Abstract
In recent decades, considerable efforts have been made in the production of steel and the modification of its microstructure on the nano-scale in order to improve its mechanical properties. One possibility is through nano-particles incorporation and reinforcement. While typical production methods for Metal Matrix nano-Composites (MMnCs) are difficult and expensive, the main drawback of the casting method is the agglomeration of the nano-particles and a poor interface between the nano-particles and the metal matrix. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of adding nano-particles as reinforcement elements through the conventional liquid-metal casting process. The investigation was focused on the various approaches to the modification and addition of nano-particles in the melt, as well as the influence of particle concentration and size on their homogeneity and distribution within the steel matrix. The results show that also in the case of the conventional casting process, it is possible to produce a reinforced steel-matrix nano-composite with a homogeneous distribution of the Al2O3 nano-particles in the matrix. However, in order to obtain a homogeneous distribution of nano-particles in the steel matrix, a dispersion agent is required.
Highlights
Significant efforts have been made in developing ways to produce ceramic particulate-reinforced metal-matrix composites (MMCs)
The addition of nano-particles in the melt was simulated by the addition of aluminum and oxygen in the mass concentrations corresponding to the selected concentration of added nano-particles
The results show that the Al2 O3 phase remains undissolved in the liquid region of the AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel matrix
Summary
Significant efforts have been made in developing ways to produce ceramic particulate-reinforced metal-matrix composites (MMCs). They are mostly made in an expensive way by using powder metallurgy, ball milling, or infiltration techniques [1]. The ex situ synthesis route consists of adding nano-reinforcements to the liquid or powdered metal, while in situ processes refer to those methods leading to the generation of ceramic nano-compounds or particles by reaction during processing (a solid–solid, solid–liquid, liquid–liquid, or solid–gas), for example by using reactive gases [3]. Hussainova [4] reported the successful incorporation of a low and high volume fraction of particulate ceramic reinforcements in the steel matrix and the formation of a dense composite material by optimizing the sintering parameters. Liquid-based processes, on the other hand, are much more flexible and cost-effective, especially when it comes to mass production [6]
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