Metal Matrix Nanocomposites Research Articles

Comparative tribological study of the material intended for a lightweight HAMNC brake rotor sliding against NAO brake pad material

Abstract The present work studies the lightweight Hybrid Aluminium Metal Matrix Nanocomposite (HAMNC) for brake rotor application. The novel HAMNC brake rotor material is fabricated by reinforcing 1 wt. % nano Boron carbide (nB4C) and 0.75 wt.% nano Titanium dioxide (nTiO2) employing ultrasonic-squeeze-assisted stir-casting process. The developed HAMNC and a commercial Gray Cast Iron (GCI) brake rotor material was subjected to density, hardness, thermal, corrosion, and tribological studies. The results indicated that the HAMNC brake rotor material is 60% lighter and extremely corrosive resistant compared with GCI material. Also, the dry sliding wear study done using Non Asbestos Organic (NAO) commercial brake pad as the pin material exhibited that the HAMNC brake rotor material possessed a higher wear-resistant behavior compared to GCI.

Effect of TiC-CNT precipitates on the microstructure and hardness of coatings welded by the GTAW process

Carbon nanotubes (CNT)-reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites balance toughness and ductility and, therefore, can reduce maintenance costs of industrial equipment. In this sense, flux-cored made of low carbon steel filled with CNT/Ti6Al4V/CaF2 were used as filler metal to coat an A131 grade A steel sheet via GTAW process. SEM and Raman spectroscopy analyses evidence the partial phase transformation between Ti and CNT in TiC-CNT precipitates, which can act as barriers to dislocation movements in a ferritic matrix. Consequently, the hardnesses of the coatings were up to 33.9–77.4 % higher than the base metal. Therefore, incorporating TiC-CNT precipitate-based reinforcements via arc welding can improve the hardness of conventional steels.

Study on tool wears in turning Al2219, unhybrid and hybrid metal matrix nano composites by CCD design of experiment

In this article, Aluminum (Al2219) as a matrix, and particles of n-B4C and MoS2 were chosen as reinforcements. By means of the stir casting technique, the unhybrid and hybrid nano metal matrix composites were prepared. The turning experiment was done through CCD design of experiment with TiN coated carbide insert using a Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe. Also, for turned inserts tool wear measurement was done using a Mitutoyo profile projector with digital readout. By ANOVA the significant contribution for tool wear of each parameter can be identified and the confirmation test is performed in sort to validate the tool wear results. Furthermore, the formation of chips during turning nano MMCs (unhybrid and hybrid) are studied for different feed rates ( f) and cutting speeds ( v) at 0.5 mm constant depth of cut. The outcome showed that both increases in cutting speed and feed rate increase the tool wear. For Al 2219, unhybrid and hybrid nano metal matrix composites feed rate is the important factor. The value of tool wear of the Al2219 matrix is minimal and for unhybrid nano composite is maximum. The leading wear mechanism in unhybrid nano composite is abrasion. Moreover, with the addition of 2%MoS2 in the hybrid nanocomposite the tool wears is decreased. The development of Build Up Edge (BUE) was seen on the flank face of the cutting tool for hybrid nanocomposite at 0.5 mm depth of cut, (v = 114.64 m/min) and (f = 0.441 mm/rev). The obtained % error among the modeled and experimental values is <5% and it is well within the limit. The analysis of chip formation was studied for nanocomposites at lower as well as higher feed rates, cutting speeds, and constant depth of cut during turning.

Application of electric field to aluminum/copper/aluminum trilayer nanocomposites and determination of mechanical properties: A molecular dynamics approach

Most studies considered metal matrix nanocomposites (NCs) because of their excellent mechanical and electrical properties. In recent years, external electric fields (EEFs) in the aforementioned NCs were identified as a crucial role in modulating mechanical behavior. The EEF may affect strength, hardness, ductility, and fracture toughness. The explanation for these changes is the interaction of EEF with the nanoparticles in the metal matrix. In the present study, the effects of various EEF values on the mechanical properties of Al/Cu/Al three-layer NCs (TLNCs) were assessed using the molecular dynamics (MD) modeling method and LAMMPS software. MD findings predicted that the EEF reduced the physical stability and mechanical strength of modeled samples. Physically, this performance resulted from a decrease in attraction force among distinct particles inside the computing box in the presence of EEF. The proposed samples' ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Young's modulus (YM) decreased to 2.587 GPa and 20.19 GPa, respectively, when the EEF value increased to 0.05 V/Å. Finally, it was determined that EEF is a crucial parameter in the mechanical development of MMNC structures and should be used in mechanical bacterial design in industrial applications.

Investigations on Mechanical Properties of Nano Particulates (Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/B<sub>4</sub>C) Reinforced in Aluminium 7075 Matrix Composite

Metal Matrix Nano Composites (MMNCs) with the addition of nano-particulate reinforcements can be of significance for automobile, aerospace, and numerous applications due to their low density and good mechanical properties, better corrosion and wear resistance, low coefficient of thermal expansion as compared to conventional materials. Designing the metal matrix composite material aims to combine the desirable attributes of metals and ceramics. The present work is focused on studying the mechanical properties of aluminium alloy (7075) with Al2O3 and B4C nanocomposite produced using the stir casting technique and ultrasonic cavitation method. Different % age of reinforcement is used. An ultrasonic cavitation technique is used to achieve a uniform dispersion of nano-particulate Al2O3 and B4C in molten aluminium alloy. Tensile, Hardness, and Impact tests were performed on the samples obtained by the fabrication processes. A structural study will be carried out through a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to know the distribution of Al2O3/B4C Nano particulates in Al alloy.

The influence of graphene oxide on the microstructure and properties of ultrafine-grained copper processed by high-pressure torsion

New metal matrix nanocomposites with enhanced thermal stability were produced in a three step process consisting of mechanical milling, spark plasma sintering and High-Pressure Torsion (HPT). The nanocomposites consisted of a copper matrix and the addition of 1 wt% Graphene Oxide (GO) as a reinforcement. A nanocrystalline microstructure, enhanced hardness and improved thermal stability were achieved. The grain size of the nanocomposites was ∼55 nm which is almost four time smaller than for Cu HPT at 210 nm. Hardnes and ultimate tensile strength of the nanocomposites reach 250 Hv and 700 MPa, respectively, which was more than three times higher than for the initial material. The most important result is that the nanocomposites remained ultrafine-grained up to 500 ⁰C whereas the Cu HPT fully recrystalized after annealing at 300 ⁰C The report also includes an investigation of the electrical conductivity of the copper-based composite which was slightly better than for copper after HPT together with the wear behaviour of this material. This is one of the first reports on copper reinforced with graphene oxide composites produced by HPT and it gives information on its thermal stability, electrical conductivity and wear behaviour together with the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties.

Application of integrated entropy-COPRAS and ANN approaches for maximizing wire EDM machinability attributes of Al6082-T6/GNP/TiB2 composites

Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) utilizes electrical sparks to cut conductive materials precisely. It employs a thin, electrically charged wire to erode the material, creating complex shapes with high accuracy, tight tolerance, and minimal material waste. The current study investigates the effect of WEDM process parameters on the various output properties of machining a hybrid Aluminium metal matrix nanocomposite (HAMMNC). A series of experiments were conducted on a composite constructed using Taguchi’s standard L18 Orthogonal Array (OA) design. The acquired responses of Material-Removal-Rate (MRR), Surface-Roughness (SR), and Kerf-Width (KfW) were optimized using integrated Entropy-COPRAS and artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms respectively. The relative significance ( Qi )values obtained for the alternatives are analyzed with the Taguchi method. The outcomes showed that the optimal setting of WEDM process variables is achieved at Servo Voltage: high volts; Pulse-on-time: 60 μs; Pulse-off-time: 16 μs; Peak Current: 6 Amp; Variable frequency: 18 Hz; Speed: 50 RPM; Sim Speed: 30 RPM respectively. The models developed from ANN were adequate and accurate from the results of error histogram and regression plots and they are best suited for the prophecy of future responses. The surface morphology studies confirmed the appearance of pockmarks, voids, and globules of debris on the Wire EDMed surfaces.

Mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composite reinforced with titanium carbide

Abstract An original method for the production of metal matrix nanocomposites has been proposed, which consists of depositing carbide structures 4–12 nm thick onto the surface of particles of aluminum powder by molecular layering, mixing the resulting dispersed particles with particles of pure metal in the required concentration, then pressing and sintering the resulting mixture. The resulting workpieces are subjected to intense plastic deformation by high-pressure torsion, which not only significantly reduces porosity, ensures a uniform distribution of reinforcing particles throughout the volume, and destroys carbide shells on the surface of dispersed particles, but also grinds aluminum particles. Experimental stress-strain curves of the synthesized composites were constructed and the contribution of various hardening mechanisms to the final hardening of the metal matrix composite was assessed. In metal matrix composites synthesized by this method, with small fractions of the volume content of reinforcing titanium carbide particles (less than 0.1%), almost twofold hardening and a threefold increase in the yield strength are observed with a slight reduction in plastic deformation before failure.

Advances in the Science and Engineering of Metal Matrix Nanocomposites: A Review

Metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) are an emerging class of metals with nanosized reinforcements and have been investigated extensively in recent decades due to their promising properties for widespread applications such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and electronics. In this article, a comprehensive review is presented on the science and engineering aspects of MMNCs, especially the processing, microstructures, and properties of MMNCs. Common processing and manufacturing approaches and post‐processing of MMNCs are discussed. Recent advances in the unusual mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of MMNCs are reviewed. Furthermore, the latest progress on the fundamental study of interactions between nanoparticles and metals, including dispersion, pushing, and engulfment during solidification, nucleation, and phase control, is presented. It is worth noting that the exciting opportunities of nanotechnology‐enabled metallurgy (nanotech metallurgy), which have grown out of the domain of MMNCs recently, are also presented briefly.

Predicting effective elastic modulus of CNT metal matrix nanocomposites: A developed micromechanical model with agglomeration and interphase effects

Agglomeration and interphase region of fillers are two important factors that affect the mechanical properties of metal matrix composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT-CMMs). However, most of the existing theoretical models predict an ascending linear in strength for composites with increasing filler content, which disagrees with the experimental results, especially at high filler loading. In fact, at high CNT concentrations, agglomeration and weak interphase region bonding reduce the strength and consequently degrade the mechanical properties of composites. Based on the mean-field theory, we present a novel micromechanical model to predict the elastic modulus of CNT-CMMs by considering the effects of these two factors. Furthermore, we investigate the effect of other parameters such as CNTs aspect ratio, agglomeration amount, interphase layer thickness and modulus, and matrix modulus on the elastic modulus of CNT-CMMs. Finally, we validate our model by comparing it with numerous experimental outcomes from the literature signifies good precision. Using this model, it is possible to optimize the filler value and also maximize the elastic modulus, which can be a powerful tool for designing the CNT-CMMs.

Influence of Graphene/h-BN and SiC/h-BN reinforcing particles on microstructural, mechanical and tribological characteristics of Al7075-based hybrid nanocomposites

Aluminium (Al) based Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) replaced conventional alloys in numerous sectors like the automotive to aerospace industries. In this investigation, Al7075/Silicon carbide (1 wt%)/Hexagonal-boron nitride (0.5 wt%) and Al7075/Graphene (1 wt%)/Hexagonal-boron nitride (0.5 wt%) hybrid metal matrix nanocomposites (HMMNCs) prepared using an ultrasonic-assisted melt-stirring squeeze casting process. To attain the homogenous mixing of hard ceramic/nanoparticles, reduce the aggregation effect and improve wettability of the reinforcing nanoparticles in the molten slurry. Reinforcement particles mixture (Silicon carbide (1 wt%)/Hexagonal-boron nitride (0.5 wt%) and Graphene (1 wt%)/Hexagonal-boron nitride (0.5 wt%)) have been ball-milled for the duration of 1 to 6 h (hrs). To analyze the morphology of the 1–6 h ball-milled hybrid reinforcing particles mixture was analyzed via scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, microstructural investigation of the Al-based HMMNCs was performed using optical microscopy (OM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Also, the dispersal of hybrid reinforcing particles mixture in Al7075-based HMMNCs was examined via SEM-equipped with x-ray mapping analysis. The fabricated Al7075-based HMMNCs are tested for their tensile strength, microhardness and tribological behavior by employing universal testing machines, Vickers microhardness tester and ball-on-disc instruments. Tribological characteristics of the Al7075-based HMMNCs were observed via ball-on-disc tribometer apparatus with load (10, 15 and 20 N), time (15 min) and speed (300, 600 and 900 rpm). While investigating, it is perceived that that the wear, tensile strength, hardness and microstructure characteristics of the Al7075/Silicon carbide/Hexagonal-boron nitride and Al7075/Graphene/Hexagonal-boron nitride HMMNCs were superior over the Al7075 alloy. It is found that Vickers and Rockwell hardness of the Al7075/SiC/h-BN HMMNCs were superior by 36.87% and 16.29%, respectively, over the Al7075 specimen. Whereas, UTS of the Al7075/Graphene/h-BN HMMNCs were superior by 38.19% over the Al7075 alloy.

Effect of Al2O3 Reinforcement on Behavioural Characteristics of Aluminium Metal Matrix Nanocomposites

Effect of Al2O3 Reinforcement on Behavioural Characteristics of Aluminium Metal Matrix Nanocomposites

Investigation of Reciprocating Wear Characteristics of Nano-B4C Reinforced AZ91D Magnesium Metal Matrix Nanocomposites Prepared Through Ultrasonically Assisted Stir Casting Technique

Investigation of Reciprocating Wear Characteristics of Nano-B4C Reinforced AZ91D Magnesium Metal Matrix Nanocomposites Prepared Through Ultrasonically Assisted Stir Casting Technique

Wear and friction characteristics of ZA-27/MoS2 metal matrix nanocomposites by using response surface methodology

Wear and friction characteristics of ZA-27/MoS2 metal matrix nanocomposites by using response surface methodology

A Review on Distribution of Reinforcement and tensile Strength of Aluminum Lithium Alloy based Nano Metal Matrix Composites Fabricated by STIR Casting

Aluminum Alloy (AA) parts are employed in lightweight engineering fields and have poor mechanical, wear, and corrosion resistance. Aluminum Matrix Composites (AMCs) are materials created by incorporating hard reinforcing particles into an aluminum matrix alloy. The new material has improved characteristics, including higher specific stiffness and strength, as well as higher corrosion resistance, elastic modulus, wear resistance, and low weight. Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) are composite materials in which metal serves as the matrix and hard particles or ceramics serve as reinforcement. MMCs are used to improve the functionality of a wide range of technical materials. It could be used in many different fields, including aerospace, automotive, space travel, and medicine. In this paper, the reviewer investigates the distribution of reinforcement and Tensile Strength (TS) of Aluminum Lithium (Al-Li) Alloy/Nano Al2O3 MMC fabricated by stir casting. Finally, the authors provide a comparative analysis of prior reviewed research papers. After comparative analysis, TiB2/2195 composite has higher Tensile Strength (115.4%) than the other composite such as AA7010-TiB2 (260%), Al2O3 + SiC (72%), A356/SiC (21.87%), and Al-SiC (37%).

Analysis of wire-cut electric discharge machining behaviour of AA6061 / C / ZrO2 hybrid nano composites using Taguchi’s method

This study focuses on the optimization of wire-cut electric discharge machining (WEDM) process for hybrid metal matrix nanocomposites. AA6061 alloy reinforced with graphene (C) and zirconia (ZrO2) was fabricated through the stir casting method with ultrasonic assistance for three different weight proportions: 92% AA6061 / 3% C / 5% ZrO2, 87% AA6061 / 3% C / 10% ZrO2, and 82% AA6061 / 3% C / 15% ZrO2. Microstructural examination confirmed the uniform distribution of reinforcements in the matrix alloy. The fabricated composite was machined by WEDM using an L27 orthogonal array designed by Taguchi’s method. Four electrical control factors of pulse on-time, pulse off-time, wire feedrate and peak current were considered, along with one reinforcement factor and three output responses: kerf width, surface finish and material removal rate to analyse the machining behaviour. Analysis of Variance was performed to determine the significant parameters. The results revealed that the most significant factor is pulse on-time among the five different factors. Optimized parameters were identified and examined through confirmation experiments resulting in improved machining characteristics.

Development and Mechanical Characterization of Copper-Hexagonal Boron Nitride Metal Matrix Nanocomposites Using Powder Metallurgy Route

Development and Mechanical Characterization of Copper-Hexagonal Boron Nitride Metal Matrix Nanocomposites Using Powder Metallurgy Route

A Numerical Model of Microstructure Formation Considering Nanoparticle Distribution During Selective Laser Melting Process

Abstract One of the widely used metal additive manufacturing processes, named Selective laser melting (SLM), can facilitate the printing of novel metal matrix nanocomposites through the fusion of metallic powders with nanoparticles. The current study proposes a novel numerical model to simulate microstructure formation considering local nanoparticle distribution during the SLM process. The proposed model formulates a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model with Lagrangian particle tracking to simulate a single-track, single-layer SLM process of aluminum alloy reinforced with titanium diboride (chemical formula: TiB2) nanoparticles in ANSYS FLUENT. A very low weight fraction (0.0009%) of nanoparticles was considered due to the computational limitations of the software package. The temperature distribution and particle distribution results were first calculated by the 3D CFD model. Then, the results were one-way coupled to a 2D Cellular Automata (CA) model to predict the microstructure evolution using matlab. The coupled CFD-CA model and Lagrangian particle tracking were separately validated in this study. The results showed that the nanoparticles migrate within the recirculation zones formed by both Marangoni and natural convection in the fluid of the molten pool. The microstructure predicted by this model showed that the introduction of the nanoparticles increased bulk nucleation during solidification. The growth of large columnar grains is interrupted by the formation of randomly oriented small equiaxed grains. The average grain diameter decreased by 40% when nanoparticles were present compared to microstructures without nanoparticles.

AN EXTENSIVE REVIEW ON THE ROLE OF METAL MATRIX NANOCOMPOSITES IN THE RECENT RESEARCH AREAS

Metal matrix nanocomposites have received more focus in the last two decades because of their desirable alternative features. Many researchers have made several attempts to identify the suitable nanoreinforcement particles for getting improved results in various applications. Many of them tried to improve the properties of several metal matrix nanocomposite materials including mechanical properties, electrical properties, barrier properties, structural properties, moisture permeability, etc., with the help of a variety of techniques. Research study results revealed that the addition of nanosized reinforcement particles improved the mechanical and wear characteristics of aluminum-based metal matrix composites. Metal matrix nanocomposites are being employed in many application areas such as in biomedical field, self-cleaning marble coating application, antimicrobial application and wear-resistant coating application. This review workhas gone through a bulk of research works related to metal matrix nanocomposites. The entire study has been grouped under a few major categories such as synthesis of nanocomposites, characterization study on various nanocomposites, application areas of various nanocomposites, optimization works carried out on nanocomposites, and risk management of nanocomposites.

Prediction of nano metal matrix composites based on hybrid approach

AbstractThis manuscript proposes a hybrid method to predict the optimal nano‐metal matrix composites. The proposed hybrid technique is the wrapper of the Fire‐Hawk Optimizer (FHO) and Spiking Neural Network (SNN). Commonly it is known as FHO‐SNN method. The main objective of the proposed method is to improve the method parameters for better enhancement in mechanical properties. FHO approach is used to improve the process parameters of stirring squeeze casting method. The SNN predicts optimal parameters. Moreover, the problem based on the casting is reduced. By then the proposed hybrid technique performance is performed in the MATLAB platform and associated with various existing approaches. The proposed system shows the high tensile strength, impact energy and hardness compared with other existing methods.