Lightweight metallic matrix composites: Development of new composites material reinforced with carbon structures

Abstract

Carbon nano/micro-structures used as fillers in metallic lightweight alloy matrix composites are receiving considerable attention in scientific research and industrial applications. Aluminum and magnesium are the most studied light metals used as matrices in metal composites materials, principally for their low density (respectively 2.7 g/cm3 and 1.7 g/cm3) and low melting temperature (around 660 °C for both metals). A good interaction between matrix and fillers is the first step to obtain an increase in bulk properties; furthermore, the manufacturing procedure of the composite is fundamental in terms of quality of fillers dispersion. In this work the influence of surface modifications for three classes of carbon fillers for aluminum and magnesium alloy (AZ63) as matrices is studied. In particular, the selected fillers are short carbon micro fibers (SCMFs), carbon woven fabrics (CWF), and unidirectional yarn carbon fibers (UYFs). The surface modification was carried out by a direct coating of pure nickel on fibers. The electroless pure nickel plating was chosen as the coating technique and the use of hydrazine as reducing agent has prevented the co-deposition of other elements (such as P or B). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were performed to study the effect of surface modifications. The mechanical properties of manufactured composites were evaluated by 4-point flexural tests according to ASTM C1161 (room temperature). Results confirm improved interactions between matrix and fillers, and the specific interaction was studied for any chosen reinforcement.

Preliminary Mechanical Analysis of Rubber-Cement Composites Suitable for Additive Process Construction

“…Study and analyze potential chemical-physical treatments to improve rubber-cement adhesion properties. Compatibilizing treatments and surface modification methods are widely used in composites materials technology, where matrix reinforcement adhesion is a fundamental requirement to improve the physical-mechanical properties of the material [36,37].…”

Surface Coatings of Reinforcement Phases in Magnesium Matrix Composites: A Review

“…Compared to oxide coatings prepared with the sol-gel method, metal coatings prepared with electroless plating are cheaper, simpler, and more universal. The electroless approach is much simpler than CVD and electrodeposition [64]. Ma et al [36] conducted in-depth research on the Cu electroless plating process and the growth mechanism of the Cu coating.…”

Development and influence of tribomechanical properties on magnesium based hybrid metal matrix composites-a review

“…The density of Magnesium is found to be 1.74-2 gm cm −3 and is similar to bone density, and hence it is used in biomedical applications [5,6]. The melting temperature of magnesium is low at around 654°C [6]. Apart from these Magnesium alloys are having lower maintenance and production costs [7].…”

“…Magnesium alloys are having 35% and 65% less density when compared to Aluminium alloys and Titanium alloys, respectively [4]. The density of Magnesium is found to be 1.74-2 gm cm −3 and is similar to bone density, and hence it is used in biomedical applications [5,6]. The melting temperature of magnesium is low at around 654°C [6].…”