Metal-Matrix Composite Fabricated with Gas Tungsten Arc Melt Injection and Precoated with Nicrbsi Alloy to Increase the Volume Fraction of WC Particles

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Metal-Matrix Composite Fabricated with Gas Tungsten Arc Melt Injection and Precoated with Nicrbsi Alloy to Increase the Volume Fraction of WC Particles Sci Eng Compos Mater 2017; 24(2): 195–202 Aiguo Liu*, Da Li, Fanling Meng and Huanhuan Sun Metal-matrix composite fabricated with gas tungsten arc melt injection and precoated with NiCrBSi alloy to increase the volume fraction of WC particles DOI 10.1515/secm-2014-0221 investigation of Liyanage et al. [1] on plasma transferred Received July 12, 2014; accepted June 1, 2015; previously published arc welded Ni-WC overlays shows that the MMC overlays online September 5, 2015 are from two to five times more wear resistant than the matrix alloys without WC particles. Abstract: The volume fraction, dissolution, and segrega- Many welding and cladding methods have been used tion of WC particles in metal-matrix composites (MMCs) to produce WC particle-reinforced MMCs on low-cost are critical to their wear resistance. Low carbon steel substrates. However, there are still some problems to be substrates were precoated with NiCrBSi coatings and solved. The first problem is the degree of dissolution of processed with gas tungsten arc melt injection method to WC particles. In the process of welding or cladding, WC fabricate MMCs with high volume fraction of WC particles. particles are heated by a heat source and dissolve into The microstructures and wear resistance of the compos- the molten pool partially or even completely. Katsich and ites were investigated. The results showed that the volume Badisch [2] have accessed the effect of carbide degrada- fraction of WC particles increased with decreasing hopper tion in a WC/W C-reinforced Ni-based hard facing, and the height and was as high as 44% when hopper height was 2 results show significant carbide degradation with increas- 100 mm. The dissolution of WC particles was minimal. The ing welding current, resulting in a significant reduced content of the alloying elements decreased from the top to primary carbide content and carbide diameter. Reduced the bottom of the matrix. More WC particles dissolved in carbide content indicated a significant wear rate increase the overlapping area, where Fe W C carbide blocks could 3 3 under pure three-body abrasion conditions. Dissolution be found. The wear loss of the MMCs after 40 min was results in lowered wear resistance, as there are less WC 6.9 mg, which is 76 times less than that of the substrate particles that remained to provide wear protection. The after the 4 min test. contents of carbon and tungsten in the matrix increase and the toughness of the matrix decreases, so the risk of Keywords: gas tungsten arc melt injection; metal-matrix cracking increases. The extra carbon and tungsten precip- composite; NiCrBSi alloy coating; volume fraction; WC itate as M C-type carbides, which are less wear resistant particle. 6 than WC particles. The second problem is the volume fraction of WC particles in the matrix. Jankauskas et al. [3] have inves- 1 Introduction tigated the effect of WC grain size and content on low stress abrasive wear. They have found that the wear rate The wear resistance of metal-matrix composites (MMCs) of hard facing decreases with the increase in WC content, with remarkable content of hard phases with very and a factor of 9 has been achieved when WC content is high hardness, such as carbides, is well known. The 42–43 wt%. A further increase in WC content is generally considered difficult because of the problem of WC particle dissolution. *Corresponding author: Aiguo Liu, School of Materials Science and The third problem is the distribution of WC particles Engineering, Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang 110159, in the matrix. Fernández et al. [4] have studied the tribo- P.R. China, e-mail: [email protected] logical improvement of NiCrBSi laser cladding coating Fanling Meng and Huanhuan Sun: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang 110159, reinforced with different weight percentages of WC parti- P.R. China cles. They have found that WC particles tend to precipitate Da Li: Cixi Guanghua Industrial Co. Ltd., Cixi 315326, P.R. China at the bottom of the melt coating; hence, the percentage 196 A. Liu et al.: Gas tungsten arc melt injection of WC particles of carbides increases with the depth of the coating. The to lower the surface tension, to allow more WC particles to density of WC particles is much higher than that of the be incorporated into the MMCs. The microstructures and matrix. They are prone to sink down at the bottom of wear resistance of the MMCs were reported. the molten pool. The tendency of segregation of WC par- ticles is related to the time they spend in the molten pool, which is determined by the procedure and process para- meters. With a certain procedure and fixed parameters, little 2 Materials and methods can be done to control the distribution of WC particles in the matrix. The segregation of WC particles decreases the The substrate was of Q235 low carbon steel (similar to ASTM wear resistance of the top layer of the MMC and increases A570 Gr.A; Anshan Steel Co., Ltd., Anshan, China). The the cracking tendency of the MMC/substrate interface. chemical composition and mechanical properties of the To solve the problem of dissolution and segregation substrate are shown in Table 1. The dimensions of the sub- of WC particles, Vreeling et al. [5] proposed a laser melt strate were 250 × 50 × 5 mm3. The NiCrBSi alloy powder used injection process. In the laser melt injection process, a for precoating was manufactured by VEHA Co., Ltd. (Keo- laser beam is used to melt the substrate to form a molten rekovsk, Russia), a Russian company that manufactures pool. With the movement of the laser beam, a tail is thermal spray equipment and materials. The morphology formed behind the molten pool, and the carbide parti- of the NiCrBSi powder particles is shown in Figure 1. The cles are injected into the tail of the molten pool, avoiding nominal diameters of the particles were 5–45 μm. The com- direct interaction with the laser beam. With this method, position of the NiCrBSi powder is shown in Table 2. The they have strengthened titanium alloy with WC particles injected particles were cast and crushed WC-8% Co parti- [5] and aluminum alloy with SiC particles [6]. Zhao et al. cles (Harbin Welding Institute, Harbin, China). The size of [7] use a plasma arc to melt and inject WC particles into the WC-8% Co particles was 350–700 μm. low carbon steel substrates. Other carbide particles, such The substrate was degreased, dried, and grit blasted. as Cr3C2-NiCr [8] and SiC [9], have also been successfully The NiCrBSi powder was flame sprayed onto the substrate. incorporated into overlays with little dissolution by the The coating was 1 mm thick. melt and injection processes. The schematic diagram of the GTAMI system is shown However, the volume fraction of the incorporated in Figure 2. The coated substrate was fixed on a movable carbide particles is still limited. It is found that only the platform. The moving velocity of the platform was adjust- particles with velocity higher than a critical velocity vc can able. A gas tungsten arc torch was set above the platform overcome the surface tension and enter the molten pool with an angle α to the normal of the platform. The sub- [6]. To increase the volume fraction of the carbide particles strate with coating was heated by the arc, and a molten in the MMCs, the velocity of the injected particles must be pool formed under the arc. The platform moved horizon- increased or the surface tension of the molten pool must tally with a velocity of 4 mm/s. The molten pool left a tail be decreased. NiCrBSi alloys, which have low melting behind the arc. The injection nozzle was fixed together point, low surface tension when melted, and excellent with the torch with an angle β to the normal of the plat- wear resistance, are often sprayed or cladded on indus- form. WC particles were stored in a hopper. The height trial components for wear protection [10]. If they are pre- of the hopper was adjustable. WC particles were driven coated on the substrate, the surface tension of the molten out of the hopper by a roller and were accelerated down pool will be greatly decreased. Therefore, the volume frac- through the pipe and out the injection nozzle by gravity. tion of WC particles in the MMCs can be increased. WC particles left the nozzle with a certain velocity, entered In this paper, WC particle-reinforced MMCs were fab- the tail of the molten pool, and were caught in the matrix ricated on Q235 low carbon steel substrates with the gas after the solidification of the molten pool. The parameters tungsten arc melt injection (GTAMI) process. NiCrBSi alloy of the GTAMI process are shown in Table 3. Single-pass was deposited on the substrate before melt and injection, specimens with different hopper heights and multipass Table 1: Chemical composition and mechanical properties of Q235 steel. Chemical composition (wt%) Mechanical properties C Si Mn P S Fe σs (MPa) σb (MPa) Elongation (%) 0.14–0.22 0.30 0.3–0.65 ≤ 0.045 ≤ 0.05 Bal. 235 375–500 26 A. Liu et al.: Gas tungsten arc melt injection of WC particles 197 (5 g FeCl3, 25 ml HCl, 25 ml ethanol). The microstructures of the MMCs were investigated with a Hitachi model S-570 scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The compositions of different phases were analyzed with a Tracor North- ern model TN-5502 energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The phases in the MMCs were analyzed with a model D/max-rB X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyzer (Rigaku, Japan).
Recommended publications
  • Aluminium Metal Matrix Composition with Reinforcement Particles of Tungsten Carbide and Graphite
    International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE) ISSN: 2277-3878, Volume-8 Issue-4S5, December 2019 Aluminium Metal Matrix Composition with Reinforcement Particles of Tungsten Carbide and Graphite Shivashankar R, G V Naveen Prakash, K B Vinay simplicity, low cost and can be used in industrial scale Abstract: Aluminium Metal Matrix composition were used in production [6].Mechanical properties and tribological application of the aerospace and automobiles because of its properties has greater influences on reinforcements of steel strength and stiffness. Although tribological characteristics of machining chips [8]. Many researches were carried out in the the materials like wear resistance is low. Many research has AMC with various reinforcement particles to increase the been carried out in the particle reinforcement with the Aluminium Metal Matrix. In this paper, the several reinforced mechanical property, corrosion and wear resistance [9, 10]. particles with the aluminium matrix were reviewed. The In this paper, various studies involve in the fabrication of reinforced materials like Tungsten carbide, graphite or hybrid AMC with the reinforcement material of Tungsten Carbide reinforced materials were analyzed. The stir casting process is and graphite were reviewed. the common technique to fabricate these materials. The The paper is formulated as tungsten carbide reinforced reinforcement of graphite particles in aluminium materials were AMC is reviewed in the section II, graphite particle shows the considerable mechanical properties. reinforced AMC is reviewed in the section III, hybrid Keywords: Aluminium Metal Matrix Composition, Graphite, reinforcement is discussed in section IV, comparative Hybrid Reinforced Materials, Stir Casting Process, Tribological analysis is in section V, problem definition in the reinforced Characteristics and Tungsten Carbide.
    [Show full text]
  • Additive Manufacturing of Aluminium-Metal Matrix Composite Developed Through Mechanical Alloying
    Additive Manufacturing of Aluminium-Metal Matrix Composite developed through Mechanical Alloying OMOTOYOSI HELEN FAMODIMU (B.Eng., MSc.) A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy September 2016 This work or any part thereof has not previously been presented in any form to the University or to any other body whether for the purposes of assessment, publication or for any other purpose (unless otherwise indicated). Save for any express acknowledgements, references and/or bibliographies cited in the work, I confirm that the intellectual content of the work is the result of my own efforts and of no other person. The right of Omotoyosi H. Famodimu to be identified as author of this work is asserted in accordance with ss.77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. At this date, copyright is owned by the author. Signature………………………… Date………………………………. 1 Abstract Laser melting of aluminium alloy - AlSi10Mg has increasingly been used to create specialised products in aerospace and automotive applications. However, research on utilising laser melting of Aluminium matrix composites in replacing specialised parts have been slow on the uptake. This has been attributed to the complexity of the laser melting process, metal/ceramic feedstock for the process and the reaction of the feedstock material to the laser. Thus an understanding of the process, material microstructure and mechanical properties is important for its adoption as a manufacturing route of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites. The effect of the processing parameters (time and speed) on embedding the Silicon Carbide onto the surface of the AlSi10Mg alloy was initially investigated in Phase 1 and 2 of the research.
    [Show full text]
  • Titanium Metal Matrix Composites for Aerospace Applications
    TITANIUM METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES FOR AEROSPACE APPLICATIONS S. A. Singerman* and J. J. Jackson** *Pratt &Whitney West Palm Beach FL **GE Aircraft Engines Lynn MA Abstract processes consisting of alternating layers of woven fiber mats and 0.1-O. 15 mm (4-5 mil) thick titanium alloy foils which were stacked up and Aerospace engine and airframe designers are constantly seeking lighter vacuum hot press (VHP) or hot isostatic press (HIP) consolidated into weight high strength materials to reduce weight and improve performance of multilayer composites. High foil costs associated with cross-roll processing powerplants and aircraft. Titanium metal matrix composites (Ti MMCs) of the preferred titanium alloys combined with high fiber costs and low have offered the promise of significant weight savings since their initial volume demands caused Ti MMCs to only be considered for very high development in the early 1960s but until recently, their inadequate quality payoff applications. Additionally, a lack of reproducible quality for and reproducibility combined with high processing and materials costs have foil/fabric Ti MMC components precluded their introduction into any man- prevented their introduction into production applications. This paper rated aerospace applications. More recently, innovative processes including describes the state-of-the-art for Ti MMC aerospace fabrications, their tape casting,(tts12) induction plasma deposition (IPD),(“-‘5) electron beam potential payoffs and the recent advances in processing which are now physical vapor deposition (EBPVD) fiber coating(i” fiber/wire co- leading to high quality, affordable Ti MMC components. winding(“) have been developed in order to increase alloy flexibility and improve quality of Ti MMCs and at the same time reduce their fabrication Introduction & Historical Persnective costs.
    [Show full text]
  • Silicon Carbide Reinforced Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites for Aerospace Applications: a Literature Review
    ISSN: 2319-8753 International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology (An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization) Vol. 2, Issue 11, November 2013 Silicon Carbide Reinforced Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites for Aerospace Applications: A Literature Review Suryanarayanan K.1, R. Praveen2, S. Raghuraman3 Research Assistant, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India1 Research Assistant, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India2 Professor, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India3 Abstract: This paper considers the potential of use Al-SiC metal matrix composite (MMC) with particular reference to the aerospace industry. Initially, the required properties are identified, after which, the work explores pure aluminium and its importance in the industry along with its limitations. Using these limitations, MMC’s were recommended as a possible replacement for aluminium and it is seen that the exact set of properties depend on certain factors. Therefore these factors such as reactivity at the interface, volume fraction of the reinforcing material, type of the reinforcing material and distribution of the reinforcing material are reviewed using the existing literature. Using the information available, the paper advocates the use of Al-SiC MMC in the fuselage skins of high performance aircrafts. However, it must be noted that the recommendations are purely based on the data available and the author’s interpretation of it although every effort has been made to be as logical as possible. Keywords: Aluminium, silicon carbide, metal matrix composite, aerospace I. INTRODUCTION Ever since the Wright brothers flew their ‘heavier-than-air’ machine, the aviation industry has grown in great leaps and bounds. Because aircrafts were getting faster and/or bigger, the need to develop newer materials took centre stage- the use of wood and fabric gave way to stronger metallic structures (built predominantly using aluminium and its alloys).
    [Show full text]
  • An Experimental Analysis of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite
    Volume 8, No. 4, May 2017 (Special Issue) International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science RESEARCH PAPER Available Online at www.ijarcs.info An Experimental Analysis of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite using Al2O3/B4C/Gr Particles Raminder Singh Bhatia Kudlipsingh Mechanical Engineering Deoartment, Mechanical Egineering Department, SBBSIET,Padhiana, DisttJalandhar,Punjab SBBSIET,Padhiana, DisttJalandhar,Punjab [email protected] [email protected] Abstract: The present work aims to develop hybrid composites are obtained. Further, fiber reinforced Aluminium metal matrix composites (HAMC”S) by composites can be divided into laminate composites incorporating different types of reinforcements such that consisting of unidirectional, bi-directional or multi- combination of best properties could be achieved. The metal directional mats, reinforced in metal matrix. Infiltration base was selected was Aluminium alloy 12% Si and it is composites derived their name due to the processing method reinforced with varying weight percentage of alumina, graphite, and boron carbide. These AMC were developed by used for manufacturing metal matrix by using stir casting technique, in which predetermined composites. All the broadly classified metal matrix reinforcement is added to the molten matrix and then slurry is composites are processed by various routes and these routes stirred well to obtain desired castings. These castings were are explained in further sections. The aim of research is to studied for microstructural behavior and subjected to replace the conventional monolithic materials including mechanical testing to study the effects of various aluminium alloys, ferrous alloys, titanium alloys and reinforcements. The analysis of interfaces obtained revealed polymer based composites in several applications by low that boron carbide interface cracks produced greater weight high strength AMCs which requires lower power for wettability of particles and perfect interface was observed processing routes.
    [Show full text]
  • Manufacture of Silicon Carbide Reinforced Aluminium 6061 Metal Matrix Composites for Enhanced Sliding Wear Properties
    Manufacturing Rev. 6, 24 (2019) © A. Bhat and G. Kakandikar, Published by EDP Sciences 2019 https://doi.org/10.1051/mfreview/2019021 Available online at: https://mfr.edp-open.org RESEARCH ARTICLE Manufacture of silicon carbide reinforced aluminium 6061 metal matrix composites for enhanced sliding wear properties Avinash Bhat and Ganesh Kakandikar* School of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. V. D. Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, India Received: 5 July 2019 / Accepted: 15 September 2019 Abstract. Composite materials have the capability of being customised to provide specific mechanical and tribological properties. This paper presents the manufacture of a novel composite of Al6061 with 5% SiC (50 mm size) by the stir casting method. Experimental investigations of mechanical and tribological properties of SiC reinforced Al6061 are discussed. Investigations with a Rockwell hardness tester revealed that this composite had enhanced hardness. Wear characteristics were investigated for Al6061 and the novel composite Al6061 + SiC with a Pin on disc tribometer for a load range of 5N-200N and RPM varying from 200 to 1500. The effect of crucial parameters such as load and RPM on the wear of the novel composite were presented with sensitivity analysis. The results obtained are encouraging, showing the novel composite having a lower wear rate. Keywords: Metal matrix / composite / wear / Al6061 / SiC / stir casting 1 Introduction The stir casting technique is the most widely used technique for the fabrication of MMC’s. In this method, There is a constant need for improvements in material the molten metal is stirred continuously with the help of a properties across a wide range of applications, such as stirrer or an impeller usually made of graphite and the transportation, aerospace, military engineering, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Fabrication and Characterization of A359/Al2o3 Metal Matrix Composite Using Electromagnetic Stir Casting Method
    j mater res technol. 2013;2(3):250–254 View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Elsevier - Publisher Connector www.jmrt.com.br Original article Fabrication and characterization of A359/Al2O3 metal matrix composite using electromagnetic stir casting method Abhishek Kumar ∗, Shyam Lal, Sudhir Kumar Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India article info abstract Article history: A composite material is a material consisting of two or more physically and chemically dis- Received 4 January 2013 tinct phases. The composite has superior characteristics than those individual components. Accepted 7 March 2013 Usually the reinforcing component is distributed in the continuous or matrix component. Available online 3 August 2013 When the matrix is a metal, the composite is termed a metal matrix composite (MMC). In MMCs, the reinforcement usually takes the form of particles, whiskers, short fibers, or Keywords: continuous fibers. An MMC is a composite material with at least two constituent parts, one Aluminum alloy being a metal. The other material may be a different metal or another material, such as A359 a ceramic or organic compound. Recently, aluminum and its alloy based cast MMCs have Al2O3 gained lot of popularity in all the emerging fields of engineering and technology owing to Metal matrix composites their superior strength, lower creep rate, better fatigue resistance, lower coefficients of ther- mal expansion as compared to monolithic materials. The desired properties of the cast MMCs are influenced by the solidification behavior of the cast MMCs. The present paper aimed to investigate the best possible predicted results and to carry out the experimental set up of electromagnetic stir casting process in composite materials.
    [Show full text]
  • A High Strength Ti-Sic Metal Matrix Composite
    A High Strength Ti-SiC Metal Matrix Composite K. M. Rahmana, V. A. Vorontsova, S. M. Flitcroftb, D. Dyea aDepartment of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BP, UK bTISICS Ltd. 22 Invincible Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7QU, UK Abstract A SiC reinforced Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr matrix metal matrix composite was developed. Monolithic blocks of alloy were hot rolled via pack rolling to produce foils for MMC panel fabrication. These were consolidated using hot isostatic pressing and solution treated and aged for optimum strength. The panels exhibited a strength of 2 GPa in tension and 3.5 GPa in compression, compared to the aerospace steel 300M, which has a tensile strength of 1.69 GPa. The fatigue performance of the material exceeded that of MMCs developed using Ti-21S or Ti-6Al-4V matrices. Finally, the reaction zone between the SiC and matrix was examined, revealing the presence of TiC. Key words: Metal Matrix Composites, Fatigue, Strength, Mechanical Testing, Isostatic processing 1 1. Introduction 36 cold rolled and aged condition where dislocations are used 37 to nucleate fine α precipitates. However, Ti-5-5-5-3 is 2 Metal matrix composites (MMCs) provide superior prop- 38 stronger in the forged condition. Since Beta-C requires 3 erties compared to monolithic materials, typically having 39 cold work to maximise strength, which is not feasible in 4 higher strength and stiffness while reducing density [1]. 40 the production of large components, the alloy is restricted 5 MMCs generally exist in two forms: continuous fibre and 41 to applications such as springs.
    [Show full text]
  • Metal Matrix Composites Synthesized by Laser-Melting Deposition: a Review
    materials Review Metal Matrix Composites Synthesized by Laser-Melting Deposition: A Review Muhammad Arif Mahmood 1,2 , Andrei C. Popescu 3,* and Ion N. Mihailescu 2,* 1 Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Magurele, 077125 Ilfov, Romania; arif.mahmood@inflpr.ro 2 Laser Department, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics (INFLPR), Magurele, 077125 Ilfov, Romania 3 Center for Advanced Laser Technologies (CETAL), National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics (INFLPR), Magurele, 077125 Ilfov, Romania * Correspondence: andrei.popescu@inflpr.ro (A.C.P.); ion.mihailescu@inflpr.ro (I.N.M.); Tel.: +40-214574550 (ext. 2414/2423) (A.C.P.); +40-214574491 (I.N.M.) Received: 8 May 2020; Accepted: 3 June 2020; Published: 6 June 2020 Abstract: Metal matrix composites (MMCs) present extraordinary characteristics, including high wear resistance, excellent operational properties at elevated temperature, and better chemical inertness as compared to traditional alloys. These properties make them prospective candidates in the fields of aerospace, automotive, heavy goods vehicles, electrical, and biomedical industries. MMCs are challenging to process via traditional manufacturing techniques, requiring high cost and energy. The laser-melting deposition (LMD) has recently been used to manufacture MMCs via rapid prototyping, thus, solving these drawbacks. Besides the benefits mentioned above, the issues such as lower ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, weak bonding between matrix and reinforcements, and cracking are still prevalent in parts produced by LMD. In this article, a detailed analysis is made on the MMCs manufactured via LMD. An illustration is presented on the LMD working principle, its classification, and dependent and independent process parameters. Moreover, a brief comparison between the wire and powder-based LMDs has been summarized.
    [Show full text]
  • Characterization of Aluminium Reinforced with Tungsten Carbide Particulate and Flyash Metal Matrix Composites
    International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) ISSN: 2278-0181 Vol. 4 Issue 05, May-2015 Characterization of Aluminium reinforced with Tungsten Carbide Particulate and Flyash Metal Matrix Composites Srikanth. B. G Amarnath. G PG Student, Associate Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Vijaya Vittala Institute of Technology, Vijaya Vittala Institute of Technology, Bangalore, India Bangalore, India Abstract—Metal matrix composites are formed by stiffness at room or elevated temperatures. Ceramic particles combination of two or more materials (at least one of the or fibers are commonly used as reinforcement. The basic material is metal) having dissimilar characteristics. In this reason of metals reinforced with hard ceramic particles or present investigation, aluminium (Al 6061) as base matrix metal fibers are improved properties than its original material like and tungsten carbide (WC) particulate, fly ash as strength, stiffness, wear resistance etc. It can also improve reinforcements. Fabrication of MMCs was done by stir-casting strength to weight ratio of the composites. process. The Tungsten Carbide particulate was added in proportions of 1%, 2%, and 3% and Fly ash was added in Fabrication of composites is commonly done by the stir- proportions of 2%, 4%, and 6% on mass fraction basis to the casting among the different processing techniques available, molten metal. The different combination sets of composites were because it is simplest and cheapest form, references [7][8][9]. prepared. Mechanical properties like tensile strength and hardness were studied for both reinforced and unreinforced Al In recent days, considerable work has been done on 6061 samples. Microstructure examination was carried by using tungsten carbide reinforced metal matrix composites as well Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to obtain the distribution as fly ash reinforced metal matrix composites.
    [Show full text]
  • Metal Matrix Composites: History, Status
    METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES: HISTORY, STATUS, FACTORS AND FUTURE By AJITH JAMES CYRIAC Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering Cochin University of Science and Technology Cochin, Kerala, INDIA 2005 Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate College of the Oklahoma State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE July 2011 METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES: HISTORY, STATUS, FACTORS AND FUTURE Thesis Approved: Dr. Jay C. Hanan Thesis Adviser Dr. Sandip P. Harimkar Dr. Ranji Vaidyanathan Dr. Mark E. Payton Dean of the Graduate College ii ACKNOWLEDGMENT As I sit down to write this page, I am filled with a great feeling of gratitude towards so many individuals who have made this endeavor possible. Above all, I would like to thank my thesis and academic advisor Dr. Jay C. Hanan for accepting me to his team and helping me with his kindness and patience throughout the project. Initially I was reluctant to take the task of doing a thesis, but his confidence in my abilities and the motivation from him and motivated me to take on such a great endeavor. I wish to thank Dr. Ranji Vaidyanathan and Dr. Sandip Harimkar for being part of my committee. I would like to thank our graduate coordinator Dr.Afshin Ghajar and his assistant Shelli Stapleton for supporting me throughout the program. I specially need to acknowledge help I received from the Kevin Drees of Edmon Low Library and Dona Donldson of O.S.U Tulsa Library for their assistance. I do not have any qualms in admitting that I would not be able to finish this project without their help.
    [Show full text]
  • Characterization of Aluminum-Boron Carbide Particulate Metal Matrix Composites
    Characterization of Aluminum-Boron Carbide Particulate Metal Matrix Composites Eric Blank 6/4/10 Senior Project Dr. London Approval Page Project Title: Characterization of Aluminum-Boron Carbide Particulate Metal Matrix Composites Author: Eric Blank Date Submitted: June 4, 2010 CAL POLY STATE UNIVERSITY Materials Engineering Department Since this project is a result of a class assignment, it has been graded and accepted as fulfillment of the course requirements. Acceptance does not imply technical accuracy or reliability. Any use of information in this report is done at the risk of the user. These risks may include catastrophic failure of the device or infringement of patent or copyright laws. The students and staff of Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo cannot be held liable for any misuse of the project. Prof. ____________________________ Faculty Advisor Signature Prof. Trevor Harding ____________________________ Department Chair Signature Abstract The analysis of die-cast 380 aluminum-boron carbide particulate metal matrix composites (MMC) was performed in order to see if the samples had the required tensile strength of 300 MPa. 10 wt% B 4C die-cast samples were produced and tested. Half were heat treated to the T6 condition and the others were left as cast. Using ASTM standard B 557M it was found that the average tensile strength for the as-cast samples was 130 MPa and the heat treated samples had a tensile strength of 93 MPa. These values were both lower than expected. The heat treated samples were not expected to have a lower tensile strength than the as-cast samples. Since hardness is related to tensile strength, microhardness values were obtained to see if there could be an explanation for the unpredicted tensile data.
    [Show full text]