Papers by Author: W.L.Eugene Wong

Abstract: In this study, pure magnesium reinforced with micron, nano and micron + nano-size SiC particulates was synthesized using powder metallurgy technique coupled with a novel microwave assisted rapid sintering. The sintered billets were subsequently extruded and characterization studies were performed on the extruded specimens to assess the microstructural, physical and mechanical properties of the composites. Microstructural characterization revealed good interfacial integrity between the matrix and reinforcements. Results of thermal mechanical analysis indicate most significant decrease in the coefficient of thermal expansion of the magnesium matrix with the use of hybrid reinforcements. Mechanical characterization revealed that composite samples exhibited an increase in microhardness of the matrix and strength over that of pure magnesium while ductility was adversely affected. An attempt is made to correlate the effect of single length scale and mixed length scales of SiC reinforcement on the properties exhibited by pure magnesium.

Abstract: In this study, pure aluminum reinforced with interconnected galvanized iron mesh and Ni particulates was synthesized using an innovative disintegrated melt deposition technique followed by hot extrusion. Microstructural characterization of composite samples showed uniform distribution of Ni and Al-Ni based intermetallic particulates in the matrix material, good interfacial integrity of aluminum matrix with iron mesh and Ni particulates and the presence of minimal porosity. Results of thermal mechanical analysis indicate a decrease in the average coefficient of thermal expansion of the aluminum matrix with the use of hybrid reinforcements. Mechanical characterization also revealed that the coupled use of galvanized iron mesh and Ni particulates lead to an improvement in the hardness, dynamic modulus, 0.2% yield strength and UTS but ductility was adversely affected. An attempt is made to correlate the use of hybrid reinforcements with the improved properties exhibited by the synthesized composites.