Processing of ultrafine-size particulate metal matrix composites by advanced shear technology

Copyright @ 2009 ASM International. This paper was published in Metallurgical & Materials Transactions A 40A(3) and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of ASM International. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic or multiple reproduction, distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means, duplications of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of this paper are prohibited.Lack of efficient mixing technology to achieve a uniform distribution of fine-size reinforcement within the matrix and the high cost of producing components have hindered the widespread adaptation of particulate metal matrix composites (PMMCs) for engineering applications. A new rheo-processing method, the melt-conditioning high-pressure die-cast (MC-HPDC) process, has been developed for manufacturing near-net-shape components of high integrity. The MC-HPDC process adapts the well-established high shear dispersive mixing action of a twin-screw mechanism to the task of overcoming the cohesive force of the agglomerates under a high shear rate and high intensity of turbulence. This is followed by direct shaping of the slurry into near-net-shape components using an existing cold-chamber die-casting process. The results indicate that the MC-HPDC samples have a uniform distribution of ultrafine-sized SiC particles throughout the entire sample in the as-cast condition. Compared to those produced by conventional high-pressure die casting (HPDC), MC-HPDC samples have a much improved tensile strength and ductility.EP-SR

Experimental and Statistical Study on Machinability of the Composite Materials with Metal Matrix Al/B4C/Graphite

NAS, Engin/0000-0002-4828-9240WOS: 000408884300055In this study, four types of Al/B4C/Graphite metal matrix composites (MMCs) were produced by means of a hot-pressing technique with reinforcement elements, B4C 8 wt pct and graphite (nickel coated) 0, 3, 5, and 7 wt pct. Machinability tests of MMC materials thus produced were conducted using four different cutting speeds (100, 140, 180, and 220 m/min), three different feed rates (0.1, 0.15, and 0.20 mm/rev), and a fixed cutting depth (0.5 mm), and the effects of the cutting parameters on the average surface roughness were examined. After the machinability tests, the height of the built-up edge (BUE) formed on the cutting tools related to the cutting speed and feed rate was measured. The test results were examined by designing a matrix according to the full factorial design and the average surface roughness, and the most important factors leading to formation of the BUE were analyzed by the analysis of variance (ANOVA). As a result of analysis, it was found that the lowest surface roughness value was with 7 wt pct graphite MMC material, while the highest was without graphite powder. Based on the statistical analysis results, it was observed that the most important factor affecting average surface roughness was the type of MMC material, the second most effective factor was the feed rate, and the least effective factor was the cutting speed. Furthermore, it was found that the most important factor affecting the formation of the BUE was the type of MMC material, the second most effective factor was the cutting speed, and the least effective factor was the feed rate.Karabuk University Scientific Research Project DivisionKarabuk University [KBU-BAP-13/2-DR-012]The authors sincerely thank the Karabuk University Scientific Research Project Division for the financial support of Project No. KBU-BAP-13/2-DR-012