{"title":"In-situ SR-CT experimental study on rapid densification mechanisms of SiCw/Al composites: Orientation and structural arrangement of whisker","authors":"Yuanjie Wang, Yu Xiao, Yulong Li, Xiaofang Hu, Feng Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108975","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For Al matrix composites, SiC whiskers (SiC<sub>w</sub>), as reinforcement, have a better ability to improve the strength and toughness of the material than particles. However, the current mechanical properties of SiC<sub>w</sub>/Al composites are still not up to expectations because of more complex factors such as whisker orientation and structure distribution. The key to achieve mechanical property optimization and breakthrough is to understand the relationship among the external field energy, microstructure and sintering process during the preparation of materials. In the present paper, the whole process of SiC<sub>w</sub>/Al composites microstructure evolution was observed accurately by in situ SR-CT experiment during microwave rapid sintering process. It was revealed that the densification effect of the sample was obviously better than that when the SiC whisker and Al particle neck are perpendicular to each other. It was found that the when the SiC whiskers located in the neck of Al particles were cross-distributed, the matrix density increased more. The angle between the cross-arranged whiskers had a key influence on the densification process of the material. It provided more understanding for the preparation of high performance SiC<sub>w</sub>/Al composites and raised the possibility for the preparation of more functional materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":282,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","volume":"195 ","pages":"Article 108975"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1000,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","FirstCategoryId":"1","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359835X25002696","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"ENGINEERING, MANUFACTURING","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
For Al matrix composites, SiC whiskers (SiCw), as reinforcement, have a better ability to improve the strength and toughness of the material than particles. However, the current mechanical properties of SiCw/Al composites are still not up to expectations because of more complex factors such as whisker orientation and structure distribution. The key to achieve mechanical property optimization and breakthrough is to understand the relationship among the external field energy, microstructure and sintering process during the preparation of materials. In the present paper, the whole process of SiCw/Al composites microstructure evolution was observed accurately by in situ SR-CT experiment during microwave rapid sintering process. It was revealed that the densification effect of the sample was obviously better than that when the SiC whisker and Al particle neck are perpendicular to each other. It was found that the when the SiC whiskers located in the neck of Al particles were cross-distributed, the matrix density increased more. The angle between the cross-arranged whiskers had a key influence on the densification process of the material. It provided more understanding for the preparation of high performance SiCw/Al composites and raised the possibility for the preparation of more functional materials.
期刊介绍:
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing is a comprehensive journal that publishes original research papers, review articles, case studies, short communications, and letters covering various aspects of composite materials science and technology. This includes fibrous and particulate reinforcements in polymeric, metallic, and ceramic matrices, as well as 'natural' composites like wood and biological materials. The journal addresses topics such as properties, design, and manufacture of reinforcing fibers and particles, novel architectures and concepts, multifunctional composites, advancements in fabrication and processing, manufacturing science, process modeling, experimental mechanics, microstructural characterization, interfaces, prediction and measurement of mechanical, physical, and chemical behavior, and performance in service. Additionally, articles on economic and commercial aspects, design, and case studies are welcomed. All submissions undergo rigorous peer review to ensure they contribute significantly and innovatively, maintaining high standards for content and presentation. The editorial team aims to expedite the review process for prompt publication.