Matrix Hybrid Nanocomposites Research Articles

Investigation of Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Aluminum Metal Matrix Hybrid Nanocomposites Reinforced with Alumina and Titanium Carbide Nanoparticles

Particle-reinforced aluminum metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) garnered huge attention in recent years, owing to their increased wear properties and mechanical characteristics. Metal matrix composites and alloys often make use of nanoparticles of alumina and titanium carbide for reinforcing purposes. Fewer details are known about hybridized MMNCs that have been fortified with different types of nanoparticles. The characteristics of hybrid nanocomposites are evaluated in comparison to those of nanocomposites reinforced with individual reinforcements. A 100 gmf stress was applied for 10 seconds to test the specimens' Vickers micro-hardness. The hardness increased by 114% and the compressive strength by 60% with the addition of nanoparticles to the metal matrix. Tests were conducted on the specimens' dry wear characteristics at speeds of 550, 600 and 650 rpm with loads of 40, 45 and 50 N. A higher carbon reinforcing level in the metal matrix results in a higher wear resistance.

Determination of nano-graphene content for improved mechanical and tribological performance of Zn-based alloy matrix hybrid nanocomposites

The primary objective of this study is to explore the fabrication of a hybrid nanocomposite (HNC) composed of ZnAl40Cu2 alloy, graphene, and B4C particles, while also determining the optimal graphene reinforcement ratio for enhanced properties. Our methodology entails the production of HNC powders (HNPs) through mechanical milling, where we combine graphene nanoplatelets with B4C microparticles into ZnAl40Cu2 alloy powders. Throughout this process, we maintain a constant B4C content of 1.5 wt%, while varying the graphene content at 1.5 wt%, 3 wt%, and 4.5 wt%. Following the characterization of all produced powders, which includes an assessment of powder morphology, powder size distribution, and powder microhardness, we proceed to hot-press the HNPs to create bulk HNC samples. After consolidating the specimens, a comprehensive series of tests are carried out to determine microstructural, mechanical (hardness and tensile strength) and tribological properties. Our results reveal that the HNC specimen with graphene content of 3 wt% (referred to as A2) displays the most notable enhancements in properties. Specifically, A2 exhibits an impressive hardness of 163 HB, surpassing the hardness of the ZnAl40Cu2 matrix alloy, which measures at 133 HB. Furthermore, its ultimate tensile strength significantly outperforms the ZnAl40Cu2 matrix alloy, with a remarkable value of 223 MPa compared to 157 MPa. However, it is worth noting that the improvement in wear resistance for HNCs is most pronounced up to a certain threshold of graphene content, which is 3 wt%.

Dispersion mechanism of nanoparticles and its role on mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of epoxy nanocomposites - A Review

The combined effect of nano-reinforcements on the mechanical performance of nanocomposites, which are a novel class of epoxy matrix hybrid nanocomposites containing multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), graphene, and nanodiamonds (NDs), is drawing substantial attention from many research communities. The discussion concentrates on the dispersion techniques adopted for the preparation of epoxy composites containing different types of nanoparticles (3-D fillers, nanofibers, nanotubes, and plate-like fillers). This review paper covers the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and nanodiamond-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites and correlates them with the topographical features, morphology, weight fraction, dispersion state, and surface functionalization of CNTs, graphene, and nanodiamond. This review paper also summarises recent developments in the dispersion method of different carbon nanoparticles in epoxy matrix.

Characterisation of microstructure, microhardness and tribological properties of Al matrix hybrid nanocomposites reinforced with B4C and in-situ GNSs

With the increasing demands of automobile and aerospace industries, it is necessary to develop novel wear-resistant Al matrix composites (AMCs). Graphene is commonly used as an additive in self-lubricating AMCs due to its high strengthening efficiency and 2D structure. Considering the high cost of graphene and reinforcing the Al matrix by multiple reinforcements, novel Al matrix hybrid nanocomposites reinforced with B4C and in-situ GNSs were developed in this study. Al-10 vol% (x1 B4C-x2 graphite) composites (x1: x2 = 10:0, 9:1, 7:3, 5:5) were prepared by powder metallurgy. Vickers hardness tests and ball-on-disc wear tests were used to assess the mechanical and tribological properties of the composites. It is found that in-situ GNSs can be formed in Al-9 vol% B4C-1 vol% graphite (Al–9B-1G) and Al-7 vol% B4C-3 vol% graphite (Al–7B-3G) composites, thereby significantly increasing the Vickers hardness. Benefiting from the strengthening effects of B4C and in-situ GNSs, as well as the lubricating effect of the GNSs, the wear resistance of Al–9B-1G and Al–7B-3G is improved remarkably. Al–7B-3G has the best wear resistance with the least wear rate of 1.41 × 10−3 mm3/Nm, which is 87.4% and 76.7% lower than that of Al and Al–10B, respectively.

Effect of graphite and rice husk-derived SiO2 on mechanical and thermal properties of re-sintered aluminium-based metal matrix hybrid nanocomposites

Effect of graphite and rice husk-derived SiO2 on mechanical and thermal properties of re-sintered aluminium-based metal matrix hybrid nanocomposites

Fabrication of TiC-graphene dual-reinforced self-lubricating Al matrix hybrid nanocomposites with superior mechanical and tribological properties

TiC-graphene dual-reinforced Al matrix hybrid nanocomposites (AMHNs) were synthesised by powder metallurgy. Microstructures, compressive and tribological properties of the AMHNs with different fractions of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were studied and compared with Al2024 alloy, and TiC or GNPs singly reinforced Al composites. The results show the microstructures and distributions of TiC and GNPs are homogenised with the increasing content of GNPs. The compressive properties and wear resistance of the composites are improved efficiently by synergistic influences of TiC and GNPs. Significantly, Al-5.0 wt% TiC-1.0 wt% GNPs has the most superior compressive properties and highest wear resistance with a wear rate of 4.62 × 10−4 mm3/Nm, which is a 94.4% reduction compared with that of unreinforced Al alloy.

Influence of titanium diboride and graphite on microstructure characteristics and mechanical behaviors of aluminium hybrid nanocomposites

The present work investigates the influence of graphite (Gr) on microstructure and mechanical behaviour of Al7075/TiB2/2wt%Gr hybrid nanocomposite. Aluminium matrix hybrid nanocomposites (AMNCs) were fabricated using electromagnetic stir casting technique. The hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by optical Microstructure (OM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrum (EDAS) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The Al7075/TiB2/Gr hybrid nanocomposties was prepared with 2 wt% Gr nanoparticles addition and 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 wt% of TiB2 nanoparticles. Results revealed that with the addition of reinforcement hardness of nanocomposties were increased by 145.42BHN to 173.48BHN. Significant improvements in tensile strength, compression strength and flexural strength of AMNCs were attained upto10 wt% TiB2 addition, further decrease in strength at 12.5 wt% TiB2 addition in Al7075 and Al7075 alloy. Considerable enhancement in mechanical properties shows homogenous distribution and agglomerated along the grain boundaries decreases the mechanical properties of the reinforced nanoparticles in the matrix.

Corrosion and Mechanical Properties of Novel AA2024 Matrix Hybrid Nanocomposites Reinforced with B4C and SiC Particles

Corrosion and Mechanical Properties of Novel AA2024 Matrix Hybrid Nanocomposites Reinforced with B4C and SiC Particles

A literature survey on effect of various types of reinforcement particles on the mechanical and tribological properties of aluminium alloy matrix hybrid nano composite

This review paper deals with the individual and hybrid nano composites reinforced with different types of nano particles like, synthetic ceramic, agro-waste and industrial waste materials. A current demand in market is shifting from micro size to nano size particle reinforcement for hybrid nano composites and subsequently development in addition of synthetic ceramic particles incorporated with agro-industrial waste materials. The production of metal matrix composites reinforced with nano-particles attribute in varying the mechanical and physical properties than the base matrix. Hybrid nano composites are creditable choice that can overcome the drawbacks of monolithic and hybrid micro-composites. The reinforcement of nano-particles can enhance the properties of base matrix material in the form of corrosion resistance, wear resistance, mechanical strength and damping properties. This review look up the possibility of developing elite nano composites parts with several benefits such as light weight, low cost, sustainability, high strength to weight ratio and product variety for use in various structural application including aerospace, marine automobile, sports industries. Present review focus on the improvement in corrosion resistance, mechanical properties (like: hardness, tensile and compressive strength) wear resistance and fatigue properties of metal matrix hybrid nano composites [MMHnCs]. This study also discusses the influence of morphology of particles such as shape, size and volume fraction of reinforcement particles on the properties of [MMHnCs]. The important techniques of manufacturing of MMHnCs to improve the mechanical properties have been reviewed in detail.

Predicting effective electrical resistivity and conductivity of carbon nanotube/carbon black-filled polymer matrix hybrid nanocomposites

A two-step analytical model based on a percolation network model and electron tunneling theory has been developed to predict the electrical resistivity and percolation threshold of a hybrid nanocomposite system comprising carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotube (CNT). The nanostructure of a tunneling network consisting of CNT and CB agglomerates has been generated to study the effects of various parameters on electrical conductivity. Electron tunneling is the primary mechanism for electrical percolation, which is incorporated into the model by considering the effective tunneling distance of CNTs. Later, a percolation network model is introduced to evaluate the electrical properties of the hybrid nanocomposite. Our results indicate that a high level of alignment leads to a significant decrease of the percolation threshold with an increase in conductivity, while a low CB volume fraction with low intrinsic electrical conductivity degrades the percolation and overall conductivity. Our results also reveal that the addition of CB as a second filler in a hybrid nanocomposite leads to improvements in conductance and percolation threshold. Analytical results show that the current model agrees well with existing experimental data, which reveals that tunneling and percolation are the dominant mechanisms for transition behavior in electrical conductivity.

Novel ZA27/B4C/Graphite Hybrid Nanocomposite-Bearing Materials with Enhanced Wear and Corrosion Resistance

In this study, nanosized B4C and graphite-reinforced ZA27 matrix hybrid nanocomposites were produced with mechanical milling followed by hot pressing. The friction coefficient values of nanocomposite samples remarkably decreased from 0.5036 (± 0.085) to 0.2575 (± 0.021) with the increase of milling time to 24 hours for nanocomposite powders. That was almost two times lower than those of unmilled nanocomposites. It was determined that the good distribution of reinforcement particles in the microstructure and low grain size allowed the formation of a protective oxide layer against corrosion. The corrosion resistance of the nanocomposite materials obtained from nanocomposite powders milled for 24 hours was quite superior to the others. The results revealed that the corrosion rate values were 29.068 and 4.033 mpy for hybrid nanocomposite samples produced from unmilled and milled powders for 24 hours, respectively.

Aluminum or Its Alloy Matrix Hybrid Nanocomposites

Aluminum or its alloys are widely used in automobile, aerospace, and marine due to their low density, good ductility, low cost, corrosion resistance etc. However, aluminum has several pit falls viz. poor strength, abrasion and wear resistance etc. These pit fall of aluminum can be improve by reinforcement of nanomaterials in the pure metal or alloy. Various types of nanomaterials can be used for the fabrication of light-weight aluminum/alloy matrix nanocomposites for high specific strength, improved wear and abrasion property, better corrosion resistance etc. Recently, there is a significant research interest for the fabrication of nanocomposites by using more than one reinforcing materials. This article presents an overview of various reinforcement materials used for the fabrication of aluminum or its alloy matrix based hybrid nanocomposites. Brief overview of metal matrix and specifically aluminum matrix nanocomposites are included in the manuscript. Various processing routes for the fabrication of hybrid nanocomposites are explained. Properties of hybrid nanocomposites with respect to the nano-reinforcement types, reinforcement concentration, morphology and microstructure are discussed. Further, potential applications and future trends of aluminum or its alloy matrix hybrid nanocomposites are presented. Finally, the article has been concluded with several future scopes of research in the area of aluminum/alloy matrix based hybrid nanocomposites.

Influence of TiO2 and MWCNT nanoparticles dispersion on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al6061 matrix hybrid nanocomposites

The influence of nanoparticle agglomeration plays a crucial role in altering the mechanical properties of the resulting nanocomposites. The pre-processing of nanoparticles prior to its addition in the matrix alleviates the agglomeration and helps to attain the uniform dispersion. In the present work, an ultrasonic-assisted stir/squeeze casting technique was employed to prepare the aluminum 6061 (Al6061) based hybrid nanocomposites reinforced with pre-processed TiO2 and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). In order to achieve uniform dispersion of nano-reinforcements on resulting Al-based hybrid nanocomposites, four different reinforcements pre-processing routes, i.e. sonication, ball-milling, stirring and its combinations were adopted. The effects of numerous parameters such as reinforcement weight percentage, reinforcement pre-processing routes and fabrication techniques on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the hybrid nanocomposites were investigated. The effect of various pre-processing routes on the morphology evolution in MWCNTs and TiO2/MWCNT nanoparticles mixture were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Further, the microstructural investigation of the prepared nanocomposites was carried out by employing optical microscopy (OM) and x-ray mapping analysis. Mechanical characterizations such as tensile strength and microhardness show significant enhancement in the mechanical properties of hybrid nanocomposites due to the addition of pre-processed nano-reinforcements. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS) and microhardness of the ultrasonic-assisted squeeze cast Al6061-TiO2 (1 wt%)-MWCNT (1.5 wt%) hybrid nanocomposite remarkably enhanced by 302%, 400% and 77 %, respectively, due to MWCNTs shortening, uniform dispersion of reinforcements and processing technique. The fractured surface morphology of hybrid nanocomposites was examined using Field Emission-SEM, which exhibits the presence of nano-reinforcements without any sign of destruction in their morphology.

Dry sliding wear behaviour of hybrid aluminum based nanocomposites

The newly engineered metal matrix hybrid nanocomposites Al6061-Al2O3-Gr were fabricated by ultrasonic cavitation method. The pin-on-disc equipment under dry sliding conditions was used to determine the wear characteristics of prepared hybrid nanocomposites. The worn surface of hybrid nanocomposite Al-Al2O3-Gr has been characterized by SEM. The investigation shows that Al-1.2Al2O3-0.5 Gr hybrid nano-composites have improved wear resistance, least co-efficient of friction, best surface smoothness than the Al6061 matrix alloy. The AFM image of Al-1.2Al2O3-0.5 Gr hybrid nanocomposite confirms the improvement in the wear surface smoothness of the hybrid nanocomposite compared to Al6061 matrix alloy.

Fabrication and Properties of Aluminium Matrix Hybrid Nanocomposites by Stir Casting Technique

Regular materials like steel, brass, aluminum and so on will fall flat with no sign. Breaks commencement, spread will happens with in a limited ability to focus. Presently multi day to beat this issue, regular materials are supplanted by Aluminum Composite materials. The best alternative for aluminum composite materials is its unique ability to design the materials to provide necessary features. In this paper, classical simple techniques for manufacturing AMMCs with achievable characteristics are explored by dispersing silicon carbide micro and nano particles in the matrix. The matrix and the reinforcement material were chosen for aluminium (A356) and silicon carbide (micro and nano particles). Experiments carried out were a SiCmicro weight fraction for 10%, and a SiCmicro weight fraction varying for 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%. The result showed that the stir casting method was very successful in achieving uniform strengthening dispersion in the matrix. This was obvious by the improvement of properties of composites over the base metal. The increase in hardness, marginals decrease in electrical conductivity and marginal changes in relative density were shown to be aluminum hybrid nanocomposites

Effect of nano alumina content on corrosion behavior and microstructure of Za27/graphite/alumina hybrid nanocomposites

In this study, the effect of the addition of nano-graphite and nano-alumina particles on the corrosion behavior and microstructures of ZA27 matrix hybrid nanocomposites (HNCs) was investigated. ZA27 based HNC powders were produced using mechanical milling method to obtain close homogenous distribution of the reinforcement particles in ZA27 matrix followed by hot pressing technique. Before and after corrosion tests, the microstructures of these nanocomposites were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The corrosion behavior of hybrid nanocomposites was assessed using potentiodynamic polarization scans in 3.5% NaCl solution. The corrosion experiment results indicate that corrosion rate (85.5 mpy) of ZA27/2 vol% Al2O3-1 vol% Graphite were much higher than that of ZA27 matrix (345.5 mpy) and ZA27/1 vol% Al2O3-1 vol% Graphite nano composite (104.2 mpy). HNCs with 1%vol. nano-graphite and 2%vol. nano-alumina showed about four times higher corrosion resistance than unreinforced ZA27 matrix alloy. An increase in the corrosion rate was discussed in relation to the nano size reinforcement and porosity contents. The results showed that higher reinforcement and porosity content had an adverse effect on the corrosion behavior of hybrid nanocomposites.

Damage analysis of unidirectional Ti hybrid nanocomposites containing nanoparticles

In the present work, a nested micromechanical model is presented to analyze the biaxial initial damage envelopes of unidirectional silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced titanium (Ti) matrix hybrid nanocomposites containing SiC nanoparticles. Firstly, an effort is made to obtain the elastic modulus, yield strength and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the nanoparticle-reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites by developing an analytical micromechanical model. Size factor and agglomerated state for the nanoparticles into the metal matrix, generation of dislocations by nanoparticle/matrix thermal mismatch and Orowan strengthening mechanism are considered at the nanoscale. Then, a unit cell-based micromechanical model is proposed to extract the biaxial initial damage envelopes of the SiC nanoparticle/SiC fiber-reinforced metal matrix hybrid nanocomposites. The Fiber/matrix interfacial debonding and matrix yielding are included as the dominant damage modes. Also, thermal residual stress (RS) arisen from the fiber/matrix thermal mismatch during the MMC manufacturing process are considered in the analysis. A reasonable agreement is observed between the results of the present model and available experiments for both of the nanocomposite and hybrid nanocomposite thermomechanical properties. It is shown that the SiC nanoparticles are indeed a very effective strengthening agent for the MMCs which can postpone the deterioration initiation due to the interfacial debonding under transverse tension. The presented model is applied to examine the effects of several parameters, including the nanoparticles volume fraction, diameter, size factor and dispersion type and also the thermal mismatch and fiber/matrix interfacial conditions on the biaxial initial damage behavior of the metal matrix hybrid nanocomposites.

Attempt to tune the dielectric and optical properties in PVA/ZnO composite using tetra ethylene glycol dimethyl ether for light emitting devices

Tuning the dielectric constant of the optical materials is of prime importance to optimize their efficiency. Polyvinyl alcohol and tetra ethylene glycol dimethyl (TEGDME) matrix hybrid nanocomposites, featuring zinc oxide embedded in the polymer were fabricated by solution casting technique. TEM images showed that the introduction of tetra ethylene glycol dimethyl ether reduces the dimensions of ZnO particles and displays good distribution of the zinc oxide nanoparticles with very little particle agglomeration, respectively. The presence of tetra ethylene glycol dimethyl ether increases the optical energy gap of the composite from 3.6 to 4 eV. The Intensity and broadening of photoemission increase with increasing the ratio of TEGDME. The I–V measurements of the fabricated Cu/(PVZO/TEGDME)/Cu cell under different sun light intensity revealed that the resistivity of the composite decreases with increasing sun light intensity and the presence of tetra ethylene glycol dimethyl ether reduces the resistivity and increases the sensitivity of the composite to sun light. The tunable dielectric constant and optical properties of these polymer composites are demonstrated by increasing the TEGDME contents in the composites, making these composites potentially useful for optimizing optical and electronic devices.

Development and analysis of high density poly ethylene (HDPE) nano SiO2 and wood powder reinforced polymer matrix hybrid nano composites

ABSTRACTThe Hybrid composites are the emerging materials which uses two or more reinforced particles or fibres simultaneously. As potential applications of the composites, wood reinforced thermoplastic composites are commercially attractive for high volume applications, but their properties can be enhanced by adding Nano SiO2 particles. Wood powder and nano SiO2 were mixed with high density polyethylene as matrix material. Wood powder with fixed 5 wt. % and Nano SiO2 with varying weight % (3, 5, 7 wt. %) are reinforced in HDPE to manufacture composite materials by compression moulding process. Mechanical properties including tensile strength, flexural strength and Izod impact strength were evaluated and it was revealed that tensile strength and flexural strength were obtained maximum at 5 wt. % of Nano SiO2 and impact strength was obtained maximum at 3 wt. % of Nano SiO2.

Tribological behavior of ZA27/Al2O3/graphite hybrid nanocomposites

ABSTRACTZA27 alloy composites reinforced with alumina and graphite nanoparticles are a unique class of advanced engineered materials that have been developed to use in tribological applications. In this study, dry sliding wear behavior of ZA27 alloy matrix hybrid nanocomposites has been investigated. Mechanical alloying and hot pressing methods have been used for the fabrication of these composite materials. Sliding wear tests were conducted using a block-on-disc type sliding wear testing apparatus under unlubricated conditions. Scanning electron microscopy analyses have been carried out to examine the wear surfaces. The results showed that the increase of alumina nanoparticle content can positively influence improvement of the tribological behavior of the hybrid nanocomposites.