Synergistic effect of hybrid Himalayan Nettle/Bauhinia-vahlii fibers on physico-mechanical and sliding wear properties of epoxy composites

The cellulosic bast fibers are recognized as a justifiable and biodegradable substitute for producing moderate strength polymer composite materials because of their characteristics of renewability, eco-friendliness, and higher specific strength. Hence the aim of this research work is to fabricate Himalayan bast fibers (Nettle fiber (NF)/bauhinia vahlii fiber (BF)) based mono/hybrid epoxy composites at varying weight percentage of 2–6 wt% and evaluate the physical (void fraction and water absorption), mechanical (tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness) and sliding wear properties of as-fabricated composites. The 6 wt% NBF reinforced composites exhibited higher mechanical properties as compared to NF and BF composites with tensile strength of 34.04 MPa, flexural strength of 42.45 MPa, and hardness of 37.01 H_v respectively. The influence of various control factors (sliding velocity, NF/BF/NBF contents, normal load and sliding distance) on specific sliding wear rate of composites was evaluated by Taguchi (three factors at three levels) experimental design and the percentage contribution of these selected parameters on sliding wear performance was examined by Analysis of variance (ANOVA). The sliding wear property of as-developed composites was found to be greatly influenced by sliding velocity and the wear resistance was observed to be improved with the NF/BF/NBF contents. The wear mechanism of the as-fabricated composites has been elucidated by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The research outcomes demonstrated that the hybridization of Bauhinia vahlii fiber with Nettle fiber led to improve the mechanical and wear properties of epoxy composites.     

SiCf/Si-O-C复合材料的抗氧化、抗热震性能研究

通过研究材料的氧化前后质量的改变和强度减少及氧化前后微观结构的变化,研究了先驱体转化法制备的SiCf/Si-O-C复合材料的抗氧化、抗热震性能。结果表明SiCf/Si-O-C复合材料具有良好的抗氧化、抗热震性能。对所得材料微观结构进行了分析讨论,发现界面结构的变化是影响SiCf/Si-O-C复合材料抗氧化、抗热震性能的主要原因。     

2A12铝合金焊接接头超声冲击处理前后拉伸性能分析

为克服铝合金薄板焊接接头强度偏低、韧性不足的缺点,用ER5356焊丝对不同厚度的2A12铝合金板材进行了手工氩弧焊接,并采用超声冲击处理对焊接接头进行全覆盖强化处理。采用金相显微镜观察了处理和未处理焊接接头的显微组织结构,对接头的力学性能进行了测试分析,分析了超声冲击处理改善2A12铝合金焊接接头力学性能的机理。结果表明：铝合金焊接接头经超声冲击强化处理后,6 mm和4 mm厚板材对接接头的抗拉强度分别提高了17.4%和23.7%,延伸率分别提高了28%和44%,焊缝表层组织得到明显细化。分析认为：晶粒大幅细化、组织致密化和缺陷减少,是超声冲击处理改善铝合金焊接接头抗拉伸性能的主要原因。     

Investigation of the mechanical and ballistic properties of hybrid carbon/ aramid woven laminates

High-performance ballistic fibers, such as aramid fiber and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), are commonly used in anti-ballistic structures due to their low density, high tensile strength and high specific modulus. However, their low modulus in the thickness direction and insufficient shear strength limits their application in certain ballistic structure. In contrast, carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrix composites (CFRP) have the characteristics of high modulus in the thickness direction and high shear resistance. However, carbon fibers are rarely used and applied for protection purposes. A hybridization with aramid fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrix composites (AFRP) and CFRP has the potential to improve the stiffness and the ballistic property of the typical ballistic fiber composites. The hybrid effects on the flexural property and ballistic performance of the hybrid CFRP/AFRP laminates were investigated. Through conducting mechanical property tests and ballistic tests, two sets of reliable simulation parameters for AFRP and CFRP were established using LS-DYNA software, respectively. The experimental results suggested that by increasing the content of CFRP that the flexural properties of hybrid CFRP/AFRP laminates were enhanced. The ballistic tests’ results and the simulation illustrated that the specific energy absorption by the perforation method of CFRP achieved 77.7% of AFRP. When CFRP was on the striking face, the shear resistance of the laminates and the resistance force to the projectiles was promoted at the initial penetration stage. The proportion of fiber tensile failures in the AFRP layers was also enhanced with the addition of CFRP during the penetration process. These improvements resulted in the ballistic performance of hybrid CFRP/AFRP laminates was better than AFRP when the CFRP content was 20 wt% and 30 wt%.     

Friction stir surfacing of cast A356 aluminiumesilicon alloy with boron carbide and molybdenum disulphide powders

Good castability and high strength properties of Ale Si alloys are useful in defence applications like torpedoes,manufacture of Missile bodies,and parts of automobile such as engine cylinders and pistons.Poor wear resistance of the alloys is major limitation for their use.Friction stir processing(FSP) is a recognized surfacing technique as it overcomes the problems of fusion route surface modification methods.Keeping in view of the requirement of improving wear resistance of cast aluminiumesilicon alloy,friction stir processing was attempted for surface modification with boron carbide(B4C) and molybdenum disulfide(Mo S2) powders.Metallography,micro compositional analysis,hardness and pin-on-disc wear testing were used for characterizing the surface composite coating.Microscopic study revealed breaking of coarse silicon needles and uniformly distributed carbides in the A356 alloy matrix after FSP.Improvement and uniformity in hardness was obtained in surface composite layer.Higher wear resistance was achieved in friction stir processed coating with carbide powders.Addition of solid lubricant Mo S2 powder was found to improve wear resistance of the base metal significantly.     

树脂浸渍裂解对气相硅反应渗透C/SiC的影响

粘胶基碳纤维毡经过CVD工艺进行沉积碳增密处理后,采用酚醛树脂浸渍—裂解对C/C素坯的密度进行调节,通过气相硅渗透反应工艺制备了C/SiC复合材料。研究了树脂浸渍—裂解对C/C素坯密度和气孔率的影响规律,分析了树脂裂解碳对C/SiC显微形貌和力学性能的影响。结果表明:随着树脂浸渍—裂解循环次数的增加,素坯密度增加,孔隙率降低;裂解碳含量为27wt%时,C/SiC复合材料的强度和模量达到最大,分别为231MPa和209GPa。通过控制裂解碳含量,可以实现对C/SiC复合材料力学性能和微观结构的裁剪。     

添加SiC微粉对硅树脂先驱体转化3D Cf/Si-O-C材料性能的影响

以三维碳纤维织物和廉价的硅树脂为原料,采用先驱体转化工艺制备3D G/Si-O-C材料,考察了浸渍液中添加SiC填料对材料微观结构、力学性能和抗氧化性能影响.结果表明:添加适量的SiC填料有助于减少基体孔隙,改善界面结合,从而提高材料的力学性能;而SiC含量过高时,容易在材料内部形成闭孔,从而导致材料力学性能下降.当SiC微粉含量为18.2%时,材料具有最好的力学性能,弯曲强度和断裂韧度分别为421.3MPa和13.0 MPa·m1/2;而材料的抗氧化性能随着SiC微粉含量的增加而增加,当SiC微粉含量为25.0%时,材料的弯曲强度保留率最高,达到了89.5%.     

Microstructure,mechanical and corrosion behavior of high strength AA7075aluminium alloy friction stir welds-Effect of post weld heat treatment

High strength aluminium alloy AA7075(Al-Zn-Mg-Cu) is a precipitate hardenable alloy widely used in the aerospace,defense,marine and automobile industries.Use of the heat treatable aluminium alloys in all these sectors is ever-increasing owing to their excellent strength-toweight ratio and reasonably good corrosion resistance.The shortage in corrosion resistance,however,usually poses negative concern about their reliability and lifetime when they service in the variable marine environments.These alloys also exhibit low weldability due to poor solidification microstructure,porosity in fusion zone and lose their mechanical properties when they are welded by fusion welding techniques.Friction stir welding(FSW) is a reliable technique to retain the properties of the alloy as the joining takes place in the solid state.The welds are susceptible to corrosion due to the microstructural changes in the weld nugget during FSW.In this work,the effect of post weld treatments,viz.,peak aging(T6) and retrogression reaging(RRA),on the microstructure,mechanical properties and pitting corrosion has been studied.Friction stir welding of 8 mm-thick AA7075 alloy was carried out.The microstructural changes of base metal and nugget zone of friction stir welds were studied using optical microscopy,scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.Tensile and hardness test of base metal and welds has been carried out.Pitting corrosion resistance was determined through dynamic polarization test.It was observed that the hardness and strength of weld were observed to be comparatively high in peak aged(T6) condition but the welds showed poor corrosion resistance.The resistance to pitting corrosion was improved and the mechanical properties were maintained by RRA treatment.The resistance to pitting corrosion was improved in RRA condition with the minimum loss of weld strength.     

The properties of Sn–Zn–Al–La fusible alloy for mitigation devices of solid propellant rocket motors

The Al and La elements are added to the Sn9Zn alloy to obtain the fusible alloy for the mitigation devices of solid propellant rocket motors. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), metallographic analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), tensile testing and fracture analysis were used to study the effect of Al and La elements on the microstructure, melting characteristics, and mechanical properties of the Sn9Zn alloy. Whether the fusible diaphragm can effectively relieve pressure was investigated by the hydrostatic pressure at high-temperature test. Experimental results show that the melting point of the Sn9Zn-0.8Al0·2La and Sn9Zn–3Al0·2La fusible alloys can meet the predetermined working temperature of ventilation. The mechanical properties of those are more than 35% higher than that of the Sn9Zn alloy at −50 °C–70 °C, and the mechanical strength is reduced by 80% at 175 °C. It is proven by the hydrostatic pressure at high-temperature test that the fusible diaphragm can relieve pressure effectively and can be used for the design of the mitigation devices of solid propellant rocket motors.     

Gas tungsten arc welding of ZrB_2-SiC based ultra high temperature ceramic composites

The difficulty in fabricating the large size or complex shape limits the application of ZrB2-SiC composites. Joining them by fusion welding without or with preheating, controlled cooling under protective gas shield leads to thermal shock failure or porosity at the weld interface. In the present work, a filler material of(ZrB2-SiC-B4C-YAG) composite with oxidation resistance and thermal shock resistance was produced in the form of welding wire. Using the filler, gas tungsten arc welding(GTAW) was performed without employing preheating, post controlled cooling and extraneous protective gas shield to join hot pressed ZrB2-SiC(ZS), and pressureless sintered ZrB2-SiC-B4C-YAG(ZSBY) composites to themselves. The fusion welding resulted in cracking and non-uniform joining without any filler material. The weld interfaces of the composites were very clean and coherent. The Vickers micro-hardness across the weld interface was found to increase due to the increase in the volume % of both SiC and B4C in the filler material. The shear strength of the weld was about 50% of the flextural strength of the parent composite.     

Influence of magnetically constricted arc traverse speed (MCATS) on tensile properties and microstructural characteristics of welded Inconel 718 alloy sheets

The magnetically constricted arc technique was implemented to mitigate the heat input related metal-lurgical problems in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) of Inconel 718 alloy particularly Nb segregation and subsequent laves phase evolution in fusion zone. This paper reports the direct effect of magnetically constricted arc traverse speed (MCATS) on bead profile, tensile properties and microstructural evolution of Inconel 718 alloy sheets joined by Gas Tungsten Constricted Arc Welding (GTCAW) process. The mechanism amenable for the microstructural modification and corresponding influence on the tensile properties of joints is investigated both in qualitative and quantitative manner related to the mechanics of arc constriction and pulsing. It is correlated to the solidification conditions during welding. The relationship between MCATS and Arc Constriction Current (ACC) was derived. Its interaction effect on the magnetic arc constriction and joint performance was analysed. Results showed that the joints fabricated using CATS of 70 mm/min exhibited superior tensile properties (98.39% of base metal strength with 31.50% elongation). It is attributed to the grain refinement in fusion zone microstructure leading to the evolution of finer, discrete laves phase in interdendritic areas.     

Magnetic,thermal stability and dynamic mechanical properties of beta isotactic polypropylene/natural rubber blends reinforced by NiZn ferrite nanoparticles

The dispersion of magnetic nanoparticles in matrix is crucial to ensure optimum performance of the composite. The difficulty level of achieving good dispersion is further increase when a multi-phases of matrix is present. A pre-coating technique of magnetic nanoparticles with polypropylene using ball-mill prior to melt-blending process was employed to prepare a multi-phases thermoplastic natural rubber composite. The effect of filler loading (2 wt%-10 wt%) on morphology, structure, magnetic properties, thermal stability and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. It was found that the NiZn ferrite nanoparticles act as nucleating agent to form beta isostatic polypropylene thermoplastic composites. The composites' magnetic properties are directly dependent on the filler concentration. The dispersion of magnetic fillers in polymer matrix plays role in affecting the magnetic properties and thermal stability. The preference of filler to locate at amorphous phase has distorted the chain orientation of natural rubber and polypropylene. Hence, the polymorphism and crystallinity of the matrix varied as the filler loading increased, affecting the dynamic mechanical properties. It was found that 8 wt% NiZn nanocomposite exhibits highest E’ and tanδ, indicating the dynamic mechanical properties of NiZn nanocomposite are affected by β-phase degree.     

Influence of tool pin profile on microstructure and corrosion behaviour of AA2219 Al-Cu alloy friction stir weld nuggets

To overcome the problems of fusion welding of aluminium alloys, the friction stir welding(FSW) is recognized as an alternative joining method to improve the mechanical and corrosion properties. Tool profile is one of the important variables which affect the performance of the FS weld. In the present work, the effect of tool profile on the weld nugget microstructure and pitting corrosion of AA2219 aluminium-copper alloy was studied. FSW of AA2219 alloy was carried out using five profiles, namely conical, square, triangle, pentagon and hexagon. The temperature measurements were made in the region adjacent to the rotating pin. It was observed that the peak temperature is more in hexagonal tool pin compared to the welds produced with other tool pin profiles. It is observed that the extensive deformation experienced at the nugget zone and the evolved microstructure strongly influences the hardness and corrosion properties of the joint during FSW. It was found that the microstructure changes like grain size, misorientation and precipitate dissolution during FSW influence the hardness and corrosion behaviour. Pitting corrosion resistance of friction stir welds of AA2219 was found to be better for hexagon profile tool compared to other profiles, which was attributed to material flow and strengthening precipitate morphology in nugget zone. Higher amount of heat generation in FS welds made with hexagonal profile tool may be the reason for greater dissolution of strengthening precipitates in nugget zone.     

Enhancement of wear and ballistic resistance of armour grade AA7075 aluminium alloy using friction stir processing

Industrial applications of aluminium and its alloys are restricted because of their poor tribological properties. Thermal spraying, laser surfacing, electron beam welding are the most widely used techniques to alter the surface morphology of base metal. Preliminary studies reveal that the coating and layering of aluminium alloys with ceramic particles enhance the ballistic resistance. Furthermore, among aluminium alloys,7075 aluminium alloy exhibits high strength which can be compared to that of steels and has profound applications in the designing of lightweight fortification structures and integrated protection systems. Having limitations such as poor bond integrity, formation of detrimental phases and interfacial reaction between reinforcement and substrate using fusion route to deposit hard particles paves the way to adopt friction stir processing for fabricating surface composites using different sizes of boron carbide particles as reinforcement on armour grade 7075 aluminium alloy as matrix in the present investigation. Wear and ballistic tests were carried out to assess the performance of friction stir processed AA7075 alloy. Significant improvement in wear resistance of friction stir processed surface composites is attributed to the change in wear mechanism from abrasion to adhesion. It has also been observed that the surface metal matrix composites have shown better ballistic resistance compared to the substrate AA7075 alloy. Addition of solid lubricant Mo S2 has reduced the depth of penetration of the projectile to half that of base metal AA7075 alloy. For the first time, the friction stir processing technique was successfully used to improve the wear and ballistic resistances of armour grade high strength AA7075 alloy.     

纳米SiC晶须增强铜基纳米复合材料摩擦学性能研究

采用粉末冶金法制备了添加纳米SiC晶须（n-SiCw）的铜基纳米复合材料（SiCw／Cu）。研究了复合材料的显微组织、密度、硬度与n-SiCw含量之间的关系，通过球／盘式摩擦磨损试验机研究了SiCw／Cu复合材料的摩擦磨损性能。结果表明：随n-SiCw含量增加，基体中孔隙增多，并出现n-SiCw的偏聚，复合材料的密度减小，硬度增加；当n-SiCw含量为0．3wt％时，材料的减摩、耐磨性能最好；SiCw／Cu复合材料的磨损机制为疲劳磨损和磨粒磨损，并以疲劳磨损为主。     

Effect of post weld heat treatment on tensile properties and microstructure characteristics of friction stir welded armour grade AA7075-T651 aluminium alloy

This paper reports the effects of post weld heat treatments, namely artificial ageing and solution treatment followed by artificial ageing, on microstructure and mechanical properties of 12 mm thick friction stir welded joints of precipitation hardenable high strength armour grade AA7075-T651 aluminium alloy. The tensile properties, such as yield strength, tensile strength, elongation and notch tensile strength, are evaluated and correlated with the microhardness and microstructural features. The scanning electron microscope is used to characterie the fracture surfaces. The solution treatment followed by ageing heat treatment cycle is found to be marginally beneficial in improving the tensile properties of friction stir welds of AA7075-T651 aluminium alloy.     

Fabrication of AA7005/TiB2-B4C surface composite by friction stir processing: Evaluation of ballistic behaviour

The present work aims to enhance the ballistic resistance of AA7005 alloy by incorporating the TiB₂ and B₄C ceramic reinforcement particles. Surface composites with different weight fractions of TiB₂ and B₄C particles were processed by friction stir processing. Micro-hardness and depth of penetration tests were carried out to evaluate the ballistic properties of the surface composites. The surface hardness of the composite was found to be nearly 70 HV higher than base alloy. The depth of penetration of the steel projectile was 20–26 mm in the composites as compared to 37 mm in the base alloy. Ballistic mass efficiency factor of the surface composite was found to be 1.6 times higher than base alloy. This is mainly attributed to the dispersion strengthening from the reinforcement particles.     

Effect of silicon carbide and wire-mesh reinforcements in dissimilar grade aluminium explosive clad composites

Aluminium composites are inevitable in the manufacture of aircraft structural elements owing to less weight, superior corrosion resistance and higher specific properties. These composites reduce the weight of the aircraft, improve the fuel efficiency and enhance the maintenance duration. This study proposes the development of dissimilar grade aluminium (aluminium 1100-aluminium 5052) composites with different reinforcement’s viz., stainless steel wire-mesh, silicon carbide (SiC) powders and SiC powder interspersed wire-mesh, by explosive cladding technique. Wire-mesh enhances the friction and restricts the movement of flyer plate to craft a defect free clad, while SiC particles form a band on the interface. Highest strength is obtained when SiC powder interspersed wire mesh is employed as reinforcement. The dissimilar aluminium explosive clad with SiC particle reinforcement results in lower strength, which is higher than that of the weaker parent alloy and that of the conventional dissimilar aluminium explosive clads without any reinforcement.     

Microstructure and pitting corrosion of armor grade AA7075 aluminum alloy friction stir weld nugget zone-Effect of post weld heat treatment and addition of boron carbide

Friction stir welding(FSW) of high strength aluminum alloys has been emerged as an alternative joining technique to avoid the problems during fusion welding.In recent times FSW is being used for armor grade AA7075 aluminum alloy in defense,aerospace and marine applications where it has to serve in non uniform loading and corrosive environments.Even though friction stir welds of AA7075 alloy possess better mechanical properties but suffer from poor corrosion resistance.The present work involves use of retrogression and reaging(RRA) post weld heat treatment to improve the corrosion resistance of welded joints of aluminum alloys.An attempt also has been made to change the chemical composition of the weld nugget by adding B4C nano particles with the aid of the FSW on a specially prepared base metal plate in butt position.The effects of peak aged condition(T6),RRA and addition of B4C nano particles on microstructure,hardness and pitting corrosion of nugget zone of the friction stir welds of AA7075 alloy have been studied.Even though RRA improved the pitting corrosion resistance,its hardness was slightly lost.Significant improvement in pitting corrosion resistance was achieved with addition of boron carbide powder and post weld heat treatment of RRA.     

Effect of organo-modified montmorillonite nanoclay on mechanical,thermal and ablation behavior of carbon fiber/phenolic resin composites

The mechanical, thermal and ablation properties of carbon phenolic (C-Ph) composites (Type-I) rein-forced with different weight percentages of organo-modified montmorillonite (o-MMT) nanoclay have been studied experimentally. Ball milling was used to disperse different weight (wt) percentages (0, 1,2,4,6 wt.％) of nanoclay into phenolic resin. Viscosity changes to resin due to nanoclay was studied. On the other hand, nanoclay added phenolic matrix composites (Type-II) were prepared to study the dispersion of nanoclay in phenolic matrix by small angle X-ray scattering and thermal stability changes to the matrix by thermogravimetric analyser (TGA). This data was used to understand the mechanical, thermal and ablation properties of Type-I composites. Inter laminar shear strength (ILSS), flexural strength and flexural modulus of Type I composites increased by about 29％, 12％and 7％respectively at 2 wt.％ addition of nanoclay beyond which these properties decreased. This was attributed to reduced fiber volume fraction (％Vf) of Type-I composites due to nanoclay addition at such high loadings. Mass ablation rate of Type-I composites was evaluated using oxy acetylene torch test at low heat flux (125 W/cm2) and high heat flux levels (500 W/cm2). Mass ablation rates have increased at both flux levels marginally up to 2 wt.％ addition of nanoclay beyond which it has increased significantly. This is in contrast to increased thermal stability observed for Type-I and Type-Ⅱ composites up to 2 wt.％addition of nanoclay. Increased ablation rates due to nanoclay addition was attributed to higher insulation effi-ciency of nanolcay, which accumulates more heat energy in limited area behind the ablation front and self-propagating ablation mechanisms triggered by thermal decomposition of organic part of nanoclay.