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A special issue of Crystals (ISSN 2073-4352). This special issue belongs to the section "Crystalline Metals and Alloys".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2022) | Viewed by 22482

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Weiwei Zhou

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Guest Editor

Department of Materials Processing, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
Interests: metal matrix composites; nanocarbons; additive manufacturing; powder metallurgy; interface control

Dr. Huakang Bian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
Interests: additive manufacturing; powder bed fusion-electron beam melting; superalloy; TiAl alloy; strengthening

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are composed of ductile metals reinforced with a variety of stiff ceramic particles or fibers. Due to their excellent mechanical and physical properties, MMCs have attracted great attention in the applications of the automobile and aerospace industries. However, fabricating advanced MMCs still encounters challenges, such as choosing suitable reinforcements, achieving good dispersion with strong interfacial bonding, and realizing large-scale production. Recently, many methods, including (ⅰ) utilization of low-dimensional reinforcements such as graphene or carbon nanotubes, (ⅱ) development of new manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing, (ⅲ) establishment of multi-scale strengthening systems, etc. have been attempted to improve the comprehensive performances of MMCs.

This Special Issue on “Advances in Metal Matrix Composites” aims to collect state-of-the-art research on advanced MMCs. Original contributions related to current MMCs are welcome in the form of short communications, full-length articles, and reviews. Potential topics include but are not limited to: Powder fabrication techniques, New sintering or fusion techniques, Multi-functional MMCs, Related modeling and simulation, New applications of MMCs, Strengthening mechanisms, Interface design and control, Microstructure & property relationship.

Dr. Weiwei Zhou
Dr. Huakang Bian
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

metal matrix composites
additive manufacturing
nanocarbons
spark plasma sintering
powder metallurgy
interface control
strengthening mechanism
mechanical response
functional properties

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 7610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Powder Fabrication and Laser Powder Bed Fusion of a MoSiBTiC-La₂O₃ Alloy

by Chenguang Li, Suxia Guo, Zhenxing Zhou, Weiwei Zhou and Naoyuki Nomura

Crystals 2023, 13(2), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13020215 - 24 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1378

Abstract

In the present work, an approach of freeze-dry pulsated orifice ejection method (FD-POEM) was utilized to fabricate monodispersed MoSiBTiC-La₂O₃ composite powders for laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). The FD-POEM powders were spherically shaped, possessing a narrow size range and uniform element distribution. As revealed by the single-track and single-layer experiments, the porous FD-POEM particles were sufficiently fused under laser irradiation, leading to the generation of continuous laser tracks and low surface roughness layers, which proved a feasible L-PBF processability of MoSiBTiC-La₂O₃ powders. Careful microstructural observations confirmed that the microstructure of the molten pools was primarily composed of Mo solid solution dendrites reinforced with La₂O₃ nanoparticles. Consequently, the single MoSiBTiC-La₂O₃ track had a high Martens hardness of 3955 HM. The result of this work reveals that the combination of FD-POEM and L-PBF has a great potential of developing advanced heat-resistant Mo-based alloys with tailored structures for ultrahigh-temperature applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Matrix Composites)

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13 pages, 10556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applicability Evaluation of Nano-Al₂O₃ Modified Sn-Ag-Cu Solder in High-Density Electronic Packaging Subjected to Thermal Cycling

by Jie Wu, Guoqiang Huang, Yiping Wu, Xiwu Huang, Rui Yu, Xuqi Yang, Guangyao Chen, Cheelong Tan, Zhihao Yu, Huabin Sun and Yong Xu

Crystals 2022, 12(12), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12121736 - 01 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1262

Abstract

Recently, 3D packaging has been regarded as an important technical means to continue Moore’s Law. However, excessive stacking will increase the longitudinal dimension, and one chip with high-density bondings packaging is still needed. Thus, it naturally places higher demand on thermal cycling reliability due to the decreased joint size to satisfy high-density packaging. In this work, the nano-Al₂O₃ (1 wt.%) modified Sn-1 wt.% Ag-0.5 wt.% Cu low-Ag solder was applied as a solder sample to evaluate the associated thermal cycling reliability. The investigated results revealed that the nano-Al₂O₃ modified solder did present enhanced thermal cycling reliability, as evidenced by the delayed microstructure coarsening and the inhibited atom inter-diffusion at interface caused by the adsorption of nano-Al₂O₃ on grain surfaces, and the resultant pinning effect. Worthy of note is that the potential of the newly developed nano-Al₂O₃ modified solder for high-density packaging applications (e.g., BGA, QFN, and CCGA) was evaluated based on the Finite Element Modeling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Matrix Composites)

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13 pages, 9324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electronic Properties and Chemical Bonding in V₂FeSi and Fe₂VSi Heusler Alloys

by Aisulu Abuova, Nurpeiis Merali, Fatima Abuova, Vladimir Khovaylo, Nursultan Sagatov and Talgat Inerbaev

Crystals 2022, 12(11), 1546; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12111546 - 29 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1413

Abstract

First-principles calculations of the stability, electronic, and magnetic properties of full-Heusler compound V₂FeSi and Fe₂VSi in regular (

L 2_{1}

) and inverse (

X A

) structures have been performed using density functional theory within an SCAN [...] Read more.

First-principles calculations of the stability, electronic, and magnetic properties of full-Heusler compound V₂FeSi and Fe₂VSi in regular (

L 2_{1}

) and inverse (

X A

) structures have been performed using density functional theory within an SCAN meta-GGA functional. It is found that the

X A

crystal lattice is energetically more favorable for V₂FeSi, while Fe₂VSi forms the

L 2_{1}

structure. In both cases, the electronic structure of the energetically stable modifications corresponds to half-metallic ferrimagnets. Magnetic properties of energetically favorable structures obey the Slater–Pauling rule. All considered properties of the studied structures are explained within the crystal orbital Hamilton population analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Matrix Composites)

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15 pages, 5347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of CrCoNi Medium Entropy Alloy Particles Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite

by Yue Wu, Siwei Luo, Jiawei Wu, Baisong Guo, Zhenggang Wu, Biao Chen, Zhentao Yu, Zhiguo Zhang and Wei Li

Crystals 2022, 12(10), 1452; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12101452 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1985

Abstract

As for metal matrix composites (MMCs), the selection and application of reinforcements play a vital role in their comprehensive properties. In this work, the CrCoNi medium entropy alloy (MEA) was selected as reinforcement for Al matrix composites, and the effects of the content of the CrCoNi MEA on the mechanical properties and friction resistance were systematically investigated. It was found that the CrCoNi MEA can effectively improve the mechanical properties of the Al matrix composites, especially the 5 wt.% CrCoNi/Al composite can achieve a high strength without the sacrifice of ductility, due to the strengthened interfacial bonding between the Al matrix and the CrCoNi reinforcements caused by the element interdiffusion and the high mechanical performance of the CrCoNi MEA itself. In addition, the wear resistance of the composites can be enhanced by the inclusion of the CrCoNi MEA reinforcement, because the CrCoNi MEA can substantially improve the hardness of the composites and promote the formation of the oxidative protection film during the friction process. This work paves a new route for preparing Al matrix composites with high mechanical properties and friction resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Matrix Composites)

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16 pages, 14816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation to Confirm the Presence of TiB₂ Reinforcements in the Matrix and Effect of Artificial Aging on Hardness and Tensile Properties of Stir-Cast LM4-TiB₂ Composite

by Srinivas Doddapaneni, Sathish Kumar, Manjunath Shettar, Suma Rao, Sathyashankara Sharma and Gowrishankar MC

Crystals 2022, 12(8), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12081114 - 09 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1296

Abstract

The present work focuses on the effect of multistage solution heat treatment (MSHT) and artificial aging on two-stage stir-cast LM4 + TiB₂ (1, 2, and 3 wt.%) composites on the mechanical properties as compared to as-cast and single-stage solution heat-treated (SSHT) composites. Two novel tests, viz. the confirmation hardness test and the chemical analysis test, were performed to ensure the soundness of the casting and uniform distribution of TiB₂ within the matrix. Samples subjected to MSHT + aging at 100–200 °C displayed the highest hardness and UTS values compared to as-cast and SSHT + aging at 100–200 °C samples. Compared to as-cast alloy, peak-aged samples of 1–3 wt.% (MSHT + aging at 100 °C), hardness values improved from 107–150%, and UTS values improved from 47–68%. The presence of metastable phases (θ′-Al₂Cu and θ″-Al₃Cu) and of hard TiB₂ particles are the reason for the improvement in the properties. Peak aged LM4 + 3 wt.% TiB₂ composite displayed the highest hardness of 175 VHN and UTS of 251 MPa. Fracture analysis of the LM4 alloy showed dimple rupture, and its composites revealed quasi-cleavage fracture. Based on the overall results, the inclusion of TiB₂, MSHT, and artificial aging treatment on the LM4 alloy significantly influenced the composites’ mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Matrix Composites)

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12 pages, 5807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zinc Matrix Composites Reinforced with Partially Unzipped Carbon Nanotubes as Biodegradable Implant Materials

by Mei Fan, Fei Zhao, Yuan Liu, Sheng Yin, Shanshan Peng and Zongkui Zhang

Crystals 2022, 12(8), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12081110 - 08 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1445

Abstract

The activity of zinc is between that of magnesium and iron, and it has a suitable degradation rate and good biocompatibility. It has been regarded as a very promising biodegradable metal material for biomedicine. However, the insufficient mechanical properties of pure Zn limit its practical application in the field of orthopedic implants. In this paper, partially unzipped carbon nanotubes (PUCNTs) obtained by meridionally cutting multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used as reinforcements and combined with spark plasma sintering to prepare partially unzipped carbon nanotube reinforced Zn matrix composites. The effects of PUCNT addition on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of Zn matrix composites were investigated. The microstructure analysis showed the good interface bonding between PUCNTs and the Zn matrix. Additionally, the strength of PUCNTs/Zn composites showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing with the PUCNT content increases. When the PUCNT content was 0.2 wt%, the tensile strength and yield strength of composites were about 78.4% and 64.4% higher than that of pure Zn, respectively, while maintaining a high elongation (62.6%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Matrix Composites)

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10 pages, 1756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rice Husk Ash as Pore Former and Reinforcement on the Porosity, Microstructure, and Tensile Strength of Aluminum MMC Fabricated via the Powder Metallurgy Method

by Azmah Hanim Mohamed Ariff, Ong Jun Lin, Dong-Won Jung, Suraya Mohd Tahir and Mohd Hafis Sulaiman

Crystals 2022, 12(8), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12081100 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1734

Abstract

The handling of rice husk ash (RHA) has been raising environmental concerns, which led to the consideration of incorporating RHA in aluminum metal matrix composite fabrication. Due to the high silicon dioxide content of RHA, it can assist in enhancing both the properties and functionality of pure aluminum. In this research, the fabrication of aluminum metal matrix composite was carried out by utilizing different compositions of RHA, including weight fractions of 10 wt.%, 15 wt.%, and 20 wt.% via a powder metallurgy approach. The element powders, including aluminum and RHA, and magnesium stearate as a binder, were mixed, compacted, and sintered to attain a composite sample in the form of a pellet. The pellet was then characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM-EDX) to identify the pore structure and size for each RHA composition. The samples were also mechanically tested via Archimedes’ Principle and Brazilian Testing to identify their density, porosity, and tensile strength, respectively. The total porosity of RHA-15 wt.% was found to be the highest at 19.19%, yet with the highest tensile strength at 5.19 MPa due to its low open porosity at 4.65%. In contrast, the total porosity of RHA-20 wt.% was found to be slightly lower at 15.38%, with the highest open porosity at 6.95%, which reduced its tensile strength to 5.10 MPa, therefore indicating that reducing open porosity through controlling the composition of reinforcement tends to enhance the mechanical strength of aluminum metal matrix composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Matrix Composites)

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18 pages, 4184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructural Modification Hardness and Surface Roughness of Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloys by a Combination of Bismuth and Phosphorus

by Porawit Jiandon and Sukangkana Talangkun

Crystals 2022, 12(8), 1026; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12081026 - 23 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1593

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the effects of bismuth (Bi) and phosphorus (P) addition on the microstructure and roughness of a B390 hypereutectic Al-Si alloy. Microstructural variation of as-cast alloys showed that P is an effective refiner of primary Si and its distribution, while Bi has the opposite effect. The liquidus temperature increased with greater amounts of P, resulting in a wider solidification range. The solidus temperature increased with Bi content, resulting in a shortened solidification range. The benefit of Bi on eutectic silicon was through changing its morphology from fibrous to lamellar structures. It was observed that both primary Si and eutectic Si were modified when both P and Bi were added to the alloys. For effective refinement, the size of primary Si can be reduced by 50.6% and, the P content should not be less than 0.1 wt% with a Bi content of 0.5–1.0 wt%. Furthermore, an intermetallic phase size reduction also occurs. P addition results in a significant (5.85%) increase in hardness. Adding Bi (up to 1.0 wt%) together with P (up to 0.1 wt%) did not reduce the effect of P on the hardness of the modified alloys. The most effective reduction in roughness achieved during cutting at both low and high speeds was 26.5% and 57.7%, respectively, from modifying the B390 alloy using 0.1 wt%P with 1.0 wt%Bi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Matrix Composites)

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27 pages, 2987 KiB

Open AccessReview

Trends in Aluminium Matrix Composite Development

by Chika Oliver Ujah and Daramy Vandi Von Kallon

Crystals 2022, 12(10), 1357; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12101357 - 25 Sep 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3885

Abstract

Research shows that monolithic Al alloy has very attractive properties required in the production of aerospace, automotive, electrical and electronic, sports and recreational components/equipment. However, its low strength and low wear resistance have challenged its applications in some other critical industrial utilities. Nonetheless, the invention of metal composites has removed such barriers. The addition of one or more reinforcements to Al has helped in the creation of aluminium matrix composites (AMCs), which has not only increased the global utilization of Al alloy, but has been a major source of global revenue and job. This review was, therefore, aimed at studying recent works on AMCs with the aim of ascertaining the recent innovations in the development of advanced Al composites, which can replace steel components in most industrial applications at a cheaper rate. It was observed from the study that AMCs can be developed via solid and liquid fabrication techniques. Powder metallurgy was reported as the most effective method of producing hybrid Al nanocomposites, with spark plasma sintering as the best technique. In the liquid process, stir casting was reported as the most cost effective, but was challenged by agglomeration. It was recommended that agglomeration be ameliorated by cryogenic ball milling and an in situ fabrication technique. It was also recommended that more cost effective agro-waste nanoparticles should be developed to replace more costly conventional reinforcements. In summary, it was recommended that more research on the exploration of Al alloy at a cheaper rate should be carried out. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Matrix Composites)

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22 pages, 3702 KiB

Open AccessReview

3D-Printed Satellite Brackets: Materials, Manufacturing and Applications

by Saswat Kumar Samal, H. M. Vishwanatha, Kuldeep K. Saxena, Asit Behera, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Ajit Behera, Chander Prakash, Saurav Dixit and Kahtan A. Mohammed

Crystals 2022, 12(8), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12081148 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4584

Abstract

Brackets are the load-bearing components in a satellite. The current age of satellites comprises specific brackets that set out as a link between the bodies of the satellite, reflector parts, and feeder facilities mounted at its upper end. Brackets are used to carry loads of the satellite body frame, supporting elements, batteries, and electronic goods. The article explicates the various brackets used in satellites and aircrafts. The strength of the bracket is of utmost importance since it is an important load supporting member in several assemblies of aircraft and satellites. In addition to the mechanical strength, the weight of the bracket is a major concern as it adds to the total weight of the aircraft and satellite. Thus, weight savings of brackets can be of paramount importance and Additive Manufacturing (AM) is found as an overall solution to achieve the same. Hence, in addition to various brackets used in satellites, the article presents an exhaustive review of the processing of various advanced functional materials using various AM techniques to make high strength-to-weight ratio satellite brackets. The use of DFAM by various satellite manufacturers globally for optimizing the structure of the brackets resulting in a significant weight saving of the brackets is also presented in the article. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Matrix Composites)

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