Abstract
Nanocomposites reinforced with nano-scale reinforcements exhibit excellent mechanical properties with low volume fraction of the reinforcement. For instance, only an addition of 0.7 vol.% few-layer graphene (FLG) into the pure titanium shows strength of ~1.5 GPa, obviously much superior to that of the monolithic titanium. The strengthening efficiency of composites is determined by several factors such as reinforcement geometrical/spatial characteristics and interfacial features between the matrix and the reinforcement. For the metal-matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs), since the nano-scale reinforcement has significantly high specific surface area, interfacial feature is more important and has to be clearly evaluated in understanding property of MMNCs. Although many researchers suggested the theoretical work using continuum mechanics in order to estimate the mechanical properties of the metallic composites, a clear determination has yet not to be proven by systematic experimental works. Here, we provide a new model to predict strength and stiffness of MMNCs based on quantitative analysis of efficiency parameters in which interface feature is strongly emphasized. To validate the model, we select multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and FLG for reinforcement, and titanium (Ti) and aluminum (Al) for the matrix to modify bonding strength and specific surface area in the MMNCs.
Highlights
Simulations with density-function theory (DFT) calculated the energetically favorable adsorption site in graphitic structure for certain metal elements
The carbon and metal matrix composites for both Ti and Al were observed with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis
The interface between Al matrix and few-layer graphene (FLG) is obvious whereas the interface between Ti matrix and FLG appears in a stark contrast
Summary
Changes of metal-C bonding, in other words bonding character is not responsible for reinforcement geometry[26]. We show the numerically and experimentally demonstrated the contribution of factors to strengthening behavior of MMNCs reinforced by nano-C. Based on our results, when nano-C reinforcements are separately dispersed in metals, we can predict mechanical properties as a function of specific surface area when the bonding strength between the carbon and the metal is determined. A combination of tight interfacial bonding and large specific surface area in the reinforcement/matrix interface would possess an efficient load transfer and enhanced properties of the composite. We explain the importance behind the dimensions and the interfacial properties of reinforcement that determine the performance of composites.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
