Materials Science Forum Vol. 941

Abstract: Interfacial thermal resistance in Al-SiC composites was evaluated by comparing the measured thermal conductivity and the calculated thermal conductivity. Al-20vol.%SiC composites changing SiC particle size, 3 μm to 30 μm, was fabricated by spark plasma sintering and heat treatment. Effective thermal conductivity was measured with the steady state thermal conductivity measuring device. Effective thermal conductivity was also calculated by using SEM image and the measured relative density. Comparing the measured thermal conductivity and the calculated thermal conductivity, interfacial thermal resistance in Al-SiC composites was evaluated as about 1.0x10^-8 (m²K)/W.

Abstract: As for the fuel cladding in the light-water reactor, silicon carbide fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix (SiC/SiC) composite is one of the promising candidates as a replacement of Zircaloy due to many superiorities, where it is necessary to develop the end-cap seal of SiC/SiC composite cladding. In this research, the caulking method was employed as the method for sealing the end cap of SiC/SiC composite tube by Zircaloy tube where the titanium micro-powder was inserted between two tubes. The fiber laser was circumferentially irradiated on the outer surface of zircaloy tube, and the insert method of titanium powder was varied by changing the cutting method of SiC/SiC composite tube. The examinations about the slit shape effect for the flat cutting suggested that the hook slit is considered to be the best cutting method for holding the titanium powder during the laser irradiation where the width of slit should be narrower than that of laser irradiation line.

Abstract: A Ti-3Al-2.5V matrix composite reinforced with 8.5 vol.% TiB was produced using a powder metallurgy route. Processing included the mechanical alloying of Ti-3Al-2.5V and TiB₂ powders and Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) of the resultant composite powders, to produce a dense billet. These billets were subsequently extruded and/or subjected to various Conversion Heat Treatments (CHT), to complete the transformation of the TiB₂ particles into TiB needles. The CHT was performed either before or after extrusion. Microstructures and tensile properties of the materials at each stage of the processing routes were investigated and compared to those of a non-reinforced Ti-3Al-2.5V material, manufactured by the same powder metallurgy route. It has been demonstrated that the processing routes have a great impact on the mechanical properties, through modifications of the matrix and reinforcement characteristics. Well-chosen processing routes lead to more ductile composites, though this gain in ductility leads to slightly lower stiffness and strength values. This study clearly demonstrates the possibility to produce, at an industrial scale, a ductile version of a highly reinforced titanium matrix composite, showing important application potential.

Abstract: The improvement of thermal conductivity of tool steel is extremely important for order to achieve life prolongation of metal die used in die-casting. In order to improve the thermal conductivity without the degradation of mechanical properties, VGCF (vapor grown carbon fiber) and TiB₂ particles added in tool steel (SKD61) and to obtain the composites. Composites was fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Before sintering, SKD61 powders with 70μm in diameter and 1.9-3.8 vol. % VGCF with 0.15-0.2μm in diameter and 10-20μm in length or 4-8 vol. % TiB₂ particles with 2.62μm in average diameter was mixed by V shape type ball milling or planetary ball milling. Composites were sintered at 1273K with 50 MPa. The relative density of all composites is higher than 97%. The thermal conductivity improved from 20W/mK to 36W/mK by adding 8 vol. % TiB₂ particles, and to 25W/mK by adding 1.9 vol. % VGCF. On the other hand, the tensile strength of 1.9 vol. % VGCF/ SKD61 composites prepared under the condition of V shape type ball milling has 2200MPa. Composites with addition of 4vol. % TiB2 particles with V shape type ball milling and 1.9 vol. % VGCF with planetary ball milling is almost equal to the monolithic alloy. Good mechanical properties of the composites are caused by the grain refinement or interfacial strengthening by adding dispersants. But as increasing the contents of dispersants, the aggregation of the dispersants degrade the mechanical properties.

Abstract: TiB whisker reinforced Ti alloy matrix (Ti–TiB) composites have attracted attention as the aerospace materials with their high specific mechanical properties for long time. However, strengthening mechanism of Ti–TiB composites has not been revealed because of the agglomeration and incomplete precipitation of TiB whiskers in the Ti alloy matrix yet. In this study, we addressed to fabricate fully-dense TiB whisker reinforced Ti-6Al-4V alloy matrix (Ti6Al4V–TiB) composites via powder metallurgical process, which have the microstructure to discuss their tensile properties with the theories for composite materials. The Young’s modulus and ultimate tensile strength of Ti6Al4V–10 vol% TiB composite were 130 GPa and 1193 MPa, respectively. Note that the elongation of Ti6Al4V–10 vol% TiB composite was approximately 2.8 % although the elongations of Ti–TiB composite have been reported are few (; less than 1%) due to the agglomeration of TiB whiskers in Ti matrix.

Abstract: Metallic materials can be used as Phase Change Materials for thermal storage, since they absorb/release relatively high latent heat for solid/liquid transformation during the heating/cooling parts of thermal cycles including their melting/solidifying range. The active PCM phase can also be mixed to another phase, melting at higher temperature, forming metallic composites, also referred in literature as Phase Change Alloys. To be considered as ‘form stable’ material, leakage of the molten active phase must be prevented. The present contribution focuses on the processing/microstructure/ properties correlations of PCAs based on the simple Al-Sn system, with activation temperature of about 230°C. They were produced by mixing Al powders to two different Sn powders adopting different compaction techniques and heat treatments, and cycled to simulate service. Their microstructure, thermal and mechanical response in as-manufactured and after service revealed that, amongst those experimentally available, PCA produced by compaction at room temperature inhomogeneous a blend of the powders is the optimal procedure, with good absorbed/released enthalpy and thermal stability after service.

Abstract: This study assesses the structural stability at ultra-high temperature of the following selected compositions: 6.5 and 14 mol. % of RE₂O₃ (RE = Dy, Y, Er, Yb, and Lu) doped HfO₂. Under thermal cycling and thermal shock, the structural stability was evaluated at 2400°C with water vapor flux using a specific test bench with a 3 kW CO₂ laser. The cubic phase stability, which is theoretically important in the broad temperature range from 25 to 2800°C, was determined by a quantitative analysis of the X-ray diffractograms. Fully and partially stabilized HfO₂, obtained respectively with 14 mol. % and 6.5 mol. % of dopants, showed different behaviors to thermal damage. Thermal expansion was measured up to 1650°C to anticipate dimensional changes of these stabilized samples and to be able to design an optimized material solution fitting with future combustion chamber requirements. All of these results were then considered in order to exhibit a trend on the thermal stability at 2400°C of the ionic radius of the dopants and their optimal doping rates.

Abstract: In this study, joining of AlN and Al with compositional graded layer is made by centrifugal mixed-powder method (CMPM). The mixed-powder of AlN particles and Al particles is inserted into a spinning mold with bulk-shaped AlN, and then molten Al is poured into the spinning mold with the mixed-powder and bulk-shaped AlN. As a result, the molten Al penetrates into the space between the mixed-powder by the centrifugal force, and at the same time, the Al particles can be melted by heat from the molten Al. Then AlN and Al can be joined with compositional graded layer after solidification. Micromechanics-based analysis is also employed to understand the thermal stress relaxation by the compositional graded layer.

Abstract: In our present study, AlB₁₂ and SiB₆ plate specimens prepared by spark plasma sintering AlB₁₂ and SiB₆ powders, respectively, and their tribological properties were investigated in the temperature range of 25°C to 1000°C in air. Also, the micro Vickers hardness of the AlB₁₂ and SiB₆ plate specimens were evaluated in the temperature range of 25°C to 1000°C in an Ar gas atmosphere. It was found that both the steady friction coefficients of the AlB₁₂ and SiB₆ plate specimens were as low as 0.07 to 0.08 at 1000°C. According to XPS analyses, it was found that Al₂O₃ and B₂O₃ films were observed on the worn surfaces of the AlB₁₂ plate specimens after sliding at 1000°C. On the other hand, SiO₂ and B₂O₃ films were observed on the worn surfaces of the SiB₆ plate specimens after sliding at the same temperature. It was also found that both the boride plate specimens exhibited micro Vickers hardness as high as 20 GPa in the temperature range of 25°C to 1000°C.

Abstract: ZrB₂ and HfB₂ with incorporation of SiC are being considered as structural materials for elevated temperature applications. We used high energy ball milling of micron-size powders to increase lattice distortion enhanced inter-diffusion to get uniform distribution of SiC and reduce grain growth during Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). High-energy planetary ball milling was performed on ZrB₂ or HfB₂ with 20vol% SiC powders for 24 and 48 hrs. The particle size distribution and crystal micro-strain were examined using Dynamic Light Scattering Technique and x-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. XRD spectra were analyzed using Williamson-Hall plots to estimate the crystal micro-strain. The particle size decreased, and the crystal micro-strain increased with the increasing ball milling time. The SPS consolidation was performed at 32 MPa and 2,000°C. The SEM observation showed a tremendous decrease in SiC segregation and a reduction in grain size due to high energy ball milling of the precursor powders. Flexural strength of the SPS consolidated composites were studied using Four-Point Bend Beam test, and the micro-hardness was measured using Vickers micro-indenter with 1,000 gf load. Good correlation is observed in SPS consolidated ZrB₂+SiC with increased micro-strain as the ball milling time increased: grain size decreased (from 9.7 to 3.2 μm), flexural strength (from 54 to 426 MPa) and micro-hardness (from 1528 to 1952 VHN) increased. The correlation is less evident in HfB₂+SiC composites, especially in micro-hardness which showed a decrease with increasing ball milling time.