Microst ructure andflexural properties of carbon/ca rbon composite with in-situ grown carbon nanotube as secondary reinforcement

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were in-situ grown in carbon felts using ferric chloride as catalyst and natural gas as carbon precursor via thermal gradient chemical vapor infiltration (TGCVI). Subsequently, the carbon felts were densified to obtain CNT reinforced carbon/carbon (C/C) composites in the same furnace. Effects of CNTs on the microstructure and flexural property of C/C composites were investigated by polarized light microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and universal mechanical testing machine. The results of PLM observation and Raman analysis showed that CNTs have two-sided effects on the microstructure of pyrocarbon: the pyrocarbons in the region without CNTs show medium texture; while, in the region full of CNTs, the microstructure was low-textured or even isotropic though the TGCVD conditions would lead to the deposition of pure low texture pyrocarbons. Analysis based on stress-strain curves demonstrated that the flexural strength increased first and then decreased with the CNT content increasing. When the CNT content was 5.23 wt%, the flexural strength was maximum and had a nearly 35% improvement compared with pure C/C composite. Besides, after adding CNTs, the flexural modulus of the composites decreased and the ductility increased obviously, indicating CNTs can toughen C/C composites.     

Mechanical properties and friction behaviors of CNT/AlSi<Subscript>10</Subscript>Mg composites produced by spark plasma sintering

The mechanical properties and friction behaviors of CNT/AlSi₁₀Mg composites produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS) were investigated. The results showed that the densities of the sintered composites gradually increased with increasing sintering temperature and that the highest microhardness and compressive strength were achieved in the specimen sintered at 450℃. CNTs dispersed uniformly in the AlSi₁₀Mg matrix when the addition of CNTs was less than 1.5wt%. However, when the addition of CNTs exceeded 1.5wt%, the aggregation of CNTs was clearly observed. Moreover, the mechanical properties (including the densities, compressive strength, and microhardness) of the composites changed with CNT content and reached a maximum value when the CNT content was 1.5wt%. Meanwhile, the minimum average friction coefficient and wear rate of the CNT/AlSi₁₀Mg composites were obtained with 1.0wt% CNTs.     

Mechanical properties and friction behaviors of CNT/AlSi_(10)Mg composites produced by spark plasma sintering

The mechanical properties and friction behaviors of CNT/AlSi_(10)Mg composites produced by spark plasma sintering(SPS) were investigated.The results showed that the densities of the sintered composites gradually increased with increasing sintering temperature and that the highest microhardness and compressive strength were achieved in the specimen sintered at 450°C.CNTs dispersed uniformly in the AlSi_(10)Mg matrix when the addition of CNTs was less than 1.5wt%.However,when the addition of CNTs exceeded 1.5wt%,the aggregation of CNTs was clearly observed.Moreover,the mechanical properties(including the densities,compressive strength,and microhardness) of the composites changed with CNT content and reached a maximum value when the CNT content was 1.5wt%.Meanwhile,the minimum average friction coefficient and wear rate of the CNT/AlSi_(10)Mg composites were obtained with 1.0wt% CNTs.     

Aluminum matrix composites reinforced by molybdenum-coated carbon nanotubes

To extend the application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and explore novel aluminum matrix composites, CNTs were coated by molybdenum layers using metal organic chemical vapor deposition, and then Mo-coated CNT (Mo-CNT)/Al composites were prepared by the combination processes of powder mixing and spark plasma sintering. The influences of powder mixing and Mo-CNT content on the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the composites were investigated. The results show that magnetic stirring is better than mechanical milling for mixing the Mo-CNTs and Al powders. The electrical conductivity of the composites decreases with increasing Mo-CNT content. When the Mo-CNT content is 0.5wt%, the tensile strength and hardness of Mo-CNT/Al reach their maximum values. The tensile strength of 0.5wt% Mo-CNT/Al increases by 29.9%, while the electrical conductivity only decreases by 7.1%, relative to sintered pure Al. The phase analysis of Mo-CNT/Al composites reveals that there is no formation of Al carbide in the composites.     

In-situ fabrication of Al(Zn)-Al_2O_3 graded composite using the aluminothermic reaction during hot pressing

In this study, the fabrication of multilayer Al(Zn)–Al2 O3 with different volume fractions of Al2 O3 was investigated. Al and Zn O powders were milled by a planetary ball mill, after which five-layer functionally graded samples were produced through hot pressing at 580°C and 90 MPa pressure for 30 min. Formation of reinforcing Al2 O3 particles occurred in the aluminum matrix via the aluminothermic reaction. Determination of the ignition temperature of the aluminothermic reaction was accomplished using differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometery analyses were utilized to characterize the specimens. The thermal analysis results showed that the ignition temperatures for the aluminothermic reaction of layers with the highest and lowest Zn O contents were 667 and 670°C, respectively. Microstructural observation and chemical analysis confirmed the fabrication of Al(Zn)–Al2 O3 functionally graded materials composites with precipitation of additional Zn in the matrix. Moreover, nearly dense functionally graded samples demonstrated minimum and maximum hardness values of HV 75 and HV 130, respectively.     

Structural,mechanical and corrosion properties of CNT-304 stainless steel nanocomposites

In this work, a systematic investigation was performed on the structural, mechanical and corrosion properties of CNT incorporated 304 stainless steel. Various concentrations of CNT from 0.5 to 4 wt% were incorporated into the 304 stainless steel matrix to investigate the feasibility of fabrication and enhancement of strength and other material properties. The fabrication of CNT-steel composite was achieved through a spark plasma sintering process at a sintering temperature of 800℃. Raman and morphological studies confirmed that the CNT structure was retained in the sintered pellets. Optimum performance was found at 0.5 wt% CNT giving a Vickers hardness of 351 Hv and compressive yield strength of 404 MPa which were 5.5 and 2.0 times, respectively, those of pristine steel. Corrosion studies with 3.5 wt% Na Cl solution revealed a slight increase in the corrosion rate for CNT dispersed samples.     

Microstructure and tribological behavior of the nickel-coated-graphitereinforced Babbitt metal composite fabricated via selective laser melting

To improve the properties of Babbitt alloys,Ni-coated-graphite-reinforced Babbitt metal composite specimens were prepared via selective laser melting(SLM),and the composites microstructures,mechanical properties,and tribological properties were studied through scanning electron microscopy(SEM),shear testing,and dry-sliding wear testing,respectively.The results showed that most of the nickel-coated graphite(NCGr)particles were distributed at the boundaries of laser beads in the cross section of the SLM composite specimens.Microcracks and microvoids formed at the boundaries of laser beads where NCGr particles accumulated.Both the shear strength and the friction coefficient of the SLM composite specimens decreased with increasing NCGr content.The shear strength and the friction coefficient of the SLM composite sample with 6 wt%NCGr were approximately 20%and 33%lower than those of the NCGr-free sample,respectively.The friction mechanism changed from plastic shaping furrow to brittle cutting with increasing NCGr content.A practical Babbitt material with a lower friction coefficient and sufficient strength can be obtained by controlling the NCGr particle dispersion;this can be achieved by choosing NCGr particles with a thicker Ni layer and precisely controlling the laser energy input during the SLM process.     

In-situ fabrication of Al(Zn)-Al2O3 graded composite using the aluminothermic reaction during hot pressing

In this study, the fabrication of multilayer Al(Zn)–Al₂O₃ with different volume fractions of Al₂O₃ was investigated. Al and ZnO powders were milled by a planetary ball mill, after which five-layer functionally graded samples were produced through hot pressing at 580℃ and 90 MPa pressure for 30 min. Formation of reinforcing Al₂O₃ particles occurred in the aluminum matrix via the aluminothermic reaction. Determination of the ignition temperature of the aluminothermic reaction was accomplished using differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometery analyses were utilized to characterize the specimens. The thermal analysis results showed that the ignition temperatures for the aluminothermic reaction of layers with the highest and lowest ZnO contents were 667 and 670℃, respectively. Microstructural observation and chemical analysis confirmed the fabrication of Al(Zn)–Al₂O₃ functionally graded materials composites with precipitation of additional Zn in the matrix. Moreover, nearly dense functionally graded samples demonstrated minimum and maximum hardness values of HV 75 and HV 130, respectively.     

Mechanical,electrical, and thermal expansion properties of carbon nanotube-based silver and silver-palladium alloy composites

The mechanical, electrical, and thermal expansion properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based silver and silver-palladium (10:1, w/w) alloy nanocomposites are reported. To tailor the properties of silver, CNTs were incorporated into a silver matrix by a modified molecular level-mixing process. CNTs interact weakly with silver because of their non-reactive nature and lack of mutual solubility. Therefore, palladium was utilized as an alloying element to improve interfacial adhesion. Comparative microstructural characterizations and property evaluations of the nanocomposites were performed. The structural characterizations revealed that decorated type-CNTs were dispersed, embedded, and anchored into the silver matrix. The experimental results indicated that the modification of the silver and silver-palladium nanocomposite with CNT resulted in increases in the hardness and Young’s modulus along with concomitant decreases in the electrical conductivity and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The hardness and Young’s modulus of the nanocomposites were increased by 30%–40% whereas the CTE was decreased to 50%–60% of the CTE of silver. The significantly improved CTE and the mechanical properties of the CNT-reinforced silver and silver-palladium nanocomposites are correlated with the intriguing properties of CNTs and with good interfacial adhesion between the CNTs and silver as a result of the fabrication process and the contact action of palladium as an alloying element.     

Effects of Temperature and Catalyst Concentration on the Growth of Aligned Carbon Nanotubes

The effects of preheating and pyrolysis temperatures and catalyst concentration on the synthesis of aligned carbon nanotubes （CNTs） using ferrocene as the catalyst and xylene as the carbon source in chemical vapor deposition were experimentally studied. The as-grown aligned CNTs were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, high-resolution transmission electronic microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The growth rate, the diameters, and the degree of crystal structure of the aligned CNTs were all found to depend on the preheating and pyrolysis temperatures and the catalyst concentration. The optimized conditions for the growth of aligned CNTs resulted in a rapid growth rate of 20.4 um/min, with the CNTs having a good, uniform crystal structure, and clean surfaces with little amorphous carbon. The results also show that higher preheating temperatures and lower ferrocene concentrations favor the growth of single-walled CNTs.     

Investigation on microstructural, mechanical and electrochemical properties of aluminum composites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets

In present study, the microstructure, mechanical and electrochemical properties of aluminum–graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) composites were investigated before and after extrusion. The contents of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were varied from 0.25 to 1.0 wt.% in aluminum matrix. The composites were fabricated thorough powder metallurgy method, and the experimental results revealed that Al-0.25%GNPs composite showed better mechanical properties compared with pure Al, Al-0.50%GNPs and Al-0.1.0%GNPs composites. Before extrusion, the Al-0.25%GNPs composite showed ~13.5% improvement in ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and ~50% enhancement in failure strain over monolithic matrix. On the other hand, Al-0.50%GNPs and Al-0.1.0%GNPs composites showed the tensile strength lower than monolithic matrix. No significant change was observed in 0.2% yield strength (YS) of the composites. However, the extruded materials showed different trends. The 0.2%YS of composites increased with increase in GNPs filler weight fractions. Surprisingly, UTS of composites with 0.25 and 0.50% GNPs was lower than monolithic matrix. The failure strain of the baseline matrix was enhanced by ~46% with 0.25% graphene nanoplatelets. The superior mechanical properties (in terms of failure strain) of the Al-0.25%GNPs composite maybe attributed to 2-D structure, high surface area and curled nature of graphene. In addition, the corrosion resistance of pure Al and its composites reinforced with 0.5 and 1.0 wt% GNPs was also investigated. It was found that the corrosion rate increased considerably by the presence of GNPs.     

Synthesis of carbon nanotube arrays using ethanol in porous anodic aluminum oxide template

Carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays confined by porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template were synthesized using ethanol as reactant carbon source at low pressure. Images by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and low magnification transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that these CNTs have highly uniform outer diameter and length, absolutely controlled by the diameter and depth of nano-channel arrays of the AAO. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) imaging indicates that the graphitization of the CNT walls is better than the results reported on this kind of template-based CNT arrays, although it is not so good as that of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) synthesized by catalysis. CNTs synthesized using acetylene as reactant gas show much less graphitization than those prepared using ethanol by comparing the results of HRTEM and Raman spectroscopy. The etchingeffects of decomposed OH radicals on the amorphous carbon and the roughness of AAO nano-channel arrays on the CNTs growth were employed to explain the graphitization and growth of the CNTs.     

Production of O'-sialon-SiC Composites by Carbon Reduction-Nitridation

The effect of temperature, soak times, carbon and addition on composites was discussed in the process of synthesizing O'-sialon-SiC by carbonthermal reduction-nitration from nature kaolin. It showed that the fracture strength (MOR) of composites sintered under certain conditions can be up to 140MPa at room temperature. The target parameter optima regions with good mechanical properties of this material were also indicated by using computer pattern recognition program.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/Cu/Mg laminated composite sheets produced by the ARB proces

In the present study, an Al/Cu/Mg multi-layered composite was produced by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) through seven passes, and its microstructure and mechanical properties were evaluated. The microstructure investigations show that plastic instability occurred in both the copper and magnesium reinforcements in the primary sandwich. In addition, a composite with a perfectly uniform distribution of copper and magnesium reinforcing layers was produced during the last pass. By increasing the number of ARB cycles, the microhardness of the layers including aluminum, copper, and magnesium was significantly increased. The ultimate tensile strength of the sandwich was enhanced continually and reached a maximum value of 355.5 MPa. This strength value was about 3.2, 2, and 2.1 times higher than the initial strength values for the aluminum, copper, and magnesium sheets, respectively. Investigation of tensile fracture surfaces during the ARB process indicated that the fracture mechanism changed to shear ductile at the seventh pass.     

Mechanical and thermal properties of AA7075/TiO2/Fly ash hybrid composites obtained by hot forging

In the present paper, multiple reinforcements TiO2 and fly ash were utilized for the fabrication of AA7075 matrix based hybrid composites using stir casting technique followed by hot forging. In hybrid composites, the fly ash content was fixed to 3 wt% while that of TiO2 was varied from 2.5 to 10 wt%. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed homogenous dispersion of both the reinforcements in AA7075 matrix.Compression test was conducted to study the mechanical behaviour of hybrid composites. The hybrid composites showed increase in compressive strength with the incorporation of multiple reinforcements and further increased with the increase in the weight fractions of TiO2 particles. The coefficient of thermal expansion was measured between 50 and 250 ℃ with a high precision thermal mechanical analyser. The thermal coefficient of hybrid composites decreased with the addition of TiO2 and fly ash. However a slight decrease in thermal conductivity of hybrid composites was observed when compared to that of AA7075 alloy.     

In situ reaction mechanism of MgAlON in Al–Al_2O_3–MgO composites at 1700°C under flowing N_2

The Al–Al_2O_3–MgO composites with added aluminum contents of approximately 0wt%, 5wt%, and 10wt%, named as M_1, M_2, and M_3, respectively, were prepared at 1700°C for 5 h under a flowing N_2 atmosphere using the reaction sintering method. After sintering, the Al–Al_2O_3–MgO composites were characterized and analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results show that specimen M_1 was composed of MgO and MgAl_2O_4. Compared with specimen M_1, specimens M_2 and M_3 possessed MgAlON, and its production increased with increasing aluminum addition. Under an N_2 atmosphere, MgO, Al_2O_3, and Al in the matrix of specimens M_2 and M_3 reacted to form MgAlON and AlN-polytypoids, which combined the particles and the matrix together and imparted the Al–Al_2O_3–MgO composites with a dense structure. The mechanism of MgAlON synthesis is described as follows. Under an N_2 atmosphere, the partial pressure of oxygen is quite low; thus, when the Al–Al_2O_3–MgO composites were soaked at 580°C for an extended period, aluminum metal was transformed into AlN. With increasing temperature, Al_2O_3 diffused into AlN crystal lattices and formed AlN-polytypoids; however, MgO reacted with Al_2O_3 to form MgAl_2O_4. When the temperature was greater than(1640 ± 10)°C, AlN diffused into Al_2O_3 and formed spinel-structured AlON. In situ MgAlON was acquired through a solid-solution reaction between AlON and Mg Al_2O_4 at high temperatures because of their similar spinel structures.     

Effect of continuous induction annealing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of copper-clad aluminum flat bars

Copper-clad aluminum (CCA) flat bars produced by the continuous casting–rolling process were subjected to continuous induction heating annealing (CIHA), and the effects of induction heating temperature and holding time on the microstructure, interface, and mechanical properties of the flat bars were investigated. The results showed that complete recrystallization of the copper sheath occurred under CIHA at 460°C for 5 s, 480°C for 3 s, or 500°C for 1 s and that the average grain size in the copper sheath was approximately 10.0 μm. In the case of specimens subjected to CIHA at 460–500°C for longer than 1 s, complete recrystallization occurred in the aluminum core. In the case of CIHA at 460–500°C for 1–5 s, a continuous interfacial layer with a thickness of 2.5–5.5 μm formed and the thickness mainly increased with increasing annealing temperature. After CIHA, the interfacial layer consisted primarily of a Cu₉Al₄ layer and a CuAl₂ layer; the average interface shear strength of the CCA flat bars treated by CIHA at 460–500°C for 1–5 s was 45–52 MPa. After full softening annealing, the hardness values of the copper sheath and the aluminum core were HV 65 and HV 24, respectively, and the hardness along the cross section of the CCA flat bar was uniform.     

利用回收磷青铜片经热挤压法制备的磷青铜/铝两相材料及其组织和力学性能的研究

Despite the existence of conventional methods for recycling chips, solid-state techniques have become popular, whereby waste metals are directly recycled into consolidated products with the desired shapes and designs. We investigated the feasibility of recycling phosphor bronze chips through a hot extrusion process using aluminum powder as a metal binder for the fabrication of a metal-fiber-reinforced aluminum matrix composite. To do so, mixtures containing 20vol%–50vol% of chips were prepared, cold-compacted, and extruded. The quality of the consolidated samples was evaluated by determining the density of the fabricated composites and studying their microstructures. In addition, we performed tensile and hardness tests to evaluate the mechanical properties of the fabricated composites. We also analyzed the fracture surfaces of the samples to study the fracture mechanism as a function of the volume fraction of phosphor bronze chips in the fabricated composite. The results indicated that the most effective consolidation occurred in the sample containing 20vol% of chips extruded at 465°C in which the chips serve as ideal fibers for improving the mechanical properties, especially the ultimate tensile strength, in comparison with those of Al matrixes that contain no chips but are produced under the same conditions.     

Fabrication of phosphor bronze/Al two-phase material by recycling phosphor bronze chips using hot extrusion process and investigation of their microstructural and mechanical properties

Despite the existence of conventional methods for recycling chips, solid-state techniques have become popular, whereby waste metals are directly recycled into consolidated products with the desired shapes and designs. We investigated the feasibility of recycling phosphor bronze chips through a hot extrusion process using aluminum powder as a metal binder for the fabrication of a metal-fiber-reinforced aluminum matrix composite. To do so, mixtures containing 20 vol%–50 vol% of chips were prepared, cold-compacted, and extruded. The quality of the consolidated samples was evaluated by determining the density of the fabricated composites and studying their microstructures. In addition, we performed tensile and hardness tests to evaluate the mechanical properties of the fabricated composites. We also analyzed the fracture surfaces of the samples to study the fracture mechanism as a function of the volume fraction of phosphor bronze chips in the fabricated composite. The results indicated that the most effective consolidation occurred in the sample containing 20 vol% of chips extruded at 465°C in which the chips serve as ideal fibers for improving the mechanical properties, especially the ultimate tensile strength, in comparison with those of Al matrixes that contain no chips but are produced under the same conditions.     

A new composite: spray-deposited M2 high speed steel reinforced by WC particles

The fabrication of the high speed steel matrix composites reinforced by WC particles utilizing the ultrasonic gas atomization and spray-deposition was studied. The change of microstware and mechanical Properties of the composites added WC Particles were investigated and analyzed as well. As some results, the WC particles exhibit two morphologies (spherical and angular) with different content of WC particles; and with the increase of content of WC particles, the hardness of the composites increases, yet the bending strength appears a trend of decreasing.