A hybrid method for producing functional aluminium-matrix composites

Abstract

To ensure reliability and longevity of both non-critical and critical machines and mechanisms, materials are required that are capable to continuously withstand harsh operating conditions. Such materials are in demand in modern mechanical engineering, aviation, and rocket and space engineering. Functional metal matrix composites with their enhanced physical and mechanical properties can potentially meet such requirements. By choosing optimal components for both the matrix and the reinforcing filler and using the technologies that enable to combine and process them, one can obtain a product that would meet specific operating conditions. Functional metal matrix composites obtained by various methods are widely used in mechanical engineering. This paper describes a synthesis technique for producing continuously reinforced aluminium matrix composites that combines powder metallurgy with in situ method. Such combination is aimed at ensuring energy efficiency and avoiding the use of vacuum treatment of the reaction medium or inert gases to protect from oxidation. The use of reinforcing phase precursors helps achieve good wettability of dispersed particles with molten matrix metal. The different options of the practical implementation of this method are based on the case study of aluminium-matrix composites filled with various functional particles. Studies conducted using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis indicate that such composite material has a solid structure comprised of evenly distributed atoms of aluminium, zinc and magnesium. The findings suggest potential applicability of this reinforcement method using a wide range of functional particles, which ensure that the composite material had the necessary properties.This research was carried out by the Ural State Mining University pursuant to Governmental Assignment for R&D Work No. 11. 075-03-2021-303 dated December 29, 2020; Subject No. 0833-2020-0007.