Nanoscratch-induced deformation behaviour in B₄C particle reinforced ultrafine grained Al alloy composites: a novel diagnostic approach

Abstract

We report on the novel application of nanoscratch characterization to provide insight into the plasticity mechanisms responsible for the behaviour of composites. Accordingly, we conduct deformation characterization with nanoscratch testing (DCNT) to study the deformation behaviour of two B 4 C reinforced ultrafine grained Al alloy tri-modal composites with average B 4 C particle sizes of~1-6 μm and~500 nm, respectively. To highlight the type of mechanistic information revealed in a DCNT study of composites, we concentrate on the influence of B 4 C particle size on deformation mechanisms.

Microstructural and mechanical characterisation of electroplated nickel matrix composite coatings

“…[27]. No interfacial cracks, peeling off, tearing, break or slip of the particles is observed during all scratch tests for such high level of stresses, which indicates that particles do not fracture and are pushed into the matrix, as expected from the literature [28,29]. These experimental observations suggest a strong adhesion between the SiC particles and the Ni matrix.…”

“…The levels of normal load at these positions are, respectively, about 95, 130 and 160 mN, corresponding to mean normal contact pressures of 17.4, 12.4 and 10.1 GPa, obtained under the assumptions and the approach established by Beake et al [27]. No interfacial cracks, peeling off, tearing, break or slip of the particles is observed during all scratch tests for such high level of stresses, which indicates that particles do not fracture and are pushed into the matrix, as expected from the literature [28,29]. These experimental observations suggest a strong adhesion between the SiC particles and the Ni matrix.…”

Insights into the microstructural parameters and mechanical property correlation of Al3Ti phase reinforced Al based nanocomposites

“…The percentage of edge and screw dislocation is evaluated from the measured 'q' value by the following eqn. (4).…”

“…Ceramic particulate reinforced aluminium matrix composites are used since decades in the aerospace, automobile, sports and structural components for the ease in achieving desired improvements in strength and stiffness to fulfil the demands of light weight-high strength criteria in advanced technologies [1][2][3]. An extensive literature source is available on the description of various methodologies for preparing the composites with reproducible microstructure and homogeneous distribution of the ceramic reinforcements in the host matrix [4]. Interestingly, in majority of the cases, the com-49 50 posites were processed either through the powder metallurgy route or by liquid stir casting technique [5][6][7][8][9][10][11].…”

Effect of microstructure and residual stresses on nano-tribological and tensile properties of Al2O3- and SiC-reinforced 6061-Al metal matrix composites

“…In this respect nanoscratch test is recommended as it can provide necessary information on the behavior of the matrix material and the reinforcement on the mechanical properties in the micrometric length scale. [23][24][25] Moreover, it also provides useful information on the variation of the friction mechanism in local and global scale of the composite materials.…”