THE INFLUENCE OF SiC PARTICLE SIZE ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ALUMINIUM MATRIX COMPOSITES

The main aim of this study was to determine the influence of SiC particle size on the mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composites. The reinforcing phase was introduced into the aluminum matrix in two different particle sizes: a coarse fraction with particle size ranging from 40 to 60 μm, and a fine fraction with particle size of less than 2 μm. The SiC particles were added in various quantities equal to 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt% in order to determine the influence of different contents of the reinforcing phase on the density, hardness, and compressive strength of the obtained composite materials. By using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the microstructure observations were performed and allowed for defining the influence of matrix/reinforcement particle size ratio (PSR) on the  distribution of reinforcement particles in the matrix. The Al-SiC composites were prepared through the conventional powder metallurgy technique, including compaction under a pressure of 300 MPa and a sintering process in a nitrogen atmosphere at 600°C. Applying the reinforcing phase with the particle size (40–60 μm) similar to matrix (<63 μm) allowed us to obtain a more-uniform distribution of SiC particles in the matrix than after introducing the fine fraction of reinforcement (2 μm). The mechanical properties of the Al-SiC composites increased with increases in the weight fraction of the reinforcing phase, wherein this effect is more visible for composites reinforced with SiC particles of finer gradation

Effects of the Processing Parameters of Friction Stir Processing on the Microstructure, Hardness and Tribological Properties of SnSbCu Bearing Alloy

In the study, the friction stir processing (FSP) method was used to modify the surface layer of a tin-based bearing alloy. The modification was aimed at extending the service life of bearings by improving their tribological properties. The results of investigations of the microstructure, hardness and tribological properties of the SnSbCu bearing alloy after FSP using various rotational speeds of the tool—280, 355, 450 and 560 RPM—and the constant traverse speed of 355 mm/min are presented. Particular attention was paid to the possibility of changing the morphology of the precipitates present in the alloy, and to the impact of this parameter on improvement of the tribological properties. The research carried out in this paper covered investigations of the microstructure using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with analysis of the chemical composition in micro-areas and Brinell hardness tests. Additionally, the sizes of the SnSb and CuSn precipitates present in the microstructure before and after the modification process were determined, as were the tribological properties under technically dry friction conditions and lubrication with TU 32 oil. It was proven that using friction stir processing favors refinement of the microstructure and improves the tribological properties of the analyzed alloy

High speed steel matrix composites fabricated by spark plasma sintering

W pracy przedstawiono wyniki badań wpływu temperatury spiekania w zakresie 900–1000°C na mikrostrukturę i wybrane właściwości kompozytów na osnowie stali szybkotnącej M3/2 z 50% dodatkiem wagowym żelaza wytworzonych metodą spiekania iskrowo-plazmowego. Proszek stali szybkotnącej gatunku M3/2 oraz proszek żelaza gatunku NC 100.24 mieszano w mieszalniku Turbula T2F. Przygotowane mieszaniny proszków spiekano z wykorzystaniem urządzenia HP D 25–3. W efekcie spiekania metodą SPS uzyskano kompozyty M3/2–Fe. W mikrostrukturze tych kompozytów występują zarówno ziarna żelaza, jak i ziarna stali szybkotnącej z charakterystycznymi wydzieleniami węglików typu MC i M6C. Osnowa stali szybkotnącej to prawdopodobnie ferryt i bainit. W mikrostrukturze widoczne są także małe pory, w miarę równomiernie rozmieszczone, co świadczy o tym, że temperatura spiekania wynosząca 1000°C jest nieznacznie niższa od optymalnej temperatury spiekania kompozytów M3/2–Fe metodą SPS. Na podstawie wykonanych pomiarów gęstości wykazano, że gęstość względna uzyskanych kompozytów wynosi od 92 do 98% i wzrasta wraz ze wzrostem temperatury spiekania. Ponadto wykazano, że od gęstości względnej zależy twardość oraz wytrzymałość na zginanie. Wraz ze zwiększeniem gęstości względnej od 92 do 98%, uzyskano wzrost twardości od 237 do 367 HBW 2,5/187,5 oraz wytrzymałości na zginanie od 956 do 1107 MPa. Najlepszą relacją gęstość–twardość–wytrzymałość na zginanie odznacza się kompozyt M3/2–Fe uzyskany w temperaturze 1000°C, którego gęstość względna wynosi 98%, twardość wynosi 367 HBW 2,5/187,5, a wytrzymałość na zginanie wynosi 1107 MPa.The paper presents the results of investigations on the influence of sintering temperature in the range of 900–1000°C on the microstructure and selected properties of composites on an M3/2 high speed steel matrix with a 50 wt% addition of iron produced by spark plasma sintering. M3/2 high speed steel powder and NC 100.24 iron powder were mixed in a Turbula T2F shaker/mixer. The prepared powder mixtures were sintered using an HP D 25–3 furnace. As a result of spark plasma sintering, M3/2–Fe composites were obtained. The microstructure of these composites includes both iron grains and high speed steel grains with characteristic precipitates of MC and M6C carbides. The high speed steel matrix is probably ferrite and bainite. Small evenly spaced pores are also visible in the microstructure, which indicates that the sintering temperature of 1000°C is slightly lower than the optimal sintering temperature of M3/2–Fe composites using the spark plasma sintering. Based on the performed density measurements, it was shown that the relative density of the ob-tained composites is from 92 to 98% and grows with increasing the sintering temperature. In addition, it was shown that the relative hardness and bending strength depend on the relative density. Together with the rise in the relative density from 92 to 98%, increases in the hardness from 237 to 367 HBW 2.5/187.5 and the bending strength from 956 to 1107 MPa were obtained. The M3/2–Fe composite obtained at the temperature of 1000°C is characterized by the best density–hardness–bending strength relation, which amounts a relative density of 98%, hardness of 367 HB 2.5/187.5, and bending strength of 1107 MPa

Effect of Sintering Temperature and Iron Addition on Properties and Microstructure of High Speed Steel Based Materials Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering Method

Attempts were made to describe the effect of the sintering temperature and pure iron powder addition on the properties of HSS-based materials produced by the spark plasma sintering method (SPS). After sintering, their density, hardness, flexural strength, and tribological properties were determined. The sintered materials were also subjected to microstructural analysis to determine the phenomena occurring at the particle contact boundaries during sintering. On the basis of analysis of the obtained results, it was found that the mechanical properties and microstructure were mainly influenced by the sintering temperature, which was selected in relation to the previously tested steel M3/2, adjusted upwards due to its chemical composition. The use of the temperature of 1050 °C allows materials to be obtained with a density close to the theoretical density (97%), characterized by a high hardness of about 360 HB. The addition of iron slightly reduces the hardness and also increases the flexural strength to 577 MPa. There was no diffusion of the alloying elements from the steel to the iron due to the short time of exposure to the sintering temperature

Effect of unconventional methods of cutting on microstructure, topography and microhardness changes in steel

Tyt. z nagłówka.Bibliografia s.114-[115].Stal węglową do ulepszania cieplnego wycięto dwiema metodami: lukiem plazmowym i laserem. W artykule przedstawiono porównawcze wyniki badania mikrostruktury i mikrotwardości w strefie wpływu ciepła po cięciu stali tymi dwiema metodami. Cechą charakterystyczną było wystąpienie struktury bainitycznej w strefie wpływu cięcia. W przypadku cięcia laserem struktura bainitu obserwowana była do głębokości około 130 (Jm, z kolei po cięciu łukiem plazmowym strefa wpływu sięgała aż do głębokości 400 nm. Zmierzona mikrotwardość przy krawędzi po cięciu zarówno łukiem plazmowym, jak i laserem wynosiła około 280 Hv0,l, co w porównaniu z materiałem poza strefą wpływu stanowi wzrost o ponad 130%.The carbon steel for ąuenching and tempering has been cut with two different techniques, plasma arc and laser. The influence of these two unconventional methods of cutting on the changes of microstructure and properties has been studied in this paper. The structure changes after cutting were investigated by means of both light and scanning electron microscopy, additionally microhardness in the heat affected zone was measured. The performed investigations show that both methods of cutting have a strong influence on the structure and properties of investigated steels. Characteristic structure of cut area was a bainitic structure. The amount of bainite structure decreased with increased distance from the edge of the cutting sample. The plasma arc cutting influences the structure changes morę than laser beam. The bainitic structure after this method of cutting was observed to a depth of near 130 micrometers (laser), whereas after plasma arc - average 400 micrometers. Measured microhardness at the edge after cutting by both methods was about 28OHvO.l what makes up 130% increase comparing to materiał beyond the heat affected zone.Dostępny również w formie drukowanej.SŁOWA KLUCZOWE: cięcie łukiem plazmowym, cięcie laserowe, zmiany struktury, mikrotwardość, strefa wpływu ciepła. KEYWORDS: plasma arc cutting, laser cutting, structure changes, microhardness changes, head affected zone

EFFECT OF UNCONVENTIONAL METHODS OF CUTTING ON MICROSTRUCTURE, TOPOGRAPHY AND MICROHARDNESS CHANGES IN STEEL

The carbon steel for quenching and tempering has been cut with two different techniques, plasma arc and laser. The influence of these two unconventional methods of cutting on the changes of microstructure and properties has been studied in this paper. The structure changes after cutting were investigated by means of both light and scanning electron microscopy, additionally microhardness in the heat affected zone was measured. The performed investigations show that both methods of cutting have a strong influence on the structure and properties of investigated steels. Characteristic structure of cut area was a bainitic structure. The amount of bainite structure decreased with increased distance from the edge of the cutting sample. The plasma arc cutting influences the structure changes more than laser beam. The bainitic structure after this method of cutting was observed to a depth of near 130 micrometers (laser), whereas after plasma arc – average 400 micrometers. Measured microhardness at the edge after cutting by both methods was about 280Hv0.1 what makes up 130% increase comparing to material beyond the heat affected zone

Analysis of the Microstructure and Selected Properties of the Aluminium Alloys Used in Automotive Air-Conditioning Systems

The results of microstructure examinations and studies of selected mechanical properties of four aluminium alloys used in the production of automotive air-conditioning ducts (AA3103, AA5049, AA6060, AA6063) before and after the ASTM G85:A3 SWAAT Test (Sea Water Acetic Acid Test) for corrosion resistance are presented. Materials used for the manufacture of such components should be temperature stable, and therefore thermal resistance tests were carried out in a wide range of temperatures, i.e., −25 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C, 100 °C, 140 °C, 180 °C, and 220 °C. Annealing was performed for 72 h and 240 h, followed by cooling in water. The obtained results have proved that the non-precipitation-hardenable AA3103 and AA5049 alloys remain stable in the entire range of the investigated temperatures. The measured microhardness of these alloys was 43–46 HV0.1 for AA3103 and 56–64 HV0.1 for AA5049. The microhardness of the 6xxx series aluminium alloys was not stable in the investigated range of temperatures. The maximum was observed in the temperature range of 100–140 °C, which corresponded to the precipitation process of intermetallic phases, as further confirmed by microstructure observations. After the corrosion test, the mechanical properties and elongation decreased by about 5–20%

Analysis of surface microgeometry and structure of layered biomaterials used for prosthetic constructions in digital technologies

Veneering layers of prosthetic substructures are responsible for tribological cooperation with opposite teeth in the stomatognathic system (SS). Investigations of microgeometry and structure of veneering layers are aimed at checking to what extent these layers replicate enamel parameters, which, under complex load conditions, are characterized by the phenomenon of resistance to tribological wear. Ceramic veneering layers are dedicated for substructures made in digital technologies from factory fittings by milling and laser sintering of metal powders. Using a confocal microscope, contactless tests of the surface layer stereometry were performed and surface roughness parameters were determined on samples of ceramics veneering of prosthetic substructures. The analysis was performed in comparison to the natural enamel of premolars and molars. The shaping of the surface of materials veneering the substructures is similar to the regularity determined in the statistical analysis of the enamel roughness. Layers facing samples from milling technology are characterized by lower values of roughness parameters than layers created on substructures made of SLM technology.Warstwy licujące podbudowy protetyczne są odpowiedzialne za współpracę tribologiczną z zębami przeciwstawnymi w układzie stomatognatycznym (US). Badania mikrogeometrii i struktury warstw licujących mają na celu sprawdzenie, w jakim stopniu warstwy te replikują parametry szkliwa, które w złożonych warunkach obciążeń charakteryzuje się fenomenem odporności na zużycie tribologiczne. Materiałem badań są ceramiczne warstwy licujące dedykowane na podbudowy wykonane w technologiach cyfrowych: z fabrycznych kształtek metodą frezowania oraz technologią spiekania laserowego z proszków metali. Z wykorzystaniem mikroskopu konfokalnego wykonano bezstykowe badania stereometrii warstwy wierzchniej oraz wyznaczono parametry chropowatości powierzchni na próbkach ceramik licujących podbudowy protetyczne. Analizę przeprowadzono w porównaniu ze szkliwem naturalnym zębów przedtrzonowych i trzonowych. Ukształtowanie powierzchni materiałów licujących podbudowy w różnym stopniu zbliża się do regularności wyznaczonej w statystycznej analizie chropowatości szkliwa. Warstwy licujące próbki z technologii frezowania charakteryzują się niższymi wartościami parametrów chropowatości niż warstwy utworzone na podbudowach z technologii SLM

Homogenization of 7075 and 7049 Aluminium Alloys Intended for Extrusion Welding

During the extrusion of aluminum alloys profiles using porthole dies, the temperature of the material in the welding chamber is one of crucial parameters determining the quality of longitudinal welds. In order to extend the permissible temperature range, the billets intended for this process should be characterized by the maximum attainable solidus temperature. Within the present work, the homogenization of AlZnMgCu alloys DC-cast (Direct Chill-cast) billets was investigated, with the aim of solidus temperature maximization. Conditions of soaking and cooling stages were analyzed. The materials were homogenized in laboratory conditions, and the microstructural effects were evaluated on the basis of DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) tests and SEM/EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy) investigations. For all examined alloys, the unequilibrium low-melting microstructure components were dissolved during soaking, which led to the significant solidus temperature increase, in comparison to the as-cast state. The values within the range of 525–548 °C were obtained. In the case of alloy with highest Cu concentration, the application of two-step soaking was necessary. In order to take advantage of the high solidus temperature obtained after soaking, the cooling rate from homogenization must be controlled, and the effective cooling manner is strongly dependent on alloy composition. For high-Cu alloy, the solidus decreased, despite the fast cooling and the careful billets preheating being necessary

A Comprehensive Study on Processing Ti–6Al–4V ELI with High Power EDM

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) consists of a non-conventional machining process, which is widely used in modern industry, and especially in machining hard-to-cut materials. By employing EDM, complex shapes and geometries can be produced, with high dimensional accuracy. Titanium alloys, due to their unique inherent properties, are extensively utilized in high end applications. Nevertheless, they suffer from poor machinability, and thus, EDM is commonly employed for their machining. The current study presents an experimental investigation regarding the process of Ti–6Al–4V ELI with high power EDM, using a graphite electrode. Control parameters were the pulse-on current (Ip) and time (Ton), while Machining performances were estimated in terms of Material Removal Rate (MRR), Tool Material Removal Rate (TMRR), and Tool Wear Ratio (TWR). The machined Surface Roughness was calculated according to the Ra and the Rt values, by following the ISO 25178-2 standards. Furthermore, the EDMed surfaces were observed under optical and SEM microscopy, while their cross sections were also studied in order the Average White Layer Thickness (AWLT) and the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) to be measured. Finally, for the aforementioned indexes, Analysis Of Variance was performed, whilst for the MRR and TMRR, based on the Response Surface Method (RSM), semi-empirical correlations were presented. The scope of the current paper is, through a series of experiments and by employing statistical tools, to present how two main machining parameters, i.e., pulse-on current and time, affect major machining performance indexes and the surface roughness