Nanoparticle Reinforcement Research Articles

Synergistic fracture toughness enhancement of epoxy-amine matrices via combination of network topology modification and silica nanoparticle reinforcement

A strategy for enhancing fracture toughness of nanosilica particle (NSP) reinforced high T g epoxy thermosets via topological rearrangement of cross-linked networks is presented. Hybrid systems consisting of NSP with an average particle size of 20 nm and monoamine functionalized partially reacted substructures (mPRS) were prepared using high T g tetraglycidyl ether of diaminodiphenylmethane (TGDDM) and a low T g diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGBEA) epoxies cured with Jeffamine D230. A synergistic effect on fracture toughness improvement was observed for all hybrid systems. For the high T g TGDDM system, the fracture energy of the base epoxy polymer showed a moderate increase from 119 J/m 2 to 203 J/m 2 with the addition of 10 wt% NSP. Modifying the network topology of this system using 15 wt% mPRS tripled the fracture energy to 652 J/m 2 . It was found that the addition of mPRS results in hybrid modified systems capable of exceptional tensile failure strains, thus significant plastic shear deformation is induced near the crack-tip region enhancing NSP debonding and subsequent void growth and energy dissipation . Fracture morphologies of the hybrid systems using scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed increasing number of voids and enhanced void growth with increasing weight ratio of mPRS. Impact tests showed the role of these toughening mechanisms on high strain rate deformation and energy dissipation.

Effect of UV irradiation on epoxy adhesives and adhesively bonded joints reinforced with BN and B4C nanoparticles

The effect of environmental conditions on epoxy polymers restricts their usage in outdoor applications. Although many studies of epoxy adhesive and adhesively bonded joints under different environmental conditions such as saltwater, acid environment, and high temperature have been carried out, the effect of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has not been examined to date in detail. The primary focus of this research is to improve the usage limitations and reduce the degradation due to UV irradiation by incorporating boron nanoparticles into epoxy resin. Epoxy adhesives were reinforced with 2% by weight functionalized boron nitride (BN) and carbide (B4C) nanoparticles in accordance with this purpose. Bulk adhesives and adhesively bonded aluminium joint specimens were produced with unreinforced and boron nanoparticles reinforced adhesives. Subsequently, produced specimens (bulk adhesives and adhesively bonded joints) were subjected to 480, 960, and 1440 h of continuous UV irradiation chamber and characterized to specify the effects of boron nanoparticles on the degradation. The changes and degradations caused by UV irradiation on bulk epoxy adhesives were determined by FT-IR, SEM, DSC, DMA, and tensile test techniques. Similarly, the static tensile test was applied to determine the effect of UV irradiation on adhesively bonded joints. When the experimental results obtained from the research were examined, it was observed that the bulk adhesives and adhesively bonded joints degraded under UV irradiation depending on the UV exposure time. However, the degradation rate was decreased by the nanoparticle reinforcement to the epoxy adhesive. The glass transition temperature values of the adhesives increased depending on the exposure time in line with the temperature effect of the environment. Accordingly, while the elasticity modulus and storage modulus of the adhesives increased, their tensile strengths showed a decreasing trend depending on the exposure time to UV irradiation. Similarly, the adhesively bonded joints showed a decrease in failure load at the end of 480, 960, and 1440 h due to the thermal effect rather than UV rays. The degradation behaviour observed in mechanical properties was obtained at higher rates in unreinforced specimens.

Experimental investigation of buckling behavior of E-glass/epoxy laminated composite materials with multi-walled carbon nanotube under uniaxial compression load

This study experimentally investigated the effects of nanoparticle reinforcement on the buckling behavior of composite materials. Different sizes of carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes were used as nanoparticles. E-glass fiber-reinforced composite materials with polymer matrix in the [0°/90°/0°/90°]s cross-ply array with and without carbon nanotube reinforcement were produced by hand lay-up and vacuum bagging. Three types of carbon nanotubes in different sizes and proportions of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% by weight were added to the epoxy resin. For the buckling test, the samples with two clamped and two free sides were attached to the universal testing machine to apply a uniaxial compressive load. As a result of the experiments, it was found that the addition of carbon nanotube in certain proportions increases the critical buckling load of composite materials. The highest increase in the critical buckling load (26.10% increase) was achieved with a carbon nanotube reinforcement of 0.2% by weight, having an outer diameter of 10–20 nm, internal diameter of 5–10 nm, and length of 0.5–2 mm. As the carbon nanotube sizes added to the epoxy resin decreased, the buckling strength increased.

The effect of nanoparticle and fiber reinforcement on composites used in some applications of internal combustion engine parts

The effect of nanoparticle and fiber reinforcement on composites used in some applications of internal combustion engine parts

Effect of B4C and CNTs’ nanoparticle reinforcement on the mechanical and corrosion properties in rolled Al 5083 friction stir welds

ABSTRACT Aluminium alloy 5083 plates were joined using friction stir welding (FSW) technique individually or in combination with boron carbide (B4C) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The effect of these reinforcements on mechanical properties, microstructure evolution and corrosion behaviour after FSW has been investigated. Radiography confirmed good fusion in the welded zone and the absence of surface or subsurface defects. The tensile testing results indicated a 35% decrease in tensile strength after FSW of the Al-5083 plates compared to the base metal, but it increased once again after the addition of individual reinforcements of B4C and CNTs due to grain refinement and second phase strengthening. In the sample with hybrid reinforcement, premature failure was observed due to lack of fusion and improper bonding between the two reinforcing materials. A similar trend was observed in the case of flexural testing. Severe plastic deformation and reduced grain size increased the micro-Vickers’ hardness values of reinforced samples. Evolution of the aluminium grain structure was analyzed using optical and stereo microscopy, while uniform dispersion of reinforcements and chemical composition was characterised by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. Increase in corrosion resistance was also observed after FSW and addition of reinforcements.

Fabrication and Characterization of AA6063/B4C Metal Matrix Surface Nanocomposite Using Friction Stir Processing

In development of nanocomposite the aims of the present work is to formation of Self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of boron carbide over the surface of AA6063 using via Friction stir processing (FSP). Boron Carbide nano-particle is bonded over the surface of AA6063 followed by FSP technique. To ensure uniform distribution of nanoparticle reinforcement in the grooves a 0.5 molar solution was prepared by dissolving 0.138 g of B4C in 5 ml of diethyl ether (DEE) with enhanced surface and mechanical properties. Two passes on both specimens were performed using the same tool with the tool rotational and traverse speed as 1000 rpm and 40 mm s−1 respectively. For minimizing defects a square tool pin profile with pin length of 3.5 mm and 7.2 mm diagonal. The resultant specimens are studied for the significant changes in tensile strength, ductility, hardness and wear properties due to the addition of reinforcement material and refinement of grain structure. The microstructural graphs supported by SEM and EDS analysis were focused upon to study the composition of nanocomposite prepared. The nanocomposite and FSPed specimen showed an increase in hardness by more than two folds with a negligible decrease in ductility and an appreciable improvement in wear resistance.

Enhancement of Surface and Interface Properties of Low Carbon Steel by Hybrid ZnO and NiO Nanoparticles Reinforced Tin Coating

Tin matrix nanocomposite coatings containing ZnO and NiO nanoparticles, both individually and combined, were deposited on low carbon steel substrates. The aim was to investigate the effect of reinforcement of nanoparticles on microstructural morphology and thickness of tin coatings, modification in the interfacial layer between coating and substrate, and the corrosion resistance of low carbon steel substrate. Optical and scanning electron microscopy were employed for microstructural observation, while potentiostat-galvanostat was utilized for electrochemical investigation. It was found that the tin nanocomposite coatings with nanoparticles significantly modified the coating thickness, intermetallic layer thickness, and surface corrosion resistance. Coatings through the direct tinning process are considered to be a simple and low-cost route for protecting metallic materials from corrosion, and the presence of ZnO and NiO nanoparticles in tin coatings further increases the corrosion resistance of low carbon steels.

Mechanical and microMechanical and microstructural characterization of yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y2O3/ZrO2; YSZ) nanopartstructural characterization of yttria stabilized zirconia (Y2O3/ZrO2; YSZ) nanoparticles reinforced WC-10Co-4Cr coated turbine steel

The aim of this paper is to investigate the WC-10Co-4Cr coatings reinforced with 5 % and 10 % of yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y2O3/ZrO2; YSZ) nanoparticles deposited on the CA6NM turbine steel by using the high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) thermal spraying technique. In the HVOF technique, the hot jet of the semi-solid particles strikes against the workpiece and creates a layer of coating of varying thickness on the substrate material. The coatings fabricated with HVOF were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) / energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The phase identification of a crystalline material was made with the x-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The mecha­nical properties in terms of porosity, surface roughness and microhardness of the nanocomposite coatings were also evaluated. The SEM/EDS analysis showed that dense and homogeneous coatings were developed by the reinforcement of YSZ nanoparticles. The peaks of XRD graphs of WC-10Co-4Cr coating reinforced with 5 and 10 % of YSZ nanoparticles revealed that the WC was present as a major phase and W2C, Co3W3C, Co, Co6W6C, Co6W and Y2O3/ZrO2 nanoparticles were observed as a minor phase. The porosity level decreased up to 42 and 56 % by the addition 5 and 10 % of YSZ nanoparticles as compared with conventional WC-10Co-4Cr coating. The surface roughness values for WC-10Co-4Cr conventional coating, 95 % (WC-10Co-4Cr) + 5 % YSZ and 90 % (WC-10Co-4Cr) + 10 % YSZ nanocomposite coated samples were found to be 5.03, 4.89 and 4.28 respectively. The nanocomposite coatings reinforced with 10 % YSZ nanoparticles exhibited the highest microhardness value (1278 HV). The WC-10Co-4Cr coatings reinforced with 10 % of YSZ nanoparticles resulted in low porosity, low surface roughness and high microhardness. During the coating process, the nanoparticles of YSZ flow into the pores and are dispersed in the gaps between the micrometric WC particles and provide a better shield to the substrate material. The WC-10Co-4Cr with 10 % of YSZ nanoparticles showed better results in terms of mecha­nical and microstructural properties during the investigation.

Synthesis and Characterization of Titanium Carbide and/or Alumina Nanoparticle Reinforced Copper Matrix Composites by Spark Plasma Sintering

Synthesis and Characterization of Titanium Carbide and/or Alumina Nanoparticle Reinforced Copper Matrix Composites by Spark Plasma Sintering

The influence of SACX0307-ZnO nanocomposite solder alloys on the optical and thermal properties of power LEDs

PurposeThis paper aims to present the results of investigations that show the influence of ZnO composite soldering paste on the optical and thermal parameters of power light-emitting diodes (LEDs).Design/methodology/approachZnO nanocomposite solder alloys were produced via the ball milling process from the solder paste Sn99Ag0.3Cu0.7 (SACX0307) and 1.0 wt% of ZnO nanoparticle reinforcements with different primary particle sizes (200 nm, 100 nm and 50 nm). Power LEDs were soldered onto a metal core printed circuit board. A self-designed LED test system was used to measure the thermal and optical characteristics of the LEDs.FindingsThe influence of the soldering paste on the thermal and optical parameters of LEDs was observed. In all solder alloys, ZnO ceramic reinforcement, at a level of 1 wt%, increased the thermal parameters of LEDs and decreased their luminous efficiency. Thermal resistance values were10% higher, and junction temperature change over ambient temperature was 20% higher for the samples soldered with composite solder pastes than the reference sample. At the same time, luminous efficiency dropped by 32%.Originality/valueThe results prove that ZnO ceramic reinforcement of solder paste influences the thermal properties of solder joints. As was proven, the quality of the solder joints influences the whole assembly.

Superior barrier, hydrophobic and mechanical properties of multifunctional nanocomposite coatings on brass in marine environment

The influence of functionalized silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles on the electrochemical and mechanical properties of silicon carbide/epoxy nanocomposite was investigated. The reactive SiC nanoparticles were synthesized using 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (AMT) and 5-amino-2-methoxypyridine (AMP) and characterized by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravitric analysis (TGA) techniques. The resultant novel nanocomposite coating on brass in seawater was investigated with the help of the Tafel polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) studies. Electrochemical studies revealed excellent corrosion protection efficiency and a decreased corrosion current density, with an optimum concentration of 2 wt% SiC nanoparticles. The results indicated that the reactive SiC nanoparticles dispersed uniformly and retarded the propagation of corrosive ions to the brass sample and coating interface through the deflected route and minimized the electron movement between the electrolyte and alloy surface. SECM observations confirmed the detection of least current at the scratched area of the coated alloy. SEM observations showed that reactive SiC nanofillers are dispersed uniformly. The changes in surface morphology, phase structure and composition were analyzed using SEM/EDX and XRD techniques. The strong attachment of the reactive SiC and epoxy resin resulted in an enhanced mechanical properties with a defectless compact film. It was found that the reinforcement of reactive SiC nanoparticles in the epoxy coatings exhibited a smooth microstructure surface producing superior corrosion protection and mechanical properties.

Effect of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (Y2O3/ZrO2) Nanoparticles Reinforced Cr3C2-25NiCr Coatings on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Turbine Steel

Abstract The present work is mainly focused on the investigation of Cr3C2-25NiCr coatings reinforced with 5 % and 10 % of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) nanoparticles deposited on the CA6NM turbine steel by using the high-velocity oxy-fuel technique. The coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The phase identification of a crystalline material was done with the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The SEM/EDS analysis showed that dense and homogeneous coatings were developed by the reinforcement of YSZ nanoparticles. The peaks of XRD graphs of Cr3C2-25NiCr coating reinforced with 5 % and 10 % of YSZ nanoparticles revealed that the chromium and carbon were present as a major phase, and the presence of nickel, yttrium, and zirconium was observed as a minor phase. The porosity level decreased up to 32 % and 45 % by the addition 5 % and 10 % of YSZ nanoparticles as compared with conventional Cr3C2-25NiCr coating. The surface roughness values for coated samples were found to be 5.03, 4.89, and 4.28. The nanocomposite coatings reinforced with 10 % YSZ nanoparticles exhibited the highest microhardness value (1,251 HV). The Cr3C2-25NiCr coatings reinforced with 10 % of YSZ nanoparticles resulted in low porosity, low surface roughness, and high microhardness. During the coating process, the nanoparticles of YSZ flow into the pores and gaps that exist in the coatings and provide a better shield to the substrate material. The Cr3C2-25NiCr with 10 % of YSZ nanoparticles showed better results in terms of mechanical and microstructural properties during the investigation.

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.

Additively Manufactured High-Performance Az91d Magnesium Alloys with Excellent Strength and Ductility Via Nanoparticles Reinforcement

Additively Manufactured High-Performance Az91d Magnesium Alloys with Excellent Strength and Ductility Via Nanoparticles Reinforcement

Enhancing wear properties of Al6061 metal-matrix composites by reinforcement of ZrB2 nano particles

The present study investigated the wear behaviour of Al6061 alloy reinforced with nano zirconium diboride (ZrB2) particles. The Al6061 metal matrix nanocomposites (AMMNCs) werefabricated by the addition of ZrB2 nanoparticles in various wt.% using stir casting route. Microstructure and XRD analysis was carried out on Al6061 alloy and fabricated composites. The wear and friction behaviour of AMMNCs were analyzed using a pin on disctribometer with varying loads of 10, 20 and 30 N. The lower wear rate of 0.0044 mm3/m was observed for AMMNCs with 2 wt% of ZrB2. The results show that the developed nanocomposites enhanced the wear properties of Al6061 alloy with an increased wt.% of ZrB2 reinforcement.

Dynamic characteristic of graphene reinforced axial functionally graded beam using finite element analysis

Since last two decades research in the field of Functionally Graded Material (FGM) has notices a potential increment. Further, reinforcement of graphene nanoparticles in FGM enhances their material properties. Application of the graphene reinforced FGM in the domain of biomedical application, aerospace, defense, marine and sports industries need careful dynamic analysis for their better performance. This paper represents the analysis of graphene nano-particle reinforced functionally graded beam (FGB), with varying concentrations in an Epoxy matrix, along the axial direction of the beam. The beam has been analyzed to find out the dimensionless Natural frequency for its first four modes of vibration using the finite element software package ANSYS, and the results have been compared with previously modelled Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) reinforced axially functionally graded beam results. The comparison indicates satisfactory results with superior parameters which can be implemented for further analysis.

Synthesis of AA8050/B4C/TiB2 Hybrid Nanocomposites and Evaluation of Computer‐Aided Machining Parameters

This research focusses on synthesizing the hybrid nanocomposite samples with AA8050 and the reinforcement of B4C and TiB2 nanoparticles at 3 different quality grades. To investigate their machinabilities on the prepared composites in the computer‐aided machining centre, the objectives are maximizing the material removal rate (MRR) and minimizing the surface roughness for a specific application. Stir casting process was employed in synthesizing the hybrid nanocomposite samples. Utilizing CNC turning centre was employed to investigate machinability performance on hybrid nanocomposite samples. The PVD‐coated HSS tool and dry cutting environment were considered. The quality of machining was investigated by observing the surface roughness on the machined surfaces of samples of hybrid nanocomposite. The machining rate was investigated through the response of material removal rate at as per Taguchi design of experiments L27 orthogonal array. The hybrid nanocomposite synthesizing parameter of contribution of nanoparticle reinforcement (8%, 10%, and 12%) and the Turing parameters include spindle speed (800 rpm, 1000 rpm, and 1200 rpm), machining feed (0.05 mm/rev, 0.10 mm/rev, and 0.15 mm/rev) and depth of cut (0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, and 1 mm). The best performing input levels were identified through Taguchi analysis and the involved input variables were analysed and prediction model developed through ANOVA. The maximum material removal rate and the minimum surface roughness were reordered as 1380 mm3/min.

Physical, mechanical and corrosion properties of Al6061/ZrB2 metal matrix nano composites via powder metallurgy process

In a new approach, an excellent functionally graded Aluminium Metal Matrix Nano Composites (AMMNC)fabricating via Powder metallurgy (P/M) route using various nanomaterials reinforcementhaving high potential in a field of ordnance, petroleum, petrochemical, aerospace, and automobile industrial applications. In the present investigations,an attempt has been made to fabricate the Al6061 metal matrix composites with nano-sizeZrB2particulates reinforcement in Wt. % of 0 to 2 by step 0.5 wt% using powder metallurgy route. The effect of nanoparticles reinforcement on the evolution of microstructures, physical, mechanical, and corrosion properties of Al6061/ nano-ZrB2metal matrix composites (ANMMCs) was studied and discussed in detail. The composite was prepared with 2 wt% of reinforcement exhibited higher hardness is due to increased density and having finer grains. Potentiodynamic polarization studies were made ata 3.5% NaClenvironment showed that the corrosion resistance of Al6061/ZrB2wasimproved with the increase in Wt.% of reinforcement compared to pure Al6061. AMMNC at 2 wt% ZrB2 exhibited significantly higher corrosion resistance as comparedwith other AMMNCs.

Reconnoitring Wear Resistance and Mechanical Strengths of AA8111/B4C/ZrO2 Nanocomposite through Taguchi Route

Nowadays, the use of aluminium alloys is increasing in all domains of application, including industry, medical, electrical, and household appliances. In general, aluminium alloy is a lightweight material with great strength when compared to other alloys. According to the uses, the aluminium alloy must be strengthened by the inclusion of reinforced particles via the stir casting process. The purpose of this study was to create nanocomposite samples of AA8111/B4C/ZrO2 using a stir casting procedure. To prepare nanocomposite samples, the matrix of aluminium alloy AA8111 is supplemented with nanoparticles of boron carbide (B4C) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) in varied proportions. Optimize the stir casting parameters using a statistical approach such as the Taguchi technique to improve mechanical and wear attributes. The following process parameters were chosen: nanoparticle reinforcement quantity (4% to 10% with the step of 2%), melting temperature (800°C to 950°C with the step of 50°C), stir time (20 min to 35 min with the step of 5 minutes), and stir speed (400 rpm to 550 rpm with the step of 50 rpm). Wear and tensile strength tests are performed; the melting temperature is heavily impacted in the wear test, and the stir speed is heavily influenced in the tensile strength analysis. This experimental effort yielded a minimum wear of 0.085 mm3/m and a maximum ultimate strength of 167.6 N/mm2.

Mechanical Properties of Polyester Toughened with Nano-Silica

The fabrication of nanocomposites has played role to the development of the nanotechnology and the technology of advanced composite materials. Thermoset polymers are used in engineering applications widely. Their mechanical properties can be change with adding particles. The mechanism of toughening polymers has been suggested recently by reinforcing well dispersed particles to the plain polymer. Nano-silica particles were added to thermoset polymer of polyester to evaluate their influence on the mechanical properties of the toughened polymer using both experimental and numerical methods. The Representative Volume Element (RVE) approach, which employs finite element models, has been developed to achieve that aim numerically for various types of nano-particle reinforcement ratios. In each case, the stiffness has been calculated with using the equivalent homogeneous material concept. Experimentally, toughened thermoset polymers of polyester reinforced with nano-silica were prepared with different particle content ratio. Several tests were conducted on the nanocomposite, and it was observed increasing nano-silica ratio caused increase in Young’s modulus and decrease in ductility.