Limoges paper - JECerS - final.pdf (1.21 MB)
Processing of ceramic-metal interpenetrating composites
journal contribution
posted on 2008-12-15, 14:06 authored by J.G.P. Binner, Hong Chang, Rebecca HigginsonRebecca HigginsonInterpenetrating composites consist of 3-dimensionally interpenetrating matrices of two
different phases; in the present work they were alumina and aluminium-magnesium alloys and
were produced by infiltrating ceramic foams with molten alloys. The foams were made by
mechanically agitating ceramic suspensions to entrain gases and then setting the structure via the
in-situ polymerisation of organic monomers, a process known as gel casting. This resulted in the
foams having a very open and interconnected structure that could be easily infiltrated by the
molten metals. Previous composites have been produced at Loughborough University using
squeeze casting; however, whilst infiltration was usually accomplished in a matter of seconds,
the resulting size and shape of the composite was limited. Hence the present work has focused
on investigating the potential for using gravity-fed infiltration. Whilst this was much slower,
often taking several minutes, when optimised it is believed it will offer the potential for the
production of large and complex-shaped pieces.
The composites were produced at atmospheric pressure by infiltrating 2-10 wt.%
magnesium content Al-Mg alloys into 20% dense Al2O3 foams with highly interconnected
porosity. The processing parameters of temperature, ≥ 900°C, and atmosphere, flowing N2-
Ar, were investigated to determine the processing window and infiltration kinetics. In-situ
observation of the process shows that infiltration is faster at higher temperatures, Mg contents
and N2 partial pressures. Both optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been
used to characterize the composites.
History
School
- Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering
Department
- Materials
Citation
BINNER, J.G.P., CHANG, H. and HIGGINSON, R.L., 2009. Processing of ceramic-metal interpenetrating composites. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 29 (5), pp. 837-842.Publisher
© ElsevierVersion
- AM (Accepted Manuscript)
Publication date
2009Notes
This article was accepted for publication in the journal, Journal of the European Ceramic Society [© Elsevier] and the definitive version is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09552219ISSN
0955-2219Language
- en