Processing, structure and thermal conductivity correlation in carbon fibre reinforced aluminium metal matrix composites

Abstract

Al matrix composites reinforced with Cu-coated pitch-based carbon fibres (Al/Cu-CFs) were fabricated, using a novel combination of rheocasting and equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) techniques, in order to exploit the thermal conductivity (K) of the material. Rheocasting allowed the introduction and dispersion of Cu-CFs within the Al 3 Mg matrix. The subsequent ECAE processing reduced the porosity of the composites from 3 to 0.03% and induced a high degree of fibre alignment within the matrix, although considerable damage to the fibres occurred during this processing step. After 6 ECAE passes, in which the billet orientation remained constant, the composite with the highest degree of fibre alignment show a thermal conductivity (K) improvement of~20% with respect to the rheocast composite. The improvement is due to porosity reduction, improved fibre alignment and forced intimate contact of clean CF surfaces with the matrix.

Developments in the aluminum metal matrix composites reinforced by micro/nano particles – A review

“…60,87,94 However, with a higher content of reinforcement, the secondary processing like hot extrusion, equi-channel angular pressing helps in refining the alignment in the extruded direction which results in good interfacial bonding. 22,80 The uniform distribution of B 4 C particles was observed in the dispersed Al-MMCs compared with Al 2 O 3 and SiC particles. The interface bonding between the Al-B 4 C is stronger as compared to Al 2 O 3 and SiC due to enhanced wetting action in the interface.…”

“…The use of graphene nanosheet and Fe 3 Al was employed by various researchers to enhance the capabilities of the developed Al-MMCs. [77][78][79][80] The improvement in the mechanical and tribological behaviour of the Al-MMCs due to reinforcement is possible due to various causes which is a prime factor and responsible for the output responses. This can be better explained by various strengthening mechanisms:…”

Effect of preset interfacial ZrB2 particles on the microstructure and properties of C/C-AlSi composites

“…Carbon fiber reinforced Al matrix composites (C/Al) have been considered to be a promising smart lightweight material due to their high specific strength, low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), outstanding thermal conductivity and self-lubrication characteristics. [1][2][3] A lot of works have been done to solve the problems of poor wettability, harmful chemical reaction and high residual thermal stress between carbon and Al. Up to now, some effective methods have been successfully developed, such as fiber surface modification, [4][5][6] matrix alloying 7,8 and process optimization.…”

Effects of Bromination-Dehydrobromination on the Microstructure of Isotropic Pitch Precursors for Carbon Fibers

“…Carbon fiber is an important material that is widely used in the automobile, aerospace, and sport industries, as well as other industries [ 1 , 2 ]. General-purpose carbon fibers (GPCFs) that are prepared with isotropic pitch as a precursor have the advantages of a low cost and appropriate mechanical properties.…”