SiliconPub Date : 2026-07-16DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03752-x
Aqeel Ur Rehman, Muhammad Salman Khan, Arooj Rashid, Abraiz Khattak, Arshad Khan
{"title":"Electro-UV and Electro-Thermal Aging Effects on the Electrical and Surface Properties of HTV Silicon Rubber Nanocomposites for Electrical Insulation","authors":"Aqeel Ur Rehman, Muhammad Salman Khan, Arooj Rashid, Abraiz Khattak, Arshad Khan","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03752-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03752-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study examined the degradation of high-temperature vulcanized (HTV) silicon rubber (SR) composites with nano-SiO₂ reinforcement under two accelerated aging conditions i.e. ultraviolet exposure combined with electrical stress (electro-UV) and thermal stress along with 5 kV electrical stress electro-thermal. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that electro-UV aging caused up to 45% reduction in Si-CH₃ groups and 32% loss in Si–O-Si bonds for SR0 SR, while electro-thermal aging produced comparatively smaller reductions. Unlike prior studies that examined UV and thermal aging separately, this work combines electrical stress (electro-UV and electro-thermal) to test field aging conditions. SR0 exhibited significant degradation, with a 45% loss of Si-CH₃ groups and a 32% reduction in Si–O-Si bonds, shifting toward HC5-HC6 hydrophobicity classes. This was confirmed by largely unchanged FTIR spectra and consistent hydrophobicity within the HC1-HC2 range. Leakage current (LC) analysis under both AC and DC stress further supported this: SR0 exhibited a 24% rise in AC LC and 43% rise in DC LC, while the 5 wt.% filled sample limited increases to just 6% and 10%. Electro-UV aged samples exhibited higher peak leakage currents than electro-thermal aged samples. DC leakage currents showed particularly large relative increases over time, consistent with continuous wet conduction once hydrophobicity was lost, whereas AC currents were somewhat limited by periodic dry-band arcing. Incorporating nano-SiO₂ markedly suppressed leakage current, with the 5% filled composite showing the smallest rise in both AC and DC leakage, reflecting its superior maintenance of surface hydrophobicity and electrical integrity. These findings underscore that a moderate nano-SiO₂ loading can significantly enhance the resistance of SR to electrical, UV, and thermal aging stresses. The developed nano-SiO₂ filled HTV silicone rubber composites are reliable for outdoor high-voltage polymeric insulators in transmission lines, particularly in regions with high UV exposure like Pakistan, where they offer enhanced resistance to surface erosion, hydrophobicity loss, and leakage current under electro-UV stress.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 11","pages":"3639 - 3655"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SiliconPub Date : 2026-07-15DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03740-1
Fateme Rezaei, Ali A. Orouji
{"title":"Modified Effective Current Path in SOI LDMOSFET to Enhance Breakdown Voltage with Reduced On-Resistance","authors":"Fateme Rezaei, Ali A. Orouji","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03740-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03740-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this work, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) laterally diffused MOSFET (LDMOSFET) structure with a converted effective current pathway is proposed. With a specially designed current pathway in its drift region, within a short cell pitch length, its dominant figure of merit is significantly enhanced, i.e., breakdown voltage and on-resistance. Two-dimensional numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the electrical parameters of the proposed structure. Optimizations resulted in a 46.6% rise in breakdown voltage and an 19.8% reduction in on-resistance compared with their conventional counterparts. These improvements indicate the device's potential to be utilized in medium-voltage power applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 10","pages":"3565 - 3580"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148628681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SiliconPub Date : 2026-07-14DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03722-3
T. Hariharan, Krishnaveni A, R. Santhana Krishnan, S. Naveen
{"title":"Failure and Prevention Analysis of Silane-treated Jute Fiber and Apple Pomace Pectin-reinforced Vinyl Ester Composite under Service Temperature Condition","authors":"T. Hariharan, Krishnaveni A, R. Santhana Krishnan, S. Naveen","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03722-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03722-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Biocomposite materials are researched largely under various backgrounds because of their less dense, affordable, corrosive resistance, better strength features. The present study focuses on the development and characterization of a novel bio-composite reinforced with surface-modified jute fiber and pectin biopolymer derived from apple pomace, aimed at enhancing mechanical, tribological, moisture resistance, and flammability properties. This work addresses a key research gap by investigating the effect of 30-day service temperature conditioned silane-treated bio-based composites, a topic with limited prior studies. Pectin was extracted from industrial apple pomace using citric acid-assisted hydrolysis and was further processed via acetone precipitation and oven drying. Both jute fiber and pectin particles were surface-modified using a 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) solution to improve interfacial bonding and reduce service temperature induced degradation. Composites were fabricated using the hand layup technique, followed by room-temperature curing and post-curing. Among the unaged specimens, those containing 3 vol.% pectin demonstrated the highest tensile (149 MPa) and flexural strength (162 MPa), while the composite with 5 vol.% pectin exhibited the lowest wear rate (0.018 mm<sup>3</sup>/Nm), water absorption (0.001%), and flame propagation speed (5.53 mm/min). After service temperature condition of 50 °C for 30 days, silane-modified composites showed only marginal reductions in performance. For instance, tensile strength in aged specimen V22 reduced from 112 to 104 MPa, while water absorption in V25 increased only slightly from 0.001% to 0.009%, and wear rate rose from 0.018 mm<sup>3</sup>/Nm to 0.020 mm<sup>3</sup>/Nm, confirming the protective effect of silane treatment. Further, the developed silane-modified jute/pectin biocomposites are suitable for lightweight semi-structural and tribological components used in automotive interior panels, door trims, under-hood secondary parts, consumer product housings, and building interior elements, where moderate load-bearing capacity, low wear, moisture resistance, and flame retardancy under prolonged service temperatures of around 50 °C are required. Additionally, the use of apple pomace–derived pectin enables sustainable materials for eco-friendly panels, packaging supports, and interior structural inserts by valorizing agro-industrial waste while maintaining durability during long-term thermal exposure.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 10","pages":"3553 - 3564"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148628680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SiliconPub Date : 2026-07-13DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03742-z
Nikhil Gupta, Subodh Barthwal, Praveen Pachauri
{"title":"Sustainable Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Seashell-derived Silicon Reinforced Magnesium Matrix Composites using Stir Casting","authors":"Nikhil Gupta, Subodh Barthwal, Praveen Pachauri","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03742-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03742-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Magnesium matrix composites (MMCs) are increasingly recognized for lightweight structural applications; however, their broader use is limited by poor hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion susceptibility. Sustainable reinforcement strategies can address these limitations while reducing environmental impact. In this study, seashell-derived silicon nanoparticles were extracted via a thermal–chemical route and incorporated into an AZ91 magnesium alloy matrix using stir casting. The composites were fabricated with reinforcement contents of 0.5–2.0 wt%, followed by hot compaction at 350 °C and 400 MPa to improve densification. Comprehensive mechanical, tribological, and corrosion tests, along with microstructural analyses (SEM, TEM, XRD, and EDS), were conducted to evaluate performance. The optimized S1.5 composite exhibited superior mechanical and functional properties, including a 20% increase in ultimate tensile strength (220 MPa), 15% rise in yield strength (156 MPa), and 18% improvement in hardness (83 HV) over the base alloy. The compressive strength improved by 19%, while the wear rate decreased by 35% and corrosion rate reduced by 43%. These enhancements are attributed to uniform Si dispersion, grain refinement, and the formation of stable MgO/Mg(OH)₂ protective films. The mechanical and corrosion performance of the developed composites are comparable to SiC- and Al₂O₃-reinforced Mg systems (UTS 230–240 MPa, hardness 88–90 HV) reported in literature, demonstrating 95% performance parity with synthetic counterparts. Importantly, this approach aligns with circular economy principles by upcycling seashell waste into high-value reinforcement, minimizing resource depletion and environmental burden. Thus, seashell-derived Si nanoparticles present a sustainable, low-cost, and eco-efficient reinforcement pathway for next-generation lightweight Mg composites applicable in automotive, aerospace, and marine industries.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 10","pages":"3535 - 3551"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148628677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SiliconPub Date : 2026-07-13DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03723-2
R. Ajish Kumar, M. Felix Xavier Muthu
{"title":"Process-property Evaluation of 3D-printed ABS/biosilica Biocomposites Reinforced with Sugarcane Bagasse under Friction Stir Welding","authors":"R. Ajish Kumar, M. Felix Xavier Muthu","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03723-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03723-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The increasing demand for sustainable and high performance polymer composites in additive manufacturing has encouraged the use of bio-based reinforcements in engineering thermoplastics. In this investigation, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) was reinforced with varying volume fractions (1–5%) of alkali-silane treated biosilica particles derived from sugarcane bagasse to develop eco-friendly composites suitable for 3D printing applications. The samples were designated as F (100 vol. % ABS), F1 (99/1), F2 (97/3), and F3 (95/5) according to the ABS/biosilica ratio. Standard test specimens were fabricated using fused filament fabrication (FFF) and subsequently joined by Friction stir wielding (FSW) in accordance with ASTM guidelines. Their mechanical (tensile, flexural, impact and hardness), wear, and flammability behaviours were systematically investigated. Results revealed that the inclusion of treated biosilica significantly enhanced the mechanical and functional performance of ABS. The composite F2 (3 vol. %) exhibited the highest mechanical strength, with a tensile strength of 150 MPa, flexural strength of 138 MPa, and impact strength of 3.9 J, demonstrating a substantial improvement over the neat ABS (F) sample. The improvement is attributed to strong filler-matrix interfacial bonding achieved through silane modification and uniform particle dispersion during 3D printing. In contrast, the F3 composite displayed superior tribological behaviour, wear of 20.82 micron and a coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.31, indicating enhanced surface durability. Similarly, the flammability resistance also improved progressively with biosilica content, measuring lowest flame propagation speed is 5.9 mm/min. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis confirmed homogeneous filler distribution and reduced defects in the printed composites. Overall, the findings demonstrate the alkali-silane treated biosilica effectively enhances the mechanical strength, wear resistance, and flame retardancy of 3D printed ABS composites, making them promising candidates for functional for functional and structural applications in sustainable additive manufacturing.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 10","pages":"3521 - 3534"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148628676","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SiliconPub Date : 2026-07-11DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03736-x
Alaa Nihad Tuama, Zahraa N. Salman, Sara J. Ahmed, Forat H. Alsultany, Khalid Haneen Abass, Laith H. Alzubaidi, Mohd Arif bin Agam
{"title":"Interface Stability via Dangling Bonds Termination in Graphene-Silicon Schottky Junction Solar Cells: a Critical Review","authors":"Alaa Nihad Tuama, Zahraa N. Salman, Sara J. Ahmed, Forat H. Alsultany, Khalid Haneen Abass, Laith H. Alzubaidi, Mohd Arif bin Agam","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03736-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03736-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Due to economic challenges and climate change driven by global warming, renewable energy is being reviewed more frequently. One of the most significant renewable energy sources in the field of energy-producing technologies is usually thought to be solar cells. The distinct chemical and physical characteristics of graphene-silicon (Gr-Si) Schottky junction solar cells have generated considerable interest. Graphene is an ideal electrode material for various optoelectronic devices, including photodetectors, solar cells, and LEDs, due to its atomic thickness, enhanced carrier mobility, and transparency. Gr-Si Schottky junction solar cells have garnered increasing attention in recent years, and their power conversion efficiency has surpassed 18% at an astounding rate. In this study, we provide a brief overview of the mechanism, physical characteristics, and common fabrication methods of Gr-Si solar cells before summarizing a variety of important tactics to raise the cells' performance. To minimize the recombination and enhance the efficiency of Gr-Si Schottky junction solar cells, we pay particular attention to the dangling bonds present at the surface that affect the overall performance of the Gr-Si solar cells. Lastly, a detailed discussion of the difficulties and potential of Gr-Si solar cells is provided in the development of the devices.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 10","pages":"3345 - 3361"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148628630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Photocatalytic and Thermal Characterization of SrTiO3 Doped with MgO Nanoparticles for Advanced Insulation Applications","authors":"Vivekanand Jakhar, Ankur Kumar, Abhinav Sharma, Sanjay Dhanka, Manu Kumar, Nitin Kumar, Abhjit Bhowmik, Vivek John, Harvinder Singh, Purnendu Shekar Pandey, Jeewan Singh","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03735-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03735-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study presents the synthesis, structural characterization, and dielectric analysis of Sr<sub>1-<i>x</i></sub>Mg<sub><i>x</i></sub>TiO<sub>3</sub> compounds, where <i>x</i> = 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15, to explore their potential in electrical insulation and thermal management applications. MgO nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol–gel auto-combustion method and integrated into the SrTiO<sub>3</sub> matrix through stoichiometric blending. The prepared mixtures underwent grinding, pelletization, and sintering at 1200 °C. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of a cubic perovskite structure with successful Mg incorporation, showing no secondary phases and revealing lattice distortions attributable to ionic substitution. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) revealed a uniform microstructure, while Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) validated the elemental composition. Dielectric measurements across various frequencies demonstrated that MgO doping significantly affected the material’s permittivity and capacitance, primarily due to reduced polarizability and the presence of Mg's lower polarizable and higher free-electron content. Frequency-dependent trends were also observed in impedance, dissipation factor, and inductance, correlating strongly with doping concentrations. These changes highlight the influence of MgO on energy storage potential, thermal stability, and electrical insulation performance, suggesting suitability for high-temperature and catalytic applications. Furthermore, linear regression analysis of electrical parameters revealed significant predictors, providing deeper insights into the structure–property relationships. Overall, this work advances the understanding of Mg-doped SrTiO<sub>3</sub> systems and their prospective utility in advanced electronics and materials science.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 10","pages":"3501 - 3520"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148628629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SiliconPub Date : 2026-07-09DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03727-y
P. Periyannan, P. Karuppasamy, P. Ramasamy
{"title":"Thermal and Impurity Behaviour in Multi-Crystalline Silicon Growth Using Si₃N₄-Coated MgO Crucibles: A Numerical Approach","authors":"P. Periyannan, P. Karuppasamy, P. Ramasamy","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03727-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03727-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A two-dimensional transient numerical simulation was performed to investigate the influence of a silicon nitride (Si₃N₄)-coated magnesium oxide (MgO) crucible on the directional solidification (DS) process for growing multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) ingots. The study focused on evaluating the effect of the modified crucible configuration on impurity incorporation and thermal behaviour within the ingot. Impurities such as carbon, oxygen, and silicon carbide were analysed in the solidified mc-Si ingot and compared with those obtained from a conventional system utilising a silicon nitride-coated quartz (SiO₂) crucible. The simulation results revealed a noticeable reduction in the concentration of these impurities in the mc-Si ingot when grown using the silicon nitride-coated MgO crucible, attributed to the improved chemical stability and reduced reactivity of MgO at high temperatures. Additionally, the MgO crucible significantly altered the thermal field of the DS furnace. This modification led to a reduction in temperature gradient, which plays a crucial role in determining the thermal stress of the grown mc-Si ingot. Overall, the simulation findings suggest that incorporating a silicon nitride-coated MgO crucible in the DS process enhances ingot quality. These advantages make it a promising alternative to conventional quartz crucibles, offering a pathway toward producing higher-quality mc-Si ingots with reduced impurity levels, thereby meeting the stringent requirements of advanced photovoltaic applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 10","pages":"3477 - 3488"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148628547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Molecular Dynamics Investigation into the Interaction Between Diamond and Silicon Asperities in the Nanofinishing Process","authors":"Harish Jigajinni, Pranav Pandey, Bharat Singh, Anuj Sharma","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03737-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03737-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The nanoscale finishing of Silicon, vital for semiconductor and optical applications, poses challenges in terms of material removal mechanisms, tool wear and surface degradation. It is difficult to study the process experimentally as the asperity interactions take place at the nanoscale; therefore, the current research employs molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to analyse the material removal and tool wear mechanisms in nanoscale finishing of Silicon (Si) using a double asperity model. The diamond asperity interacts with the Si asperity. The study reveals that during the finishing process, phase transformation of Si asperity takes place, which facilitates material removal. The force pattern varies during the interaction between asperities. It was further analysed that high compressive stress is responsible for the polymorphic transformations in the Si asperity. Furthermore, the radial distribution function plot reveals a transformation in the diamond abrasive, which is a likely cause of wear.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 10","pages":"3489 - 3499"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148628625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SiliconPub Date : 2026-07-08DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03732-1
Tansel Tunçay, Aslı Bahadir, Badegül Tunçay
{"title":"The Effect of Reinforcement Phases on the Evolution of Microstructure and Wear Behaviour in A356 Matrix B4C/SiC Reinforced Composite and Hybrid Composite Materials","authors":"Tansel Tunçay, Aslı Bahadir, Badegül Tunçay","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03732-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03732-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In the present study, A356 matrix composite materials (A356MCMs) and hybrid composite materials (A356HCMs) reinforced with B<sub>4</sub>C and SiC have been produced by the Mechanical Milling (MM) method. The study aims to determine the effect of B<sub>4</sub>C and SiC reinforcement phases on these materials' microstructure and wear resistance. Also, to investigate the effect of reinforcement phases on AlSi (Fe/Mn) intermetallics formed in the microstructure. As a result, it has been observed that the fracture rate increased depending on the amount of reinforcement phase increase. It has been determined that the ductile A356 alloy powders have a flake shape, and the size of the brittle reinforcement phases decreased due to repeat plastic deformation during MM. It was observed that the fracture rate increased due to the increase in the amount of reinforcement phase. Significantly, the addition of B<sub>4</sub>C and SiC reinforcement phases in A356 alloy are motivated the formation of AlSi (Fe/Mn) intermetallic with different compositions and morphology in the microstructure. The B<sub>4</sub>C reinforcement phase added to the A356 matrix caused the AlSi (Fe/Mn) phases to form in a rosette form, whereas the SiC reinforcement phase resulted in the formation of plates. In particular, the B<sub>4</sub>C reinforcement phase plays a more active role in the fracture rate and intermetallic formation than the SiC reinforcement phase.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 10","pages":"3463 - 3476"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148628546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}