesium(Mg)alloys are highly valued for their low weight,making them increasingly important in various industries.Researchers focusing on enhancing the characteristics of Mg alloys and developing their Metal Matrix Composites(MMCs)have gained significant attention worldwide over the past decade,driven by the global shift towards lightweight materials.Friction Stir Processing(FSP)has emerged as a promising technique to enhance the properties of Mg alloys and produce Mg-MMCs.Initially,FSP adapted to refine grain size from the micro to the nano level and accelerated the development of MMCs due to its solid-state nature and the synergistic effects of microstructure refinement and reinforcement,improving strength,hardness,ductility,wear resistance,corrosion resistance,and fatigue strength.However,producing defect-free and sound FSPed Mg and Mg-MMCs requires addressing several variables and their interdependencies,which opens up a broad range of practical applications.Despite existing reviews on individual FSP of Mg,its alloys,and MMCs,an attempt has been made to analyze the latest research on these three aspects collectively to enhance the understanding,application,and effectiveness of FSP for Mg and its derivatives.This review article discusses the literature,classifies the importance of Mg alloys,provides a historical background,and explores developments and potential applications of FSPed Mg alloys.It focuses on novel fabrication methods,reinforcement strategies,machine and tool design parameters,material characterization,and integration with other methods for enhanced properties.The influence of process parameters and the emergence of defects are examined,along with specific applications in mono and hybrid composites and their microstructure evolution.The study identifies promising reinforcement materials and highlights research gaps in FSP for Mg alloys and MMCs production.It concludes with significant recommendations for further exploration,reflecting ongoing advancements in this field.