Recent Results on Fusion Reactor Materials from FFTF/MOTA Program. Neutron Irradiation Damage of Graphite, C/C and Metal Matrix Composites.

Aluminium—boron carbide metal matrix composites (Al-B4C MMCs) belong to the class of materials extensively used in the nuclear industry as a thermal neutron absorber in spent fuel casks. This article investigates a novel production method of Al-B4C MMCs—Friction Stir Additive Processing (FSAP)—as an alternative production method to casting or sintering. FSAP is derived from friction stir welding, which can be used to local modifications of microstructure, or it can be used to incorporate the second phase into the processed material. During this study, a variant of FSAP for MMC production was proposed, and its mechanical and thermal neutron absorbing properties have been investigated. Further, the influence of neutron irradiation on mechanical properties has been studied. Results show that FSAP can successfully produce Al-B4C MMCs with 7 mm thickness. Neutron irradiation causes only a slight increase in hardness, while its effect on tensile properties remains inconclusive.

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Electron Microscopy of Metal-Matrix Composites

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100069016 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 28 ◽

pp. 404-405

Author(s):

A. Lawley ◽

M. R. Pinnel ◽

A. Pattnaik

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Metal Matrix Composites ◽

Metal Matrix ◽

Critical Evaluation ◽

Elastic Behavior ◽

Matrix Composites ◽

Directionally Solidified ◽

Fracture Characteristics ◽

Broad Program

As part of a broad program on composite materials, the role of the interface on the micromechanics of deformation of metal-matrix composites is being studied. The approach is to correlate elastic behavior, micro and macroyielding, flow, and fracture behavior with associated structural detail (dislocation substructure, fracture characteristics) and stress-state. This provides an understanding of the mode of deformation from an atomistic viewpoint; a critical evaluation can then be made of existing models of composite behavior based on continuum mechanics. This paper covers the electron microscopy (transmission, fractography, scanning microscopy) of two distinct forms of composite material: conventional fiber-reinforced (aluminum-stainless steel) and directionally solidified eutectic alloys (aluminum-copper). In the former, the interface is in the form of a compound and/or solid solution whereas in directionally solidified alloys, the interface consists of a precise crystallographic boundary between the two constituents of the eutectic.

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TEM examination of 2014-SiC metal matrix composite

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100105692 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 46 ◽

pp. 726-727

Author(s):

M. G. Burke ◽

M. N. Gungor ◽

P. K. Liaw

Keyword(s):

Metal Matrix Composite ◽

Metal Matrix Composites ◽

Matrix Composite ◽

Metal Matrix ◽

Tensile Deformation ◽

Microstructural Characterization ◽

Thin Foil ◽

Matrix Alloy ◽

Matrix Composites ◽

Ion Milling

Aluminum-based metal matrix composites offer unique combinations of high specific strength and high stiffness. The improvement in strength and stiffness is related to the particulate reinforcement and the particular matrix alloy chosen. In this way, the metal matrix composite can be tailored for specific materials applications. The microstructural characterization of metal matrix composites is thus important in the development of these materials. In this study, the structure of a p/m 2014-SiC particulate metal matrix composite has been examined after extrusion and tensile deformation.Thin-foil specimens of the 2014-20 vol.% SiCp metal matrix composite were prepared by dimpling to approximately 35 μm prior to ion-milling using a Gatan Dual Ion Mill equipped with a cold stage. These samples were then examined in a Philips 400T TEM/STEM operated at 120 kV. Two material conditions were evaluated: after extrusion (80:1); and after tensile deformation at 250°C.

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