Weight Fraction Of Particles Research Articles

Enhancing microstructure, nanomechanical and tribological properties of TiAl alloy processed by spark plasma sintering with Si3N4 ceramic particulates addition

TiAl matrix composites reinforced with varying weight fractions of Si3N4 ceramic particles were successfully fabricated by the spark plasma sintering method. The microstructure, nanomechanical and tribological properties of the sintered composites were investigated. The microstructural characterization revealed the evolution of a quasi-continuous and continuous network structure consisting of minor fractions of in-situ formed Ti2AlN, unreacted Si3N4 ceramic particles and dominant Ti5Si3 intermetallic phases within the TiAl matrix at Si3N4 content above 1.5 wt%. The in-situ precipitated phases enhanced the nanomechanical and tribological properties of the composites. The 7Si3N4/TiAl composite displayed the best nanomechanical properties, including nanohardness, elastic modulus, and H/Er ratio among the sintered samples. The specific wear rate of the composites decreases with increasing reinforcement content. 7Si3N4/TiAl composite exhibited the lowest specific wear rate of 0.38 ± 0.55 10-4 mm3/Nm, representing a 95.6% improvement in wear resistance compared to the unreinforced pure TiAl alloy. The improved wear performance of the composites was attributed to their load-bearing capacity and wear resistance of the hard, in-situ Ti2AlN, Ti5Si3 and unreacted Si3N4 particles in the TiAl matrix. The composites displayed a transition from adhesive wear to predominantly abrasive wear where the hard Si3N4 particles prevented direct metal-to-metal contact and facilitated the formation of a protective tribolayer, resulting in enhanced wear resistance. Hence, the developed Si3N4/TiAl composites are suitable for various structural and tribological applications.

Predictive modeling of MRR, TWR, and SR in spark-EDM of Al-4.5Cu–SiC using ANN and GEP

In this study, Al-4.5Cu alloy was reinforced with varying weight percentages of SiC particles (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) to create metal matrix composites via the stir casting method. The formation of intermetallic compounds was confirmed through energy dispersive spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis. This article compares the performance of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Gene Expression Programming (GEP) models in predicting the Metal Removal Rate (MRR), tool wear rate, and surface roughness in the die-sinking electro-discharge machining (EDM) process of the ex-situ developed Al-4.5%Cu–SiC composites. The study considers three machine parameters—pulse on time (TON), pulse off time (TOFF), and current (I)—along with the weight fraction of SiC particles as input variables for the models. Both ANN and GEP models demonstrated high predictive accuracy for the EDM performance metrics, with correlation coefficients (R) ranging from 0.973 68 to 0.980 65 for the ANN model and 0.980 11 to 0.982 59 for the GEP model. Notably, the GEP model exhibited superior predictive capability, as evidenced by its higher correlation coefficients and lower root mean square error, indicating greater effectiveness in predicting the EDM process outcomes than the ANN model.

Linear volumetric additive manufacturing of zirconia from a transparent photopolymerizable ceramic slurry via Xolography

Advanced ceramics printed with photon-based additive manufacturing deals with anisotropic mechanical properties from the layer-by-layer manufacturing. Motivated by the success in using highly filled transparent slurries containing nanoparticles for powder-based two-photon-polymerization (2PP) for advanced ceramic printing, this works approach is the transfer to Xolography, a volumetric additive manufacturing technology based on linear two-photon excitation and without recoating steps. This paper reports the results of a preliminary investigation optimizing the photocurable slurry to the requirements of Xolography in terms of transparency, over a significantly larger mean free path, compared to 2PP. A feedstock filled with 70 % weight fraction of ceramic particles (∼30 vol%) exhibiting an exceptionally high degree of transparency in the relevant wavelength range of 400–800 nm was prepared from 5 nm zirconia nanoparticles. The high transparency of the photocurable slurry is attributed to the near-monomodal particle size distribution of the zirconia nanoparticles used.

Hybrid effect of neem seed and groundnut shell bio-fillers on the mechanical, water absorption and thermal properties of jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract Natural composites possess good qualities like light weight, harmlessness, cheapness and ease of processing. However, their performance is limited compared to conventional material. Hence, it is required to improve the performance of natural composites to extend their usage in various industrial applications. In this research, an attempt has been made to improve the performance of epoxy–jute natural composite using different natural fillers made of neem seed and groundnut shell particles. Initially, the epoxy–jute composite [N:G (0:0)] was prepared and the properties of the composite were investigated. Additionally, natural-fillers were incorporated into the N:G (0:0) composite, and a variety of composites were produced. These included N:G (1:0), N:G (3:1), N:G (1:1), N:G (1:3), and N:G (0:1), with the weight fractions of neem and groundnut shell particles adjusted accordingly. The properties of the aforementioned composites were compared with the properties of N:G (0:0) composite. Results revealed that the particle reinforced composite exhibited significant improvement in the properties of the composites. Moreover, in comparison to the other composites, the N:G (0:1) composite exhibited superior tensile strength (43.28 MPa), flexural strength (46.08 MPa), impact resistance (13.93 kJ m−2), and hardness (24.7 HV). This could be due to the fibrous structure of groundnut shell compared to neem seed which was fragile in nature. Furthermore, the same composite displayed less water absorption (2.8 % at 6 days time period). Moreover, the N:G (1:0) composite exhibited the least thermal conductivity (0.31 W m−1 K−1). Based on results, it was concluded that the bio-fillers such as neem seed and groundnut shell particles assisted improvement the properties of epoxy–jute composite.

Porous PLGA microparticles prepared with nanosized/micronized sugar particles as porogens

The objective of this study was to explore the use of nanosized/micronized sugar particles as porogens for preparing porous poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles by a solid-in-oil-in-water (S/O/W) solvent evaporation method. Porous PLGA microparticles containing dexamethasone were prepared with different nanosized/micronized sugars (sucrose, trehalose and lactose), types of PLGA, and osmogens (NaCl or sucrose) in the external water phase. The microparticles were characterized for morphology, thermal properties, particle size, surface area, encapsulation efficiency and drug release/swelling during release. The addition of nanosized/micronized sugar particles resulted in porous PLGA microparticles with high encapsulation efficiencies. The porosity of the microparticles was caused both by the influx of water into the polymer droplets and the encapsulation and subsequent dissolution of sugar particles during the manufacturing process. The porosity (pore size) of the microparticles and, as a result, the drug release pattern could be well controlled by the particle size and weight fraction of the sugar particles. Because of a larger inner surface area, nanosized sugar particles were more efficient porogen than micronized sugar particles to obtain porous PLGA microparticles with flexible release patterns.

Experimental and theoretical investigation on magnetorheological elastomers containing carbonyl iron particles coated with silane coupling agent

Magnetorheological (MR) elastomer composites, comprising soft silicone rubber, various additives, and different weight fractions of carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) coated with silane coupling agent, are produced via a novel manufacturing process in an anisotropic state. This study encompasses both experimental and modeling investigations into the dynamic viscoelastic properties of magnetorheological elastomer (MREs) in shear mode under varying magnetic fields, displacement amplitudes, and frequencies. Two MRE vibration mitigation devices are fabricated to experimentally assess the shear storage modulus and the loss factor of MREs. The experimental findings reveal a pronounced MR effect in the MRE devices, where both the shear storage modulus and the loss factor increase with rising magnetic fields, frequencies, and particle weight fractions, yet decrease with higher displacement amplitudes. A modified fractional-derivative equivalent parametric model, grounded in a magnetic field- and frequency-dependent shear modulus model along with internal variable theory, is proposed to describe the effects of these key influencing factors on the MREs’ dynamic viscoelastic properties. Comparative analysis of experimental and numerical data demonstrates that this refined mathematical model can accurately represent the dynamic viscoelastic properties of MREs.

Evaluating the Effect of Different Percentage Addition of SiC on Mechanical and Wear Properties of Al6061 Composite

AbstractAluminum 6061 alloy using silicon carbide (SiC) particles as a reinforcement is a promising metal matrix composite (MMC) that has gained significant attention in the automotive and aerospace industries. Till now the effect of the addition of SiC particles in Al6061 composite is not studied in depth and also very few studies are reported the on‐wear properties of Al6061‐SiC composite. So, to further enhance the properties of Al6061 alloy and to study in depth this work is carried out. In this study, MMCs are prepared using the stir casting route with varying weight fractions (5–10 wt%) of SiC particles. The properties of composites including tensile strength, compression strength, and wear are evaluated experimentally. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of SiC particles into the Al alloy matrix leads to a notable improvement in mechanical and wear parameters. The tensile and compression strength of the Al composites increases with an increase in the weight percentage addition of SiC particles (from 5% to 7.5%). At 7.5 wt% addition of SiC, it is found that the particles are uniformly distributed throughout the Al6061 alloy matrix. And also shows higher mechanical and wear properties as compared to 5% and 10% addition.

Synergistic effects of cold rolling and age hardening on the hardness and tensile characteristics of AA6061 hybrid composites

The present study involves the fabrication of aluminium alloy 6061 matrix hybrid composites with varying weight fractions of silica sand and copper particles by employing the conventional stir casting method. The combined influence of age hardening (AH) and low temperature thermomechanical treatment (LTMT) on the hardness and tensile properties of AA6061 hybrid composites was investigated. The uniform dispersion of the particles in the matrix was confirmed by microstructure analysis and the improvement of Brinell hardness values. The composites exhibited higher tensile strength and hardness than the base alloy. Both AH and LTMT enhanced the properties of the hybrid composites and a comparison between them revealed the best results for LTMT hybrid composites. The LTMT hybrid composite with 3 wt% silica sand and 3 wt% copper (3S3C) subjected to 12% rolling deformation and aged at 100 °C had the highest hardness and tensile strength of 144.26 HV and 290 MPa respectively. The hardness and tensile strength of AA6061-3S3C hybrid composite subjected to LTMT in peak aged condition showed an improvement of 125 and 97% respectively when compared with those of AA6061 alloy. Fracture surface analysis of the thermomechanical treated composites in peak aged condition showed a mixed mode of failure dominant with the ductile fracture.

Sustainability in the Manufacturing of Eco-Friendly Aluminum Matrix Composite Materials

The purpose of this work was to consolidate the eco-friendly Al–SiC composites prepared with various weight fractions of ceramic particles (0; 2.5; 5; 10; 15 wt.% SiC) in the energy-saving sintering process under vacuum and in a nitrogen atmosphere at 600 °C. The density of the manufactured composites was determined using Archimedes’ method. The mechanical properties and strength characteristics of the metal–ceramic interface were measured using three-point flexural and uniaxial compression tests, as well as the Brinell hardness measurement. The tribological properties were evaluated by determining the coefficients of friction and weight losses of the tested materials and identifying the tribological wear mechanisms. Advanced microstructural observation methods, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were used to analyze the microstructure of the composites in detail, including the identification of the phase composition using X-ray analysis methods. Low-cost composites with a porosity not exceeding 7% were successfully produced via energy-saving production routes. Simultaneously, owing to the formation of aluminum nitrides during sintering in a nitrogen atmosphere, these composites exhibited mechanical and tribological properties superior to those of materials sintered under vacuum.

Study on Machinability Behaviour and Simultaneous Optimisation of Multiple Responses Using Taguchi‐Based Grey Relational Analysis in End Milling of Aluminum Hybrid Composites

The present work reveals the machinability characteristics of Al7068/Si3N4/BN hybrid composite materials. The composite materials were prepared through the liquid metallurgy technique with various weight fractions (0, 5, 10) of silicon nitride and hexagonal boron nitride particles. The experimental studies were performed on a CNC milling machine by varying cutting speed (600, 1200 and 1800 rpm), feed rate (150, 300 and 450 mm/min), and depth of cut (0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 mm). Taguchi’s plan of experiments (L27 orthogonal array design) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to investigate the effect of process parameters on surface roughness (Ra), cutting temperature, and material removal rate (MRR). Taguchi‐based grey relational analysis (GRA) was performed to identify the best process parameters combination for optimising the multiple responses simultaneously. ANOVA results revealed that the weight fraction of Si3N4 is the most contributing parameter for multiple response characteristics.

Interaction of microwaves with nanocomposites containing Fe particles

Transmission of microwaves through a composite plate containing Fe nanoparticles in an epoxyamine matrix, as well as reflection of waves from it, has been investigated. The experiments were performed at the frequencies from 26 to 38 GHz in the magnetic fields up to 12 kOe. The ferromagnetic resonance line in the composites with the weight fraction of Fe particles from 10% to 30% has been studied. The magnetic field dependence of the microwave power dissipation has been plotted. Field dependence of the transmission and reflection coefficients have been calculated, as well as qualitative, and in some cases quantitative, agreement has been obtained. The penetration depth of microwaves into the composites has been analyzed. Spectrum of the FMR has been constructed. Results of interaction of microwaves with Fe nanoparticles are discussed taking into account magnetic properties and composite structure.

Mechanical, and corrosive properties of AA7075 aluminium reinforced with rice husk ash particulates

The mechanical and corrosive properties of AA7075 alloy reinforced with rice husk ash (RHA) particles were studied. AA7075 matrix composite reinforced with varying percentage weight compositions of rice husk ash particles (5%, 10%, 15% and 20% wt) were prepared using stir casting technique. The mechanical, and corrosive properties of the new material were compared with that of the matrix alloy. The mechanical properties were also improved due to the automated stirring action employed during the casting process. AA7075-RHA composites had improved mechanical properties compared to the base matrix (AA7075). In terms of tensile strength there was an increase in this mechanical property with an increase in weight fraction of RHA particle (51% at 10% RHA), hardness (25.67% at 20% RHA), while for impact resistance, the reverse was the case as there was a 10.98% decrease in the resistance of the composite as the reinforcement fraction increased from 0%–20% RHA. The progressive decreases in the impact strength of the reinforced composite were probably due to agglomeration and non-homogeneity at higher reinforcements values. Corrosion experiments carried out showed improved properties in the reinforced composite compared to the unreinforced alloy, the corrosive properties improved with an increase in weight fraction of RHA in terms of weight loss (20.63% at 10% RHA), potentio-dynamic polarization (30.7% at 10% RHA) and open circuit potential (1.60% at 20%RH). The developed composite may be suitably applied in high-speed rotating shafts and automotive engineered brake parts.

Impact of micro/nano cadmium oxide on shielding properties of cement–ball clay matrix

This study investigates the gamma radiation shielding properties of cement–ball clay matrix composites doped with micro- and nano-sized cadmium oxide (CdO) particles. The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) was determined using a sodium iodide (NaI) detector and five radioactive point sources with energies ranging from 59.5 to 1408 keV. The LAC values obtained were compared to the XCOM database and found to be in good agreement. The composites' half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), equivalent atomic number (Zeq), and absorption buildup factor (EABF) were determined. The results showed that the addition of CdO particles improved the radiation-shielding behavior of the composites and increasing the weight fraction of CdO particles increased the shielding effectiveness. The results also illustrated that when nano-sized CdO particles were compared to their micro-sized counterparts, there was a significant enhancement in radiation shielding effectiveness. For instance, a composite material composed of 50% cement, 41.7% ball clay, and 3.8% nano CdO at an energy level of 0.0595 MeV exhibited a remarkable 12.2% increase in attenuation, surpassing the performance of the micro-sized sample with an equivalent concentration. Similarly, another composite consisting of 50% cement, 33.3% ball clay, and 16.7% nano CdO demonstrated a significant 15.4% increase in attenuation at the same energy level, when compared to the micro-sized sample. The study demonstrates the potential of CdO-doped cement–ball clay matrix composites for gamma radiation shielding applications.

Preparation and characterization of plastic wood from cellulosic residues

In this study, crop residues from rice husks were used to enhance the properties of the preparedwood-plastic composites (W.P.C) are made from epoxy (EP) and unsaturated polyester (UPE) ata ratio of (50:50) and reinforced with scales in different proportions, both types are fine(300μm≤) and coarse (300μm>). These blends were undergoing (wear, impact, hardness,differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal conductivity) tests and the results showedthe best weight fraction. is the fine particle weight fraction at 25% and coarse at 15%, dependingon the studied tribological characteristics. The results showed by thermal properties of glasstransition temperatures (Tg). For each of the (EP,UP, and50:50 blend), and it notices that thethermal conductivity (K) of Ep recorded high values of up to (0.198) W/m.ͦk, while it recordedthe lowest thermal conductivity of UP before the blend is (0.17) W/m.ͦk, as for the blend (50-50)the thermal conductivity is (0.19) W/m.ͦk, The thermal conductivity of the blend is slightly lowerthan that of EP alone.

Investigation of Impact Energy Absorption of AA6061 and Composites: Role of Post-Aging Cooling Methods

Al6061 and its composites are widely employed in applications requiring high strength and impact resistance. Heat treatment, particularly ageing, is a well-established method for enhancing the mechanical properties of these composites. However, the influence of post-ageing cooling methods on the impact energy absorption capacity of Al6061 and its composites remains inadequately understood. This investigation aims to examine the impact energy absorption of Al6061 and its composites after ageing at 460°C for 2 hours, employing different cooling methods, including furnace cooling, air cooling, and water cooling. The composites were produced using the stir casting technique with varying weight fractions of graphite and SiC particles based on Taguchi's design of experiments. Charpy impact tests were conducted using a specialised testing machine. The results reveal that the impact energy absorption capacity of the composites is influenced by the cooling method employed after the ageing treatment. Furnace cooling demonstrated the highest impact energy absorption capacity compared to the other cooling methods, exhibiting a 28% increase compared to the monolithic aluminium alloy. Furthermore, it was observed that the impact energy absorption capacity of the composites did not improve with an increase in the weight fraction of SiC particles, while the addition of graphite negatively impacted the absorption capacity.

Remote Positioning of Spherical Alginate Ferrogels in a Fluid Flow by a Magnetic Field: Experimental and Computer Simulation.

This work belongs to the development of mechanical force-responsive drug delivery systems based on remote stimulation by an external magnetic field at the first stage, assisting the positioning of a ferrogel-based targeted delivery platform in a fluid flow. Magnetically active biopolymer beads were considered a prototype implant for the needs of replacement therapy and regenerative medicine. Spherical calcium alginate ferrogels (FGs)~2.4 mm in diameter, filled with a 12.6% weight fraction of magnetite particles of 200-300 nm in diameter, were synthesized. A detailed characterization of the physicochemical and magnetic properties of FGs was carried out, as were direct measurements of the field dependence of the attractive force for FG-beads. The hydrodynamic effects of the positioning of FG-beads in a fluid flow by a magnetic field were studied experimentally in a model vessel with a fluid stream. Experimental results were compared with the results of mathematical and computer modeling, showing reasonable agreement. The contributions of the hydrodynamic and magnetic forces acting on the FG-bead in a fluid flow were discussed. Obtained forces for a single ferrogel implant were as high as 0 to 10-4 N for the external field range of 0 to 35 kA/m, perfectly in the range of mechanical force stimuli in biological systems.

Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy-Based Models for Predicting the Tribological Properties of 3D-Printed PLA Green Composites Used for Biomedical Applications.

Tribological performance is a critical aspect of materials used in biomedical applications, as it can directly impact the comfort and functionality of devices for individuals with disabilities. Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a widely used 3D-printed material in this field, but its mechanical and tribological properties can be limiting. This study focuses on the development of an artificial intelligence model using ANFIS to predict the wear volume of PLA composites under various conditions. The model was built on data gathered from tribological experiments involving PLA green composites with different weight fractions of date particles. These samples were annealed for different durations to eliminate residual stresses from 3D printing and then subjected to tribological tests under varying normal loads and sliding distances. Mechanical properties and finite element models were also analyzed to better understand the tribological results and evaluate the load-carrying capacity of the PLA composites. The ANFIS model demonstrated excellent compatibility and robustness in predicting wear volume, with an average percentage error of less than 0.01% compared to experimental results. This study highlights the potential of heat-treated PLA green composites for improved tribological performance in biomedical applications.

The Effect of Various Ti6Al4V Powders on the Behavior of Particle-Reinforced Polyester Matrix Composites

In this study, recycled and commercial Ti6Al4V powder was added to polyester composites at various filling ratios by weight fraction. Three weight fractions of Ti6Al4V particles, 0%, 5%, and 10%, were chosen for study. By examining the mechanical and microstructural properties of polyester composites, the effects of the Ti6Al4V powder proportion by weight fraction and particle size parameters were investigated. With the filler loading, a 39% increase in the tensile strength of the composites was achieved. A minor decrease in flexural strength was observed at 5% filler weight fraction. The addition of the recycled Ti6Al4V powder to the polyester matrix slightly reduced the thermal conductivity of the composite over that of the neat polymer. However, the incorporation of the commercial Ti6Al4V powder fillers in the polyester matrix considerably increased the thermal conductivity of the composites, suggesting several potential uses. The presence of high levels of oxygen in the powder led to reduced thermal conductivity of the composites due to the reduction in phonon scattering.

Tensile characterization of polymer composite reinforced with gravel particles (GP)

The work focuses on the preparation of polymer matrix composite materials prepared from the unsaturated polyester resin UPE as a matrix reinforced by gravel particles with particle size (121.74 nm) as first group type-I GPI of samples and the second group type-II GPIΙ of samples reinforced by gravel particles with particle size (100.16 nm) . This work includes studying the effect of selected weight fractions (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) of gravel particles on the properties of the prepared composite materials, tensile test were done. The results of the present work showed that the values of tensile strength of pure UPE (24.66MPa) was increasing by additional of GPI at weight percentage 10% and however, it gained 25.45 MPa, but decreased at weight percentage (20%, 30%, and 40%) (21.21, 20.98 and 23.87 MPa) respectively. Also the results showed the tensile strength of pure UPE had decreased by additional of GPII at weight percentage (10%, 20%, and 30%) (19.67, 23.31 and 23.12 MPa) respectively, but increasing at weight percentage 40% and gained 27.84MPa. Beside the result shows that the values of tensile strength for composite materials reinforced by GPII is higher than values reinforced by GPΙ. Also the results showed the Young Modulus of pure UPE increased with the addition of 10 %, 30% and 40 % of two types GPI and GPII fillers. Where the samples of UPE \ GPI composites have a highest value of Young's Modulus at ratio percent 40% as compared with other composites samples.

Assessment of eggshell-based material as a green-composite filler: Project milestones and future potential as an engineering material

Abstract The utilization of eggshell (ES) waste as a composite filler has increased significantly in the last 5 years. This increase in usage took place due to its unique characteristics, which improve the properties of the resulting composite. Adding a weight fraction of ES particles into a composite can improve its mechanical properties, although not all studies have shown this phenomenon. Studies on these composites’ thermal and tribological properties are still limited, so more in-depth studies could be carried out. The degradation of composite performance due to friction or exposure to humidity and hot temperature is another area that is worthy of further study. In this work, we discuss changes in composites’ mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties associated with the addition of ES particles, examining both untreated particles and those treated with carbonation. This work can serve as a guide for the utilization of ES particles as an environmentally friendly composite material.