In Situ Investigation of Deformation Mechanisms Induced by Boron Nitride Nanotubes and Nanointerphases in Ti–6Al–4V Alloy

Abstract

There is a need to augment the mechanical strength of titanium alloys to take advantage of their low mass density for structural applications. Herein, the reinforcement potential of boron nitride nanotube (BNNT), a high‐aspect‐ratio nanomaterial with exceptional strength and thermal stability, to engineer nanocomposites based on Ti–6Al–4 V alloy, is interrogated. The stress‐transfer behavior at the matrix/filler interface is programmed by tweaking the extent of chemical reactions during sintering. A twofold improvement in indentation resistance after integrating BNNTs in the alloy due to the crack bridging mechanism is reported. There is a further 50% enhancement in hardness and stiffness as the sintering temperature is raised from 750 to 950 °C. This improvement is attributed to the escalated formation of TiN and TiB phases due to matrix–nanotube interfacial reactions at elevated temperatures. A novel indentation‐based in situ trench testing technique is employed to study the subsurface deformation mechanisms activated in the bulk of the composite specimen. The ceramic interphases promote the indentation resistance by acting as crack deflectors in the microstructure, which promotes the dissipation of mechanical work. These insights can be applied to designing Ti‐BNNT microstructures with desired mechanical properties and deformation characteristics.

Research progress on ceramic nanomaterials reinforced aluminum matrix nanocomposites

“…Ceramics are attractive materials as reinforcing phase for various metal matrix due to their several excellent qualities such as high strength and elastic modulus, corrosion resistance, and temperature resistance properties [44][45][46][47]. Ceramic reinforcing materials are available in various forms such as continuous fibre, short fibre, whisker or particles.…”

Effect of Hydrogen Annealing on Performances of BN-Based RRAM

“…Secondly, BN is an excellent insulator, which makes it ideal for use in high-voltage applications, such as power distribution systems [ 11 ]. Thirdly, BN has a high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent mechanical stability [ 12 ], which makes it a suitable material for use in lightweight structures for aerospace and drone applications. BN has excellent thermal stability and is therefore well-suited for high-temperature applications.…”

A Comprehensive Investigation of BN and VC Reinforcements on the Properties of FSP AA6061 Composites

“…The mobility of dislocations is hindered by these entities, thereby augmenting the strength and toughness of the material. Additionally, the incorporation of ceramic particles can hinder the advancement of cracks due to their function as stress concentrators [13,14]. The solid-state processing technique, commonly called FSP, can produce aluminum alloy composites demonstrating an evenly dispersed configuration of reinforcements inside the matrix [15][16][17].…”