Surface energy contributions to the work of infiltration in metal matrix composite processing

José-Miguel Molina-Jorda,Gionata Schneider,Andreas Mortensen

doi:10.1016/j.scriptamat.2021.114223

José-Miguel Molina-Jorda, Gionata Schneider + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2021.114223

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Abstract

The work needed to mechanically drive molten metal into a porous solid preform when producing a composite material by infiltration can significantly exceed the energy change required for thermodynamically reversible infiltration. We measure, by quantitative metallographic analysis of partially infiltrated, particle- or fiber-based non-metallic preforms, the evolution with saturation of the three interfaces present during the process. Results show that irreversible energy losses in the infiltration of alumina preforms by molten copper, aluminium or aluminium-tin alloy cannot be ascribed to the creation of liquid meniscus surface area at intermediate metal saturation. This result agrees with similar observations in soil science and gives experimental confirmation of predictions from a recent simulation of capillarity-dominated metal infiltration [Acta Mater., vol. 210, 2021, 116831].

Highlights

One of the principal methods used to produce composite materials is infiltration, where the matrix in fluid form is made to invade open pores within a solid “preform” of the reinforcing phase
The work needed to mechanically drive molten metal into a porous solid preform when producing a composite material by infiltration can significantly exceed the energy change required for thermodynamically reversible infiltration
Results show that irreversible energy losses in the infiltration of alumina preforms by molten copper, aluminium or aluminium-tin alloy cannot be ascribed to the creation of liquid meniscus surface area at intermediate metal saturation

Summary

Introduction

One of the principal methods used to produce composite materials is infiltration, where the matrix in fluid form is made to invade open pores within a solid “preform” of the reinforcing phase. The work needed to mechanically drive molten metal into a porous solid preform when producing a composite material by infiltration can significantly exceed the energy change required for thermodynamically reversible infiltration.

Results

Conclusion