Residual strain gradient determination in metal matrix composites by synchrotron X-ray energy dispersive diffraction

X-ray computed tomography is an important tool for evaluating the three dimensional microstructure of modern materials non-destructively. To resolve material structures in the micrometre range and below high brilliance synchrotron radiation has to be taken. But materials of low absorption or mixed phases show a weak absorption contrast at there interfaces. A Contrast enhancement can be achieved by exploiting the refraction of X-rays at interfaces. This technique was developed and applied at the NDT department of the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) during the last decade. It meets the actual demand for improved non-destructive characterisation of high performance composites, ceramics and other low density materials and components. The technique is based on Ultra Small Angle Scattering (USAXS) by micro structural elements causing phase related effects like refraction and total reflection at a few minutes of arc as the refractive index of X-rays is nearly unity. The extraordinary refraction contrast of inner surfaces is far beyond absorption effects and hence especially useful for materials of low absorption or mixed phases, showing similar X-ray absorption properties. Crack orientation and fibre-matrix debonding in plastics, polymers, ceramics and metal-matrix-composites after cyclic loading and hydro thermal aging can be visualized. By combining the refraction technique with the computed tomography technique the three dimensional imaging of the micro structure of the materials is obtained. In most cases the investigated inner surface and interface structures correlate to mechanical properties. Recent results with a sub-micrometer resolution will be presented.

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Core/Shell Structure of TiO2-Coated MWCNTs for Thermal Protection for High-Temperature Processing of Metal Matrix Composites

Advances in Materials Science and Engineering ◽

10.1155/2018/7026141 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Laura Angélica Ardila Rodriguez ◽

Dilermando Nagle Travessa

Keyword(s):

Thermal Stability ◽

Metal Matrix Composites ◽

Shell Structure ◽

Metal Matrix ◽

Thermal Protection ◽

Oxidation Stability ◽

Core Shell ◽

Matrix Composites ◽

X Ray ◽

Core Shell Structure

The production of metal matrix composites with elevated mechanical properties depends largely on the reinforcing phase properties. Due to the poor oxidation resistance of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as well as their high reactivity with molten metal, the processing conditions for the production of MWCNT-reinforced metal matrix composites may be an obstacle to their successful use as reinforcement. Coating MWCNTs with a ceramic material that acts as a thermal protection would be an alternative to improve oxidation stability. In this work, MWCNTs previously functionalized were coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) layers of different thicknesses, producing a core-shell structure. Heat treatments at three different temperatures (500°C, 750°C, and 1000°C) were performed on coated nanotubes in order to form a stable metal oxide structure. The MWCNT/TiO2 hybrids produced were evaluated in terms of thermal stability. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were performed in order to investigate TiO2-coated MWCNT structure and thermal stability under oxidative atmosphere. It was found that the thermal stability of the TiO2-coated MWCNTs was dependent of the TiO2 layer morphology that in turn depends on the heat treatment temperature.

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