Aluminum Matrix Nanocomposites Research Articles

Analysis of Microstructural Evolution during the Sintering Process of Aluminum Matrix Nanocomposites Reinforced with Al4C3, Using X-ray and HRTEM

Analysis of Microstructural Evolution during the Sintering Process of Aluminum Matrix Nanocomposites Reinforced with Al4C3, Using X-ray and HRTEM

Variation in wear scar penetration depths due to impact angle on the erosion wear of advanced aluminum matrix nanocomposites

In present study, developing (Al-Fe-Si) materials with high wear and erosion resistance for aerospace components, such as wing skin and fuselage sections, presents a significant challenge for researchers. This study delves into the reinforcement effects of TiC in aluminum composites, produced via ultrasonic-assisted stir casting. The focus lies on exploring the UASC technique to create composites with varied TiC weight percentages (0 %, 2 %, 4 %, and 6 % by weight) and evaluating their erosion resistance. Experiments varied erodent particle impact angle, velocity, and discharge rate, alongside impingement angles, and maintaining a constant velocity of 151 m/s for 10-minute durations, using solid particles averaging 201 µm in size. Increasing TiC content improved erosion resistance. Optical profilometry revealed a −131 µm maximum wear scar depth at a 45° impingement angle, with significantly higher erosion wear compared to other angles. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing mechanical system design and durability. Eroded surface failure analysis utilized FE-SEM images to examine composites impacted by erodent forces.

Mechanical characteristics and optimization of wear parameters of hybrid (TiO2 + Y2O3) nanoparticles with Al matrix using squeeze casting technique

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanical characteristics and optimization of wear parameters of hybrid (TiO2 + Y2O3) nanoparticles with Al matrix using squeeze casting technique. Design/methodology/approach The hybrid aluminium matrix nanocomposites (HAMNCs) were fabricated with varying concentrations of titanium oxide (TiO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3), from 2.5 to 10 Wt.% in 2.5 Wt.% increments. Dry sliding wear test variables were optimized using the Taguchi method. Findings The introduction of hybrid nanoparticles in the aluminium (Al) matrix was evenly distributed in contrast to the base matrix. HAMNC6 (5 Wt.% TiO2 + 5 Wt.% Y2O3) reported the maximum enhancement in mechanical properties (tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and density) and decrease in porosity% and elongation% among other HAMNCs. The results showed that the optimal combination of parameters to achieve the lowest wear rate was A3B3C1, or 15 N load, 1.5 m/s sliding velocity and 200 m sliding distance. The sliding distance showed the greatest effect on the dry sliding wear rate of HAMNC6 followed by applied load and sliding velocity. The fractured surfaces of the tensile sample showed traces of cracking as well as substantial craters with fine dimples and the wear worn surfaces were caused by abrasion, cracks and delamination of HAMNC6. Originality/value Squeeze-cast Al-reinforced hybrid (TiO2+Y2O3) nanoparticles have been investigated for their impact on mechanical properties and optimization of wear parameters.

AA5754–Al2O3 Nanocomposite Prepared by Friction Stir Processing: Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Performance

The utilization of Al2O3 nanopowder to reinforce AA5754 aluminum alloy through blind holes employing the friction stir processing (FSP) technique to produce an aluminum matrix nanocomposite is explored in this paper. Motivated by the necessity to enhance the strength and ductility of welded joints, the impacts of varying the tool rotational speed (rpm) and blind hole diameter on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints are investigated. Experimental characterization techniques including SEM, optical microscopy, microhardness, and tensile tests were employed to analyze the welded joints produced under different processing parameters (tool rotational speeds of 910, 1280, and 1700 rpm, and blind hole diameters of 0, 1, 1.5, and 2 mm). Comparative analyses were conducted against base metal properties and joints without reinforcement powder. It was found that the addition of nanopowder resulted in a decrease in the maximum generated heat during FSP, while also reducing the stir zone size compared to samples without nanopowder. Moreover, enhancements in both the strength and ductility of the joints were observed with the incorporation of Al2O3 nanoparticles. The optimal combination of welding conditions, observed at 1280 rpm rotational speed and 1.5 mm hole diameter, yielded a remarkable ultimate tensile strength of 567 MPa, accompanied by a hardness of 45 HV. These results underscore the potential of nano-Al2O3 reinforcement in significantly improving the mechanical properties of the produced nanocomposite, with implications for advancing the performance of welded structures in various engineering applications.

Evaluation of Elastic Properties of Graphene Nanoplatelet Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Nanocomposites

Evaluation of Elastic Properties of Graphene Nanoplatelet Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Nanocomposites

Mechanical, tribological, and morphological properties of SiC and Gr reinforced Al-0.7Fe-0.6Si-0.375Cr-0.25Zn based stir-casted hybrid metal matrix composites for automotive applications: Fabrication and characterizations

The main goal of this research is to meet the demanding need for developing lightweight materials with improved properties that are appropriate for several engineering applications. The investigators proceeded to considerable efforts to assess the mechanical, micro-structural, and tribological characteristics of Al-0.7Fe-0.6Si-0.375Cr-0.25Zn/10 wt%SiCP/3 wt%GrP-MMC, Al-0.7Fe-0.6Si-0.375Cr-0.25Zn/15 wt%SiCP/5 wt%GrP-MMC, and Al-0.7Fe-0.6Si-0.375Cr-0.25Zn/20 wt%SiCP/8 wt%GrP-MMC based hybrid metal-matrix nano-composites (HMMC's). These hybrid aluminum matrix nano-composites were fabricated using the liquid processing stir casting method for automobile, aviation, defense, and chemical handling sectors owing to their superior strength, and higher thermal conductive properties. The machinability of Al-0.7Fe-0.6Si-0.375Cr-0.25Zn/(SiCp + Grp) - MMC has received limited attention to date. Owing to its exceptional characteristics, this hybrid composite could take the role of cast iron or aluminum composites in a wide-variety multitude of engineering applications. The Mechanical properties of fabricated Hybrid-MMCs have been examined along with tribological properties & other factors, affecting the tensile strength of cast composites in this study. Additionally, the characterization has been performed through X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive Spectrum (EDS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Optical Microscopy. The fabricated samples of hybrid metal matrix nano-composites of Al-0.7Fe-0.6Si-0.375Cr-0.25Zn matrix have been tested for microstructure analysis, micro hardness test, density, tensile strength, and grain size. Microstructure study clears the claim of uniform distribution of SiC & Graphite particles in Al matrix alloy. An average tensile strength has been recorded as 258 MPa and a percent-elongation of 4.6 during the tensile test. Tensile-fractography findings have portrayed the intrinsic fractured-rupture microstructure of tensile-tested samples that seemed to have particle deformation breakage and pull-outs. The density of Al/(SiCp + Grp)-MMCs have been found to be 2.76 g/cm3 whereas the average hardness has been recorded at 120HV. An increase in graphite content in Al/SiC-MMC's provides a significant improvement in friction coefficient as well as a reduction in wear rate. Findings have observed that the wear rate is increased with increasing the sliding speed, however, it is almost constant between 300 and 600 rpm, and beyond this wear rate increases drastically. Likewise, the coefficient of friction also shows a considerable increase with the increase in sliding speed. As the composition of graphite in the material increases, a considerable decrease in the wear has been noted down because of the presence of tribo-layer formed between mating surfaces. A high value of applied load and high rotating speed imposed high deformation of the surface and increase in frictional force, as a result, an increase in wear rate. Wear rate increases with the increment in load during the wear test, while friction coefficient decreases. Hence, the development of HMMCs with better mechanical, microstructural, and tribological properties that can be utilized as cast iron or aluminum composites in a diverse spectra multitude of engineering applications involving the study's scientific insights and technological developments. Manufacturers in the myriads of industries, including aerospace, ground-transportation, thermal management, industrial, recreational, and infrastructure, could profit inventors/producers from the findings of the current study.

Production and Characterization of Aluminum Reinforced with SiC Nanoparticles

Aluminum matrix nanocomposites have been the subject of much attention due to their extraordinary mechanical properties and thermal stability. This research focuses on producing and characterizing an aluminum matrix reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) nanometric particles. The conventional powder metallurgy route was used to produce the nanocomposites, and the dispersion and mixing process was carried out by ultrasonication. The conditions of the dispersion and the volume fraction of the SiC were evaluated in the production of the nanocomposites. Microstructural characterization was carried out using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Mechanical characterization was carried out using hardness and tensile tests. The dispersion agent was investigated, and isopropanol leads to better dispersion with fewer agglomerates. Increasing the volume fraction of the reinforcement improves the hardness of the nanocomposites. However, greater agglomeration of the reinforcement is observed for larger volume fractions. The greatest increase in hardness (77% increase compared to the hardness of the Al matrix) is obtained with 1.0 vol. % of SiC, corresponding to the sample with the best dispersion. The mechanical characterization through tensile tests attests to the effect of the reinforcement on the Al matrix. The main strengthening mechanisms identified were the load transfer, the texture hardening, Orowan strengthening, and the increase in the density of dislocations in the nanocomposites.

The effect of interphase and agglomeration on the mechanical properties of aluminum matrix nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes

The interphase phenomena are a critical problem for estimating the mechanical behavior of carbon nanotube-reinforced aluminum composites. In this research, the Aluminum-carbide (Al4C3) interphase and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) agglomeration effects on the mechanical properties of Aluminum /Carbon nanotubes composites are investigated using a numerical micromechanical model. Moreover, the impacts of the CNTs fraction, agglomeration, Al4C3 interphase, and their diameter on the elastic modulus of Aluminum (Al) composites are explored. The results demonstrated the effect of CNTs agglomeration and Al4C3 interphase on Young’s modulus of Al composites significantly when the CNT fraction increases; In addition, it observed that with increasing interphase thickness, Young’s modulus of Al composites increases and is changed with variation of agglomeration shape. The Literature’s experimental results validated the applicability of the present finite element (FE) model. The results of this study are hard evidence for CNT/ Aluminum composites creating potential applications in industry, especially for automobile and aircraft fields.

Using direct high-pressure torsion synthesis to produce aluminium matrix nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes

Aluminium matrix nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes were fabricated in a new way by direct synthesis using high-pressure torsion (HPT). Aluminium of 99.99 % and 99.5 % purities were used as matrix materials with carbon nanotubes in amounts of 0.5 and 1 wt% as reinforcement. The HPT processing led to extensive grain size refinement which was significantly higher than for pure metals and to a relatively uniform distribution of the fillers. The grain size of the matrix was smaller for Al99.5 compared to Al99.99 while the particle spatial distribution was more homogenous for the Al99.99 matrix. This was attributed to a lower hardness and higher plasticity of Al 99.99 alloy. The addition of carbon nanotubes also improved the thermal stability of the ultrafine-grained structure, especially if homogenously distributed as for the Al99.99 matrix nanocomposites.

Investigation of thermal stability of aluminum matrix nanocomposites using functionalized MWCNTs

This work investigates the thermal stability of aluminum matrix nanocomposites reinforcing with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The effect of the chemical functionalization of MWCNTs (MWCNTs-COOH) was evaluated on the microstructure of these nanocomposites. One of the main challenges in producing metal matrix nanocomposites is obtaining a uniform dispersion of the reinforcement. The use of MWCNTs-COOH significantly impacted aluminum matrix nanocomposites' microstructure and mechanical properties. The nanocomposites produced with functionalized MWCNTs exhibit uniform dispersion, resulting in smaller grain sizes. However, concerning dislocation density and texture, the nanocomposites produced with non-functionalized MWCNTs exhibit a higher dislocation density and a different crystallographic orientation. For the heat-treated nanocomposites, it was observed that the reinforcement affects the recovery and recrystallization processes. This effect is more significant for nanocomposites produced with functionalized CNTs, resulting in a microstructure characterized by a significant fraction of deformed grains, smaller grain sizes, and higher mechanical properties.

Analysis and investigation of efficacy of the nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of aluminium metal matrix composites: A review

This investigation presented a complete report of prior years’s literature research work in the field of nanoparticles reinforced aluminium matrix nanocomposites. Metal Matrix Composites has been played a dynamic role in the arenas of aero-space, defence sector and automobile industrial sector. In this survey work, focused on scientific research analysis and investigation of mechanical behavior and surface morphology of aluminium matrix composites reinforced by nanoparticles such as MgO, SiO2, Al2O3, SiC, TiC, BN, Si3N, TiB2 etc. This analysis has been done to understand the influence of nanoparticles on metal matrix composites and also on the fabrication techniques of MMC’s. Mostly authors showed interest on following grades of aluminium alloys are 356, 2024, 6061,7075 due to the excellent corrosion, wear resistance, thermal stability, annealable and its easy casting process. Nanoparticles have been used to improve the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, hardness, wear rate, yield strength etc. of metal matrix composite materials. This literature review was provided the complete overview about MMC’s.

Influence of TiO2 and Y2O3 nanoparticles on mechanical properties of aluminium matrix hybrid nanocomposites fabricated by vacuum die casting

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of titanium oxide (TiO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles-reinforced pure aluminium (Al) on the mechanical properties of hybrid aluminium matrix nanocomposites (HAMNCs). Design/methodology/approach The HAMNCs were fabricated via a vacuum die-assisted stir casting route by a two-step feeding method. The varying weight percentages of TiO2 and Y2O3 nanoparticles were added as 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 Wt.%. Findings Scanning electron microscope images showed the homogenous dispersion of nanoparticles in Al matrix. The tensile strength by 28.97%, yield strength by 50.60%, compression strength by 104.6% and micro-hardness by 50.90% were improved in HAMNC1 when compared to the base matrix. The highest values impact strength of 36.3 J was observed for HAMNC1. The elongation % was decreased by increasing the weight percentage of the nanoparticles. HAMNC1 improved the wear resistance by 23.68%, while increasing the coefficient of friction by 14.18%. Field emission scanning electron microscope analysis of the fractured surfaces of tensile samples revealed microcracks and the debonding of nanoparticles. Originality/value The combined effect of TiO2 and Y2O3 nanoparticles with pure Al on mechanical properties has been studied. The composites were fabricated with two-step feeding vacuum-assisted stir casting.

Effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) distribution on physiomechancal characteristics of alumina (Al2O3) matrix nanocomposite

Effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) distribution on physiomechancal characteristics of alumina (Al2O3) matrix nanocomposite

Friction and dry sliding wear of Al–Fe–Cr quasicrystals with multi-reinforcements by laser powder bed fusion

A specially designed Al–Fe–Cr alloy with a rapid solidification-induced multi-scaled heterogeneous composite structure was manufactured using a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process with a high relative density (over 99.7%) and defect-free features. From the aspect of a single molten pool, the LPBF processed sample presents three regions with distinct composite structures: i) inner laser fusion zone (LFZ); ii) molten pool boundary (MPB) and iii) heat-affected zone (HAZ). For instance, spherical Al–Fe–Cr quasicrystals with sizes ranging from 100 to 300 nm inside ultrafine cellular structures are observed in the laser fusion zone. In contrast, the molten pool boundary exhibits a microstructure containing coarse flower-like quasicrystal particles and rectangular θ-Al13(Fe, Cr)2-4 particles. Moreover, the finer reinforcements in the heat-affected zone are spherical, rectangular or structureless and disperse in the α-Al matrix. This heterogeneous structure can be attributed to the graded temperature and solidification rate inside a single molten pool during LPBF processing. The tribological performance of the QC-reinforced aluminum matrix nanocomposites was comparatively investigated on a ball-on-disc reciprocating tribometer (UMT Tribo), in which the coefficient of friction was recorded. The results show that the LPBF-processed sample presents a stable friction coefficient (0.548) from mild to severe loads with a higher wear resistance of 3.704 × 10- 4mm3/(N*m) than the other LPBF-processed Al alloys. The worn surface morphology analysis shows that the wear mechanism presents a duplex wear mechanism of adhesive and oxidation wear.

Development of Al-Al2o3 nanocomposites by stir casting followed by hot forging and heat treatment and testing of their properties

In recent years, the reinforcement materials used in aluminum matrix composites are aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, titanium carbide and tungsten carbide in nano and micron size. The secondary processing of particle reinforced composites offers substantial benefits such as vanishing of defects, improvement in distribution of particles and thereby enhances their properties. In this study the properties of the hot forged and heat-treated nanocomposites were evaluated and compared with as cast and cast & heat-treated nanocomposites. Al6061-Al2O3 nanocomposites fabricated by varying the weight percentage of Al2O3 with 0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 in Al6061 alloy. After Casting, Al6061-Al2O3 composites were subjected to hot forging and heat treatment. Aluminum matrix nanocomposites were subjected to various tests to study their physical and mechanical properties. FESEM, EDAX and microhardness test of the developed composite have been carried out. The results revealed that among all the Cast, Heat treated and Hot Forged-Heat treated nanocomposites, the composites reinforced with 3.5 wt% Hot Forged-Heat treated composites have shown excellent micro structural homogeneity with uniform distribution of particles. It has been observed that mechanical properties like tensile strength, impact strength and Compressive strength, of hot forged-heat treated composites reinforced with 3.5 wt% possessed maximum values. Further, increase in wt.% resulted in decrease in properties due to clustering and non-uniform distribution of nanoparticles at 4 wt%.

Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Al/CNT Nanocomposites Produced by Powder Metallurgy

Demanding requirements in automotive and aerospace applications promote the growing need to obtain materials and advanced technology capable of combining low weight with high mechanical properties. Aluminum matrix nanocomposites could be great candidates to respond to such needs. In this sense, this investigation aims to study the mechanical properties of nanocomposites of aluminum matrices reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The nanocomposites were produced by powder metallurgy with 1.00 vol.% of reinforcement and ultrasonication as the dispersion method. Tensile, Vickers microhardness and nanoindentation tests were carried out in different sections. Microstructural characterizations were conducted in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) to understand and relate to the mechanical properties. An increase in the yield strength of 185% was observed for the nanocomposites, which can be attributed to the load transfer mechanism. However, the CNTs observed at the grain boundaries promote a decrease in the ductility of the nanocomposites. The mechanical behavior of the nanocomposites was further investigated by EBSD observation. The results revealed that the nanocomposites have a less extensive area of plastic deformation than the Al matrix, which is consistent with the tensile results. The presence of reinforcement affects the lattice rotation during the tensile test and the active slip systems, thus affecting their deformation behavior.

Aluminium-graphene metal matrix nanocomposites: Modelling, analysis, and simulation approach to estimate mechanical properties

Aluminium (Al) finds wide application in various fields of the mechanical, automobile, and aircraft industry. Graphene (Gr) enhances the properties of these applications. As nano-filler in Al, reinforcing Gr improves its various properties such as thermal and electrical conductivity, strength properties, and tribological behaviors of Al-Gr metal matrix nanocomposite. This research article model, analyze and simulate the Gr reinforced aluminium matrix nanocomposites (AGNC) to estimate the tensile properties using finite element (FE) analysis. The Gr particles have been uniformly/ randomly distributed in the Al matrix with different weight fractions viz. 0.25%, 0.5% & 1% respectively. To determine the mechanical characteristics of the Gr-Al matrix applying uniaxial load has been applied on one side of the representative volume element (RVE) and the other end is kept fixed. Various material properties are determined such as young’s modulus, mass density, poisons ratio, etc. to perform the analysis. The major focus is to explore the role of aligning Gr sheets randomly in the AGNC. It has been found from the results that aligning and dispersing Gr randomly in the AGNC enhances the yield strength, tensile strength and young’s modulus. Young’s modulus of AGNC with 1% weight fraction has shown a 198% increment than pure Al matrix however significant decrease in ductility and shown a 50 % increment in yield strength compared to experimental research. The validation of the obtained results has also been done with the existing data available.

Powder preparation during ball milling and laser additive manufacturing of aluminum matrix nanocomposites: Powder properties, processability and mechanical property

• Nanocomposite powder for additive manufacturing was economically prepared. • The nanocomposite powder showed near-spherical shape and high flowability. • Nano-TiB 2 particles was uniformly dispersed on the surface of aluminum powder. • The optimal nanocomposite powder exhibited good processability. • The as-fabricated nanocomposite exhibited favorable mechanical property. The additive manufacturing method of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) has a great potential in producing high-performance metal matrix nanocomposite components. However, nanocomposite powder feasible for LPBF is still limited in availability. In this work, AlSi10Mg powder containing 2 wt% TiB 2 nanoparticles was prepared by ball milling of the constituent powder to meet the following two criteria: (i) a uniform dispersion of nanoparticles on the surface of the micro powder and (ii) a high flowability of the produced nanocomposite powder. The evolution of the powder properties with the milling dose was studied. The results indicated that with the increase of milling dose, the nano-TiB 2 particles were dispersed uniformly but the Al matrix gradually underwent plastic deformation. Under optimized milling conditions, the aluminum matrix nanocomposite powder showed a small mean particle size, narrow size distribution, smooth surface, and a spherical shape with uniformly dispersed nanoparticles. These properties are beneficial for a good LPBF processability. During LPBF process, a favorable forming quality of the optimized nanocomposite powder was evident. A mechanical characterization demonstrated an outstanding tensile strength of ∼ 450 MPa and excellent ductility of ∼ 7.2 % for the built parts.

Dry sliding wear analysis of vacuum die‐casted hybrid aluminum nanocomposites using the DOE Taguchi method

AbstractThis study focuses on the impact of wear process parameters on the sliding wear behavior of titanium oxide (TiO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) reinforced pure aluminum (Al) hybrid nanocomposites. The optimization of wear test parameters for hybrid aluminum matrix nanocomposites (HAMNCs) was examined with the design of experiments Taguchi method. The HAMNCs were manufactured by a vacuum die casting technique using a unique double‐layer feeding method. Initially, mechanical characterization as tensile and hardness of HAMNC samples was performed to identify the optimum reinforcement. The nanocomposites at 5‐wt.% TiO2 + 5‐wt.% Y2O3 (HAMNC1) showed excellent tensile strength and microhardness of 127.6 MPa and 75.43 BHN, respectively, than the other configurations of HAMNCs. The three levels of machine process parameters as load at 5, 10, 15 N, sliding velocity at .5, 1, 1.5 m/s and sliding distance at 200, 400, and 600 m are selected to identify optimum process parameters of HAMNC1 that possess ultimate wear properties. The results derived from optimization were further predicted using ANOVA and regression equations for individual influences. The improved grain size observed in the wear surface morphology of HAMNC1 was performed using field emission scanning electron microscopy.

Evaluation of mechanical and tribological properties of Aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with titanium diboride and graphite

The purpose of this research is to assess mechanical and tribological behavior of Aluminum matrix nanocomposites reinforced with varying weight percentage of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% and 12.5% titanium diboride (TiB2) nano particles and 6% graphite (Gr) nanoparticles through electromagnetic stir casting process. Microstructure analysis were examined using Optical microstructure, Scanning Electron Microstructure, Energy Dispersive Spectrum and phases of reinforced particles in the Aluminium alloy were identified using X-ray diffraction. Mechanical and tribological testing were conducted. Regarding mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, compression strength, and wear resistance of all reinforced composite specimens presented enhanced properties than the unreinforced matrix. It was found that the enhanced mechanical properties and wear behavior of the tested specimens of aluminium hybrid nanocomposites has been achieved due to presence of strengthening of hard ceramic nanoparticles of TiB2 in the matrix.