Effect of melt temperature on microstructural and strength properties of in-situ aluminum metal matrix composites containing SiCNO particles

Polymer Injection Pyrolysis (PIPs) can be adopted to synthesize in-situ ceramic particles within molten metal by stir-casting process. This paper investigated the effect of pyrolysis temperatures on microstructural and strength properties of in-situ aluminum matrix composites containing 2.5 vol% of SiCNO particles. In-situ composites were synthesized by stir-mixing of cross-linked polysilazane at four different pyrolysis temperatures (675–850°C) at which in-situ pyrolysis occurred and then followed by ultrasonic agitation and squeeze casting process. Microstructural data reveals that grain size and the particle size of SiCNO particles decreases with increasing the temperature of the melt at which polymer was introduced into the melt. The increase in the strength properties of the fabricated composites as compared to pure aluminum is almost 210% for the composites fabricated at 850°C while it is marginally 17% for the composites fabricated at 720°C. Fractography studies suggest that composite fabricated at 675°C exhibits a better combination of yield strength and ductility.

[1]  B. Niroumand,et al.  In situ Al-SiOC composite fabricated by in situ pyrolysis of a silicone polymer gel in aluminum melt , 2021, International Journal of Metalcasting.

[2]  John Victor Christy,et al.  Processing, Properties, and Microstructure of Recycled Aluminum Alloy Composites Produced Through an Optimized Stir and Squeeze Casting Processes , 2020 .

[3]  Z. Fan,et al.  Microstructure and mechanical properties of SiCnp/Al6082 aluminum matrix composites prepared by squeeze casting combined with stir casting , 2020 .

[4]  P. Rohatgi,et al.  Solidification Processing of Cast Metal Matrix Composites Over the Last 50 Years and Opportunities for the Future , 2020, JOM.

[5]  M. Surappa,et al.  Effects of processing conditions on solidification characteristics and mechanical properties of in situ magnesium metal matrix composites derived from polysilazane precursor , 2019, Journal of Composite Materials.

[6]  Sudharsan,et al.  A Polymer Route to the Design of Thermally Stable Metal Matrix Composites: Materials Selection and In-situ Processing , 2017 .

[7]  R. Florea.  Metal-Ceramic composites via “in situ” methods , 2017 .

[8]  M. Surappa,et al.  Microstructural evolution and strengthening behavior in in-situ magnesium matrix composites fabricated by solidification processing , 2017 .

[9]  M. Surappa,et al.  Stress–rupture measurements of cast magnesium strengthened by in-situ production of ceramic particles , 2017 .

[10]  M. Surappa,et al.  Processing, microstructural evolution and strength properties of in-situ magnesium matrix composites containing nano-sized polymer derived SiCNO particles , 2017 .

[11]  Liping Yu,et al.  On the thermodynamically stable amorphous phase of polymer-derived silicon oxycarbide , 2015, Scientific Reports.

[12]  H. Kleebe,et al.  Influence of nano-aluminum filler on the microstructure of SiOC ceramics , 2011 .

[13]  J. Schoenung,et al.  Investigation of aluminum-based nanocomposites with ultra-high strength , 2009 .

[14]  M. Surappa,et al.  Nanoceramic–Metal Matrix Composites by In-Situ Pyrolysis of Organic Precursors in a Liquid Melt , 2008 .

[15]  T. Meek,et al.  Degassing of molten aluminum A356 alloy using ultrasonic vibration , 2004 .

[16]  Xiaochun Li,et al.  Study on bulk aluminum matrix nano-composite fabricated by ultrasonic dispersion of nano-sized SiC particles in molten aluminum alloy , 2004 .

[17]  Xudong Cheng,et al.  Ultrasonic-assisted fabrication of metal matrix nanocomposites , 2004 .

[18]  P. Rohatgi,et al.  Solidification science in cast MMCs: The influence of merton flemings , 2001 .

[19]  Sie Chin Tjong,et al.  Microstructural and mechanical characteristics of in situ metal matrix composites , 2000 .

[20]  R. Riedel,et al.  Silazane derived ceramics and related materials , 2000 .

[21]  M.S.J. Hashmi,et al.  Metal matrix composites: production by the stir casting method , 1999 .

[22]  F. Aldinger,et al.  Precursor‐derived Covalent Ceramics* , 1995 .

[23]  G. S. Cole,et al.  Light weight materials for automotive applications , 1995 .

[24]  M. K. Surappa,et al.  Heat diffusivity criterion for the entrapment of particles by a moving solid-liquid interface , 1981 .

[25]  B. Niroumand,et al.  Synthesis of the in situ aluminum matrix composite through pyrolysis of high temperature vulcanization silicone , 2018 .

[26]  M. Surappa.  Microstructure evolution during solidification of DRMMCs (Discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites): State of art , 1997 .

[27]  D. Lloyd.  Particle reinforced aluminium and magnesium matrix composites , 1994 .

[28]  J. M. Von Würtemberg,et al.  Lightweight materials for automotive applications , 1994 .

[29]  M. K. Premkumar,et al.  Emerging technologies for the in-situ production of MMCs , 1993 .