U.S. patent application number 17/725448 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-04 for materials and methods for producing metal nanocomposites, and metal nanocomposites obtained therefrom.
The applicant listed for this patent is HRL Laboratories, LLC. Invention is credited to John H. MARTIN, Brennan D. YAHATA.
Application Number | 20220243303 17/725448 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006284652 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220243303 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARTIN; John H. ; et
al. |
August 4, 2022 |
MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING METAL NANOCOMPOSITES, AND METAL
NANOCOMPOSITES OBTAINED THEREFROM
Abstract
Some variations provide a metal matrix nanocomposite composition
comprising metal-containing microparticles and nanoparticles,
wherein the nanoparticles are chemically and/or physically disposed
on surfaces of the microparticles, and wherein the nanoparticles
are consolidated in a three-dimensional architecture throughout the
composition. The composition may serve as an ingot for producing a
metal matrix nanocomposite. Other variations provide a functionally
graded metal matrix nanocomposite comprising a metal-matrix phase
and a reinforcement phase containing nanoparticles, wherein the
nanocomposite contains a gradient in concentration of the
nanoparticles. This nanocomposite may be or be converted into a
master alloy. Other variations provide methods of making a metal
matrix nanocomposite, methods of making a functionally graded metal
matrix nanocomposite, and methods of making a master alloy metal
matrix nanocomposite. The metal matrix nanocomposite may have a
cast microstructure. The methods disclosed enable various loadings
of nanoparticles in metal matrix nanocomposites with a wide variety
of compositions.
Inventors: |
MARTIN; John H.; (Oxnard,
CA) ; YAHATA; Brennan D.; (Santa Barbara,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HRL Laboratories, LLC |
Malibu |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006284652 |
Appl. No.: |
17/725448 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17076803 |
Oct 22, 2020 |
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17725448 |
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15808877 |
Nov 9, 2017 |
10865464 |
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17076803 |
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62422940 |
Nov 16, 2016 |
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62422925 |
Nov 16, 2016 |
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62422930 |
Nov 16, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B22F 2998/10 20130101;
C22C 1/05 20130101; Y10T 428/12021 20150115; C22C 32/0052 20130101;
C22C 1/1036 20130101; C22C 21/02 20130101; B22F 2302/10 20130101;
B22F 2301/052 20130101; C22C 32/00 20130101; C22C 1/0416 20130101;
B22F 1/07 20220101; B22D 23/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C22C 1/04 20060101
C22C001/04; C22C 32/00 20060101 C22C032/00; C22C 1/10 20060101
C22C001/10; B22F 1/07 20060101 B22F001/07; B22D 23/06 20060101
B22D023/06; C22C 1/05 20060101 C22C001/05; C22C 21/02 20060101
C22C021/02 |
Claims
1. A method of making a metal nanocomposite, said method
comprising: (a) providing a precursor composition comprising
metal-containing microparticles and nanoparticles, wherein said
nanoparticles are chemically and/or physically disposed on surfaces
of said microparticles; (b) consolidating said precursor
composition into an intermediate composition comprising said
metal-containing microparticles and said nanoparticles, wherein
said nanoparticles are consolidated in a three-dimensional
architecture throughout said intermediate composition; and (c)
processing said intermediate composition to convert said
intermediate composition into a metal nanocomposite.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said precursor composition is in
powder form.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said intermediate composition is
in ingot form.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said microparticles contain an
element selected from the group consisting of Al, Mg, Ni, Fe, Cu,
Ti, V, Si, and combinations thereof.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said nanoparticles contain a
compound selected from the group consisting of metals, ceramics,
cermets, intermetallic alloys, oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides,
polymers, carbon, and combinations thereof.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) includes pressing,
binding, sintering, or a combination thereof.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein step (c) includes pressing,
sintering, mixing, dispersing, friction stir welding, extrusion,
binding, melting, semi-solid melting, capacitive discharge
sintering, casting, or a combination thereof.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said metal nanocomposite has a
cast microstructure.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said metal-containing
microparticles and said nanoparticles are each dispersed throughout
said metal nanocomposite.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said metal nanocomposite has a
layered configuration including at least a first layer comprising
said nanoparticles and at least a second layer comprising said
metal-matrix phase.
Description
PRIORITY DATA
[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 17/076,803, filed on Oct. 22, 2020,
which is a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 10,865,464,
issued on Dec. 15, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent App. No. 62/422,925, filed on Nov. 16, 2016; U.S.
Provisional Patent App. No. 62/422,930, filed on Nov. 16, 2016; and
U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/422,940, filed on Nov. 16,
2016, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to metal matrix
nanocomposites, and methods of making and using the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Metal matrix nanocomposite materials have attracted
considerable attention due to their ability to offer unusual
combinations of stiffness, strength to weight ratio,
high-temperature performance, and hardness. There is a wide variety
of commercial uses of metal matrix nanocomposites, including
high-wear-resistant alloy systems, creep-resistant alloys,
high-temperature alloys with improved mechanical properties, and
radiation-tolerant alloys.
[0004] Currently, there are difficulties in making metal matrix
nanocomposites including processing costs and high capital
investment for equipment to process materials. There are very few
effective methods of maintaining a homogenously dispersed
nanoparticle reinforcement phase in a metal matrix, especially in
melt processing. Reinforcement phase reactivity and particulate
agglomeration of nanoscale reinforcement limit the strengthening
effects in currently produced metal matrix nanocomposites.
[0005] There is a desire for lower-cost routes to produce these
high-performance nanocomposites, including low-volume-fraction
nanocomposites as well as high-volume-fraction nanocomposites (i.e.
nanocomposites containing various concentrations of
nanoparticles).
[0006] Current methods for producing low-volume-fraction
nanocomposites are limited to in-situ reaction mechanisms in highly
specific alloy systems. These include oxide dispersion-strengthened
copper and steels in which oxide formers such as aluminum are
incorporated into the alloy in order to scavenge dissolved oxygen
and form nano-oxides. Similar techniques can be used for nitrides
and carbides. These techniques require substantial atmosphere
control and temperature control to ensure that the nucleation rate
within the material is stable, so that significant coarsening does
not occur. The materials are therefore extremely expensive and
geometry-limited. Due to the kinetics of diffusion, nucleation, and
growth, geometries must be relatively uniform and thin to allow
uniform composite formation. Thick sections take much longer for
the center of the material to begin nucleating oxides, nitrides, or
carbides. Thus the material cannot be made with uniform properties
through the thickness.
[0007] High volume loading of nanoscale reinforcements ex situ is
limited to few processes and none with the capability of producing
geometrically complex shapes and at a low cost. Current melt
processing methods such as shear mixing or ultrasonic processing of
metal matrix nanocomposites suffer from a limited availability of
compatible materials due to reactivity and dispersion issues. These
methods are capable of dispersing low volume percentages of certain
reinforcement phases; however, complications arise at higher
reinforcement volume loading percentages as the effects of
dispersion become more localized and less effective at higher melt
viscosities.
[0008] Current methods to produce high-volume-fraction
nanocomposites rely on a variety of high-cost methods to
incorporate the nanoparticles. These can be incorporated using
high-energy ball milling which physically forces the nanomaterials
into the matrix material, and then the remaining material is
processed into a part. This requires batch processing. Also, very
large high-energy ball mills present both cost and safety barriers.
Nanomaterials may also be incorporated in the melt, but
distribution of the nanomaterials can be difficult due to the
surface energies associated with liquid metal. Ultrasonic mixing or
high-shear mixing can be effective, but they are size-limited and
require manipulation of molten metal, which again presents cost and
safety barriers. Another method utilizes the semisolid state in
which particles are incorporated through a friction stir process.
This is highly localized and not immediately scalable.
[0009] There is also a desire for functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposites that contain some type of functional gradient (e.g.,
nanoparticle concentration) within the nanocomposite. Functionally
graded metal matrix nanocomposites have not yet been successfully
produced with a conventional melt processing method, due in large
part to the high reactivity of reinforcement phase in a metal
melt.
[0010] Homogeneously dispersed metal matrix nanocomposites have
been produced using high-energy ultrasonication to enhance
dispersion and wetting characteristics of nanoparticles in metal
melts. This technique relies on cavitation of gases and
acoustically driven mixing of particulate added ex situ into the
melt. Functionally graded materials have not been produced in this
manner due to particulate instability in the lengthy processing
needed for full dispersion. The ultrasonication process is
inherently limited to particulates that are highly stable in the
molten matrix during processing and solidification.
[0011] Additionally, wettability of many potential reinforcement
phases disqualifies them from being used in ex-situ melt processing
techniques where inclusion of the particulate phase into the melt
is highly dependent on wettability of the particulate phase with
the metal matrix. Particulate-matrix compatibility requirements
inhibit the availability of acceptable reinforcement phases in
metal matrix nanocomposite production. Additionally, the loading of
high volumes of nanoparticles becomes problematic in ultrasonic
dispersion techniques as the effect of dispersion becomes more
localized at high melt viscosities induced by high-volume loading
of a reinforcement phase.
[0012] Friction stir processing can produce metal matrix
nanocomposites by driving the particulate phase into the metal
through the semisolid created by friction with a probe. Friction
stir processing has been used to produce functionally graded metal
matrix nanocomposites; however, this process is geometrically
constrained and cannot be used with metals and alloys without a
viable semisolid processing region. Friction stir processing can
alter the microstructural integrity of the bulk material, as large
amounts of heat from the friction produced affect the surrounding
microstructures near the processing zone. Also, thickness of parts
produced in friction stir processing is limited to a few inches.
Scaling of friction stir processing is very limited and production
of high volumes of metal matrix nanocomposites is not feasible.
[0013] The current high cost, lack of availability, and lack of
alloy diversity currently available for nanocomposites is a
testament to the difficulty in producing these materials.
[0014] Conventional melt processing techniques such as liquid stir
processing, semisolid stir processing, and ultrasonic processing
are capable of dispersing low volumes of reinforcement phase which
are nonreactive with the metal melt. What is desired is a method
that enables both high volume loading and reactive reinforcement
phases.
[0015] What is also sought is a method of producing a functionally
graded metal matrix nanocomposite that is amenable to conventional
melt processing techniques, with a wide variety of acceptable
materials that may be used. A method is needed to produce a
functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite in which processing
times are limited so that nanoparticles do not degrade during
processing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention addresses the aforementioned needs in
the art, as will now be summarized and then further described in
detail below.
[0017] Some variations of the invention provide a composition
comprising metal-containing microparticles and nanoparticles,
wherein the nanoparticles are chemically and/or physically disposed
on surfaces of the microparticles, and wherein the nanoparticles
are consolidated in a three-dimensional architecture throughout the
composition.
[0018] In some embodiments, the composition is an ingot for
producing a metal nanocomposite. In other embodiments, the
composition itself is a metal nanocomposite.
[0019] The microparticles may contain an element selected from the
group consisting of Al, Mg, Ni, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Si, and combinations
thereof, for example. The nanoparticles may contain a compound
selected from the group consisting of metals, ceramics, cermets,
intermetallic alloys, oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides,
polymers, carbon, and combinations thereof, for example. In certain
embodiments, the microparticles contain Al, Si, and Mg (e.g., alloy
AlSi10Mg), and the nanoparticles contain tungsten carbide (WC).
[0020] In some embodiments, the microparticles have an average
microparticle size from about 1 micron to about 1 centimeter. In
some embodiments, the nanoparticles have an average nanoparticle
size from about 1 nanometer to about 1000 nanometers.
[0021] The composition may contain from about 10 wt % to about 99.9
wt % of microparticles. In these or other embodiments, the
composition contains from about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt % of the
nanoparticles.
[0022] Other variations of the invention provide a functionally
graded metal matrix nanocomposite comprising a metal-matrix phase
and a first reinforcement phase containing first nanoparticles,
wherein the nanocomposite contains a gradient in concentration of
the first nanoparticles through at least one dimension of the
nanocomposite. The gradient in concentration of the nanoparticles
may be present in the nanocomposite over a length scale of at least
100 microns. The nanocomposite has a cast microstructure, in some
embodiments.
[0023] In some embodiments, the nanocomposite is a master alloy.
The metal-matrix phase may contain an element selected from the
group consisting of Al, Mg, Ni, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Si, and combinations
thereof. The first nanoparticles may contain a compound selected
from the group consisting of metals, ceramics, cermets,
intermetallic alloys, oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides,
polymers, carbon, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments,
the metal-matrix phase contains Al, Si, and Mg, and the first
nanoparticles contain tungsten carbide (WC).
[0024] The first nanoparticles may have an average particle size
from about 1 nanometer to about 1000 nanometers. Some or all of the
first nanoparticles may be agglomerated such that the effective
particle size in the nanoparticle phase is larger than 1000
nanometers, in some embodiments.
[0025] The nanocomposite may contain from about 10 wt % to about
99.9 wt % of the metal-matrix phase, for example. The nanocomposite
may contain from about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt % of the first
nanoparticles, for example.
[0026] In some embodiments, the nanocomposite further comprises
second nanoparticles in the first reinforcement phase and/or in a
second reinforcement phase.
[0027] In some embodiments, the metal-matrix phase and the first
reinforcement phase are each dispersed throughout the
nanocomposite. In these or other embodiments, the metal-matrix
phase and the first reinforcement phase are disposed in a layered
configuration within the nanocomposite, wherein the layered
configuration includes at least a first layer comprising the first
nanoparticles and at least a second layer comprising the
metal-matrix phase.
[0028] The nanocomposite may be present in an object that has at
least one dimension of 100 microns or greater, such as 1 millimeter
or greater.
[0029] Certain variations of the invention provide a functionally
graded metal matrix nanocomposite comprising a metal-matrix phase
containing Al, Si, and Mg and a reinforcement phase containing W
and C, wherein the nanocomposite contains a gradient in
concentration of the reinforcement phase through at least one
dimension of the nanocomposite. The nanocomposite may have a cast
microstructure.
[0030] The metal-matrix phase contains aluminum alloy AlSi10Mg, in
certain embodiments. The reinforcement phase contains tungsten
carbide (WC), in certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the
metal-matrix phase and the reinforcement phase are disposed in a
layered configuration within the nanocomposite, wherein the layered
configuration includes a first layer comprising the W and C and the
Al, Si, and Mg, and a second layer comprising the Al, Si, and
Mg.
[0031] Other variations of the invention provide a method of making
a metal nanocomposite, the method comprising:
[0032] (a) providing a precursor composition comprising
metal-containing microparticles and nanoparticles, wherein the
nanoparticles are chemically and/or physically disposed on surfaces
of the microparticles;
[0033] (b) consolidating the precursor composition into an
intermediate composition comprising the metal-containing
microparticles and the nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are
consolidated in a three-dimensional architecture throughout the
intermediate composition; and
[0034] (c) processing the intermediate composition to convert the
intermediate composition into a metal nanocomposite.
[0035] In some embodiments, the precursor composition is in powder
form. In some embodiments, the intermediate composition is in ingot
form. The final nanocomposite may have a cast microstructure, in
some embodiments.
[0036] The microparticles may contain an element selected from the
group consisting of Al, Mg, Ni, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Si, and combinations
thereof. The nanoparticles may contain a compound selected from the
group consisting of metals, ceramics, cermets, intermetallic
alloys, oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, polymers, carbon, and
combinations thereof.
[0037] In various embodiments, step (b) includes pressing, binding,
sintering, or a combination thereof.
[0038] In various embodiments, step (c) includes pressing,
sintering, mixing, dispersing, friction stir welding, extrusion,
binding, melting, semi-solid melting, capacitive discharge
sintering, casting, or a combination thereof.
[0039] In some embodiments, the metal phase and the first
reinforcement phase are each dispersed throughout the
nanocomposite. In these or other embodiments, the metal phase and
the first reinforcement phase are disposed in a layered
configuration within the nanocomposite, wherein the layered
configuration includes at least a first layer comprising the
nanoparticles and at least a second layer comprising the metal
phase.
[0040] Other variations provide a method of making a functionally
graded metal matrix nanocomposite, the method comprising:
[0041] (a) providing a precursor composition (e.g., powder)
comprising metal-containing microparticles and nanoparticles,
wherein the nanoparticles are chemically and/or physically disposed
on surfaces of the microparticles;
[0042] (b) consolidating the precursor composition into an
intermediate composition (e.g., ingot) comprising the
metal-containing microparticles and the nanoparticles, wherein the
nanoparticles are consolidated in a three-dimensional architecture
throughout the intermediate composition;
[0043] (c) melting the intermediate composition to form a melt,
wherein the melt segregates into a first phase comprising the
metal-containing microparticles and a second phase comprising the
nanoparticles; and
[0044] (d) solidifying the melt to obtain a metal matrix
nanocomposite with a gradient in concentration of the nanoparticles
through at least one dimension of the nanocomposite.
[0045] The microparticles may contain an element selected from the
group consisting of Al, Mg, Ni, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Si, and combinations
thereof. The nanoparticles may contain a compound selected from the
group consisting of metals, ceramics, cermets, intermetallic
alloys, oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, polymers, carbon, and
combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the microparticles
contain Al, Si, and Mg, and the nanoparticles contain tungsten
carbide (WC).
[0046] In various embodiments, step (b) includes pressing, binding,
sintering, or a combination thereof.
[0047] In various embodiments, step (c) includes pressing,
sintering, mixing, dispersing, friction stir welding, extrusion,
binding, melting, semi-solid melting, capacitive discharge
sintering, casting, or a combination thereof. Step (c) may also
include holding the melt for an effective dwell time to cause
density-driven segregation of the first phase from the second
phase. The dwell time may be selected from about 1 minute to about
8 hours, for example. In some embodiments, step (c) includes
exposing the melt to an external force selected from gravitational,
centrifugal, mechanical, electromagnetic, or a combination
thereof.
[0048] Step (d) may include directional solidification of the melt.
In some embodiments, the nanocomposite has a cast microstructure.
The metal-matrix phase and the first reinforcement phase may be
each dispersed throughout the nanocomposite. In these or other
embodiments, the metal-matrix phase and the first reinforcement
phase are disposed in a layered configuration within the
nanocomposite, wherein the layered configuration includes at least
a first layer comprising the nanoparticles and at least a second
layer comprising the metal-matrix phase.
[0049] The gradient in concentration of the nanoparticles may be
present in the nanocomposite over a length scale of at least 100
microns.
[0050] Other variations of the invention provide a method of making
a master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite, the method
comprising:
[0051] (a) providing an ingot composition comprising
metal-containing microparticles and nanoparticles, wherein the
nanoparticles are chemically and/or physically disposed on surfaces
of the microparticles, and wherein the nanoparticles are
consolidated in a three-dimensional architecture throughout the
ingot composition;
[0052] (b) melting the ingot composition to form a melt, wherein
the melt segregates into a first phase comprising the
metal-containing microparticles and a second phase comprising the
nanoparticles;
[0053] (c) solidifying the melt to obtain a metal matrix
nanocomposite with a gradient in concentration of the nanoparticles
through at least one dimension of the nanocomposite; and
[0054] (d) removing a fraction of the metal matrix nanocomposite
containing a lower concentration of the nanoparticles compared to
the remainder of the metal matrix nanocomposite, thereby producing
a master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite.
[0055] The microparticles may contain an element selected from the
group consisting of Al, Mg, Ni, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Si, and combinations
thereof. The nanoparticles may contain a compound selected from the
group consisting of metals, ceramics, cermets, intermetallic
alloys, oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, polymers, carbon, and
combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the microparticles
contain Al, Si, and Mg, and the nanoparticles contain tungsten
carbide (WC).
[0056] Step (b) may further include pressing, sintering, mixing,
dispersing, friction stir welding, extrusion, binding, capacitive
discharge sintering, casting, or a combination thereof. Step (b)
may include holding the melt for an effective dwell time (e.g.,
about 1 minute to 8 hours) to cause density-driven segregation of
the first phase from the second phase. Optionally, step (b) may
include exposing the melt to an external force selected from
gravitational, centrifugal, mechanical, electromagnetic, or a
combination thereof.
[0057] Step (c) may include directional solidification of the melt.
In some embodiments, the metal matrix nanocomposite in step (c) is
characterized by a cast microstructure. The gradient in
concentration of the first nanoparticles may be present in the
metal matrix nanocomposite over a length scale of at least 100
microns.
[0058] In some embodiments, the metal-matrix phase and the first
reinforcement phase are each dispersed throughout the metal matrix
nanocomposite. In these or other embodiments, the metal-matrix
phase and the first reinforcement phase are disposed in a layered
configuration within the metal matrix nanocomposite, wherein the
layered configuration includes at least a first layer comprising
the nanoparticles and at least a second layer comprising the
metal-matrix phase.
[0059] Step (d) may include includes machining, ablation, reaction,
dissolution, evaporation, selective melting, or a combination
thereof. In certain embodiments, step (d) provides two distinct
master alloy metal matrix nanocomposites.
[0060] The final master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite(s) may
have a cast microstructure, in some embodiments of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] The schematic drawings herein represent functionalization
patterns and microstructures which may be achieved in embodiments
of the invention. These drawings should not be construed as
limiting in any way. It is also noted that illustrations contained
in the drawings are not drawn to scale and various degrees of
zooming-in are employed for purposes of understanding these
embodiments.
[0062] FIG. 1 depicts some embodiments in which a functionalized
powder containing metal microparticles coated with nanoparticles is
converted to an ingot (or other material) with the nanoparticles
oriented in a three-dimensional structure.
[0063] FIG. 2 depicts some embodiments in which a functionalized
powder containing metal microparticles coated with nanoparticles is
converted to a melt or ingot (or other material), and then the
nanoparticles react in the melt to form a new distributed phase
containing nanoparticles.
[0064] FIG. 3 depicts some embodiments starting with a
functionalized powder containing metal microparticles coated with
two types of nanoparticles, which are differently chemically and/or
physically, and then the functionalized powder is converted to a
melt or ingot (or other material) containing nanoparticles
distributed in the metal phase.
[0065] FIG. 4 depicts some embodiments starting with a
functionalized powder containing metal microparticles coated with
two types of nanoparticles, which are differently chemically and/or
physically, and then one of the nanoparticles reacts while the
other does not within the metal phase.
[0066] FIG. 5 depicts some embodiments starting with nanoparticles
predistributed in a metal matrix, such as in an ingot, with
density-driven phase segregation in which nanoparticles migrate
toward the surface, followed by solidification, resulting in a
functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite.
[0067] FIG. 6 depicts some embodiments starting with nanoparticles
predistributed in a metal matrix, such as in an ingot, with
density-driven phase segregation in which nanoparticles migrate
away from the surface, followed by solidification, resulting in a
functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite.
[0068] FIG. 7 depicts some embodiments starting with codispersed
nanoparticles predistributed in a metal matrix, such as in an
ingot, with density-driven phase segregation in which some
nanoparticles migrate away from the surface while other
nanoparticles migrate toward the surface, followed by
solidification, resulting in a functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposite.
[0069] FIG. 8 depicts some embodiments starting with codispersed
nanoparticles predistributed in a metal matrix, such as in an
ingot, with density-driven phase segregation in which nanoparticles
migrate away from the surface, followed by solidification,
resulting in a functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite.
[0070] FIG. 9 depicts some embodiments starting with codispersed
nanoparticles predistributed in a metal matrix, such as in an
ingot, with density-driven phase segregation in which nanoparticles
migrate toward the surface, followed by solidification, resulting
in a functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite.
[0071] FIG. 10 is an SEM image of a cross-section (side view) of an
exemplary AlSi10Mg--WC functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposite, according to Example 1 herein.
[0072] FIG. 11 is an SEM image of a cross-section (side view) of an
exemplary AlSi10Mg--WC master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite,
according to Example 2 herein.
[0073] FIG. 12 depicts some embodiments to produce a master alloy
metal matrix nanocomposite enriched with nanoparticles in a metal
matrix, by first producing a functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposite and then removing a phase of material containing a
relatively low volume fraction of nanoparticles.
[0074] FIG. 13 depicts some embodiments to produce a master alloy
metal matrix nanocomposite enriched with nanoparticles in a metal
matrix, by first producing a functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposite and then removing a phase of material containing a
relatively low volume fraction of nanoparticles.
[0075] FIG. 14 depicts some embodiments to produce a master alloy
metal matrix nanocomposite enriched with two types of nanoparticles
in a metal matrix, by first producing a functionally graded metal
matrix nanocomposite and then removing a phase of material
containing a relatively low volume fraction of both types of
nanoparticles.
[0076] FIG. 15 depicts some embodiments to produce two distinct
master alloy metal matrix nanocomposites enriched with different
types of nanoparticles in a metal matrix, by first producing a
functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite and then removing a
phase of material containing a relatively low volume fraction of
both types of nanoparticles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0077] The compositions, structures, systems, and methods of the
present invention will be described in detail by reference to
various non-limiting embodiments.
[0078] This description will enable one skilled in the art to make
and use the invention, and it describes several embodiments,
adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention.
These and other embodiments, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the
art when taken with reference to the following detailed description
of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0079] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise,
all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same
meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art to which this invention belongs.
[0080] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
conditions, concentrations, dimensions, and so forth used in the
specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in
all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to
the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following
specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary
depending at least upon a specific analytical technique.
[0081] The term "comprising," which is synonymous with "including,"
"containing," or "characterized by" is inclusive or open-ended and
does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
"Comprising" is a term of art used in claim language which means
that the named claim elements are essential, but other claim
elements may be added and still form a construct within the scope
of the claim.
[0082] As used herein, the phrase "consisting of" excludes any
element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. When the
phrase "consists of" (or variations thereof) appears in a clause of
the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the
preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause;
other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole. As used
herein, the phrase "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of
a claim to the specified elements or method steps, plus those that
do not materially affect the basis and novel characteristic(s) of
the claimed subject matter.
[0083] With respect to the terms "comprising," "consisting of," and
"consisting essentially of," where one of these three terms is used
herein, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter may
include the use of either of the other two terms. Thus in some
embodiments not otherwise explicitly recited, any instance of
"comprising" may be replaced by "consisting of" or, alternatively,
by "consisting essentially of."
[0084] Variations of this invention are predicated on the control
of solidification of powder materials. Controlling solidification
can have a drastic impact on microstructure and thus material
properties (e.g. strength and toughness). In some cases faster
solidification is desirable; while in other cases slow
solidification may produce the desired microstructure. In certain
cases it is not desirable to fully melt the powder; but rather to
melt and solidify only at the powder surface. This invention
provides routes to control--in both time and space--solidification
in materials, utilizing surface functionalization of the primary
powder being processed.
[0085] Some variations provide routes to controlled solidification
of materials which are generally difficult or impossible to process
otherwise. The principles disclosed herein may be applied to
additive manufacturing as well as joining techniques, such as
welding. Certain unweldable metals, such as high-strength aluminum
alloys (e.g., aluminum alloys 7075, 7050, or 2199) would be
excellent candidates for additive manufacturing but normally suffer
from hot cracking. The methods disclosed herein allow these alloys
to be processed with significantly reduced cracking tendency.
[0086] Proper control of solidification can lead to greater part
reliability and enhanced yield. Some embodiments of the invention
provide powder metallurgy--processed parts that are equivalent to
machined parts. Some embodiments provide corrosion-resistant
surface coatings that are formed during the part fabrication
instead of as an extra step.
[0087] This disclosure describes control of nucleation and growth
kinetics within the structure independent of, or in conjunction
with, thermal input. This disclosure describes methods which
incorporate phase and structure control to generate
three-dimensional microstructural architecture. Methods for
inclusion/contaminant removal are provided, as well as development
of composite structures.
[0088] Variations of this invention are premised on controlling
solidification through limiting or increasing thermal conductivity
and/or radiation with the surroundings, utilizing enthalpies of
formation and varying heat capacities to control thermal loads
during solidification, and/or utilizing surface tension to control
entrapment of desired species--or rejection of undesired
species--in the final solidification product.
[0089] Some variations provide methods to control nanoparticle (or
microparticle)/material segregation. When rapid solidification
techniques are applied to powder processing, a unique
microstructure may be developed. Likewise, the configuration of the
nanoparticles or microparticles around the particles prior to
melting may introduce a three-dimensional nanoparticle architecture
within the overall microstructure.
[0090] Embodiments of this invention provide three-dimensional
nanoparticle architectures within metal microstructures. Not
wishing to be bound by theory, these architectures may
significantly improve the material properties by impeding,
blocking, or redirecting dislocation motion in specific directions.
This discovery may be used to control failure mechanisms beyond
prior-art isotropic or anisotropic materials.
[0091] The present invention is not limited to metallic materials
and can provide similar benefits with a significantly less
difficult, more repeatable, and energy-efficient production method.
The semi-passive nature of the process typically requires no
alteration of existing tooling and can be employed in existing
manufacturing settings.
Production of Metal Matrix Nanocomposites
[0092] Some variations of the present invention provide starting
materials or material systems useful for producing metal matrix
nanocomposites, and metal matrix nanocomposites obtained therefrom.
A "metal matrix nanocomposite" (or "MMNC") or equivalently "metal
nanocomposite" is a metal-containing material with greater than 0.1
wt % nanoparticles distributed in a metal matrix or otherwise
within the metal-containing material.
[0093] Nanocomposites have been shown to exhibit enhanced
mechanical strength due to the ability to impede dislocation
motion. This ability is not limited to room temperature and can
improve a material's high-temperature strength and creep
resistance. Nanocomposites can also improve wear and fouling
resistance in certain sliding and high-friction environments.
However, nanocomposites have been heretofore difficult to produce
and therefore their use has been limited.
[0094] Variations of this invention are premised on the discovery
of a pathway to produce metal matrix nanocomposites of arbitrary
composition and with control of nanoparticle volume fraction.
Starting with functionalized metal feedstocks as described later in
the specification (section entitled "Functionalized Metal
Feedstocks for Producing Metal Matrix Nanocomposites"), a low or
high volume fraction of nanoparticles may be achieved. There may be
a uniform or non-uniform distribution of nanoparticles within the
matrix, by utilizing conventional, low-cost powder metallurgy
approaches and ingot processing.
[0095] A "functionalized metal" or "functionalized metal feedstock"
comprises a metal microparticle with one or more different
nanoparticles assembled on the surface. The nanoparticles are
typically a different composition than the base micropowder.
[0096] The nanoparticles are chemically and/or physically disposed
on surfaces of the microparticles. That is, the nanoparticles may
be attached using electrostatic forces, Van der Waals forces,
chemical bonds, mechanical bonds, and/or any other force(s). A
chemical bond is the force that holds atoms together in a molecule
or compound. Electrostatic and Van der Waals forces are examples of
physical forces that can cause bonding. A mechanical bond is a bond
that arises when molecular entities become entangled in space.
Typically, chemical bonds are stronger than physical bonds.
[0097] Nanoparticles of interest include carbides, nitrides,
borides, oxides, intermetallics, or other materials which upon
processing may form one or more of the aforementioned materials.
The size, shape, and composition of the nanoparticles may vary
widely. The nanoparticles typically have an average nanoparticle
size from about 1 nanometer to about 1000 nanometers, such as about
250 nanometers or less. In some embodiments, strength increases are
favored by smaller nanoparticles. In some applications, the
material may be processed with larger constituent particles (such
as about 250-1000 nanometers or larger) to produce a desirable
material.
[0098] Some variations provide a cost-effective route to producing
large-scale raw materials for the production of metal
nanocomposites. Certain embodiments utilize functionalized powder
feedstocks as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/209,903, filed on Jul. 14, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein. The present disclosure is not limited to those
functionalized powders.
[0099] Some variations of the invention provide a metal matrix
nanocomposite composition comprising metal-containing
microparticles and nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are
chemically and/or physically disposed on surfaces of the
microparticles, and wherein the nanoparticles are consolidated in a
three-dimensional architecture throughout the composition.
[0100] A "three-dimensional architecture" means that the
nanoparticles are not randomly distributed throughout the metal
matrix nanocomposite. Rather, in a three-dimensional architecture
of nanoparticles, there is some regularity in spacing between
nanoparticles, in space (three dimensions). The average spacing
between nanoparticles may vary, such as from about 1 nanoparticle
diameter to about 100 nanoparticle diameters or more, depending on
the nanoparticle concentration in the material.
[0101] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional architecture of
nanoparticles in the metal matrix nanocomposite is correlated to
the distribution of nanoparticles within the starting composition
(functional microparticles, i.e. metal-containing microparticles
with nanoparticles on surfaces). An illustration of this is shown
in FIG. 1. Such a three-dimensional architecture of nanoparticles
is possible when the kinetics during melting and solidification are
controlled such that the integrity and dispersion of nanoparticles
are preserved.
[0102] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles do not melt and do
not significantly disperse from the original dispositions, relative
to each other, following melting of the metal matrix and then
during solidification. In certain embodiments, the nanoparticles
melt, soften (such as to become a glass), or form a liquid-solution
solution, yet do not significantly disperse from the original
dispositions, relative to each other, following melting of the
metal matrix and/or during solidification. When such nanoparticles
resolidify (or undergo a phase transition) during solidification of
the melt, they assume their original dispositions or approximate
coordinates thereof. In some embodiments, whether or not the
nanoparticles melt, the nanoparticles end up in a three-dimensional
architecture in which the locations of nanoparticles are different
than the original dispositions, but may be correlated and therefore
predictable based on the starting functionalized feedstock.
[0103] In some embodiments, the composition is an ingot for
producing a metal matrix nanocomposite. In other embodiments, the
composition itself is a metal matrix nanocomposite.
[0104] The microparticles may contain an element selected from the
group consisting of Al, Mg, Ni, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Si, and combinations
thereof, for example. The nanoparticles may contain a compound
selected from the group consisting of metals, ceramics, cermets,
intermetallic alloys, oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides,
polymers, carbon, and combinations thereof, for example. In certain
embodiments, the microparticles contain Al, Si, and Mg (e.g., alloy
AlSi10Mg), and the nanoparticles contain tungsten carbide (WC).
[0105] Some variations of the invention provide a method of making
a metal matrix nanocomposite, the method comprising:
[0106] (a) providing a precursor composition comprising
metal-containing microparticles and nanoparticles, wherein the
nanoparticles are chemically and/or physically disposed on surfaces
of the microparticles;
[0107] (b) consolidating the precursor composition into an
intermediate composition comprising the metal-containing
microparticles and the nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are
consolidated in a three-dimensional architecture throughout the
intermediate composition; and
[0108] (c) processing the intermediate composition to convert the
intermediate composition into a metal matrix nanocomposite.
[0109] In some embodiments, the precursor composition is in powder
form. In some embodiments, the intermediate composition is in ingot
form.
[0110] The microparticles may contain an element selected from the
group consisting of Al, Mg, Ni, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Si, and combinations
thereof. The nanoparticles may contain a compound selected from the
group consisting of metals, ceramics, cermets, intermetallic
alloys, oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, polymers, carbon, and
combinations thereof. Typically, the compositions of the
microparticles and nanoparticles are different, although it is
possible for the chemical composition to be the same or similar
while there are differences in physical properties (particle size,
phases, etc.).
[0111] The composition may contain from about 10 wt % to about 99.9
wt % of microparticles. In these or other embodiments, the
composition contains from about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt % of
nanoparticles. Higher concentrations of nanoparticles are possible,
particularly when regions with lower concentration are physically
removed (as discussed later). A metal matrix nanocomposite may be
identified as a "cermet" when metal content is low, such as 20 wt %
or less.
[0112] In some embodiments, at least 1% of the surface area of the
microparticles contains nanoparticles that are chemically and/or
physically disposed on the microparticle surfaces. When higher
nanoparticle concentrations are desired in the final material, it
is preferred that a higher surface area of the microparticles
contains nanoparticles. In various embodiments, at least 1%, 2%,
5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% of the
total surface area of the microparticles contains nanoparticles
that are chemically and/or physically disposed on the microparticle
surfaces.
[0113] In some embodiments, the microparticles have an average
microparticle size from about 1 micron to about 1 centimeter. In
various embodiments, the average microparticle size is about 5
microns, 10 microns, 50 microns, 100 microns, 200 microns, 500
microns, 1 millimeter, 5 millimeters, or 10 millimeters.
[0114] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles have an average
nanoparticle size from about 1 nanometer to about 1000 nanometers.
In various embodiments, the average nanoparticle size is about 2,
5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, or 900
nanometers.
[0115] In some embodiments, the metal matrix has a density from
about 2 g/cm.sup.3 to about 10 g/cm.sup.3. In some embodiments, the
nanoparticles independently have a density from about 1 g/cm.sup.3
to about 20 g/cm.sup.3.
[0116] "Consolidating" and "consolidation" refer to the conversion
of a precursor composition (e.g., feedstock powder) into an
intermediate composition comprising the metal-containing
microparticles and the nanoparticles. In various embodiments,
consolidating in step (b) includes pressing, binding, sintering, or
a combination thereof. Consolidating may alternatively or
additionally include metal injection molding, extruding, isostatic
pressing, powder forging, spray forming, metal additive
manufacturing, and/or other known techniques. The intermediate
composition produced by step (b) may be referred to as a green
body.
[0117] In various embodiments, processing in step (c) includes
pressing, sintering, mixing, dispersing, friction stir welding,
extrusion, binding (such as with a polymer binder), melting,
semi-solid melting, sintering, casting, or a combination thereof.
Melting may include induction melting, resistive melting, skull
melting, arc melting, laser melting, electron beam melting,
semi-solid melting, or other types of melting (including convention
and non-conventional melt processing techniques). Casting may
include centrifugal, pour, or gravity casting, for example.
Sintering may include spark discharge, capacitive-discharge,
resistive, or furnace sintering, for example. Mixing may include
convection, diffusion, shear mixing, or ultrasonic mixing, for
example.
[0118] Steps (b) and (c) collectively convert the precursor
composition (e.g., the functionalized powder) into a green body or
a finished body which may then be used for additional post
processing, machined to a part, or other uses.
[0119] In some embodiments, the metal-matrix phase and the first
reinforcement phase are each dispersed throughout the
nanocomposite. In these or other embodiments, the metal-matrix
phase and the first reinforcement phase are disposed in a layered
configuration within the nanocomposite, wherein the layered
configuration includes at least a first layer comprising the
nanoparticles and at least a second layer comprising the
metal-matrix phase.
[0120] The final metal matrix nanocomposite may have a cast
microstructure, in some embodiments. By a "cast microstructure" it
is meant that the metal matrix nanocomposite is characterized by a
plurality of dendrites and grain boundaries within the
microstructure. In some embodiments, there is also a plurality of
voids, but preferably no cracks or large phase boundaries. A
dendrite is a characteristic tree-like structure of crystals
produced by faster growth of crystals along energetically favorable
crystallographic directions as molten metal freezes.
[0121] Note that while casting is a metal processing technique, a
cast microstructure is a structural feature, not necessarily tied
to any particular process to make the microstructure. A cast
microstructure can certainly result from freezing (solidification)
of molten metal or metal alloy. However, metal solidification can
result in other microstructures, and cast microstructures can arise
from other metal-forming techniques. Metal processes that do not
rely at all on melting and solidification (e.g., forming processes)
will not tend to produce a cast microstructure.
[0122] A cast microstructure can generally be characterized by
primary dendrite spacing, secondary dendrite spacing, dendritic
chemical segregation profile, grain size, shrinkage porosity (if
any), percent of secondary phases, composition of secondary phases,
and dendritic/equiaxed transition, for example.
[0123] In some embodiments of the present invention, a cast
microstructure is further characterized by an equiaxed,
fine-grained microstructure. "Equiaxed" grains means that the
grains are roughly equal in length, width, and height. Equiaxed
grains can result when there are many nucleation sites arising from
the plurality of nanoparticles contained on surfaces of
microparticles, in the functionalized metal feedstock and therefore
in the final metal matrix nanocomposite.
[0124] In some embodiments of the present invention, a cast
microstructure is further characterized by a dispersed
microstructure. A dispersed microstructure generally arises from
the large number of dendrites and grain boundaries within the
microstructure, which in turn arise from the large number of
nanoparticles on surfaces of microparticles. The degree of
dispersion may be characterized by a dispersion length scale,
calculated as the average spacing between nanoparticles and/or the
average length scale in the metal phase between nanoparticles. In
various embodiments, the dispersion length scale is from about 1
nanometer to about 100 microns, such as from about 10 nanometers to
about 10 microns, or about 100 nanometers to about 1 micron.
[0125] Optionally, porosity may be removed or reduced in a cast
microstructure. For example, a secondary heat and/or pressure (or
other mechanical force) treatment may be done to minimize porous
voids present in the metal matrix nanocomposite. Also, pores may be
removed from the metal matrix nanocomposite by physically removing
(e.g., cutting away) a region into which porous voids have
segregated, such as via density-driven phase segregation. See FIGS.
10 and 11 for an example of this, in which voids present in the
microstructure of FIG. 10 are removed to arrive at the dispersed
microstructure of FIG. 11. The dispersion length scale in FIG. 11
is about 1-5 microns.
[0126] In addition to removal of voids, other post-working may be
carried out, potentially resulting in other final microstructures
that are not cast microstructures, or that contain a mixture of
microstructures. For example, forging can refine defects from cast
ingots or continuous cast bar, and can introduce additional
directional strength, if desired. Preworking (e.g., strain
hardening) can be done such as to produce a grain flow oriented in
directions requiring maximum strength. The final microstructure
therefore may be a forged microstructure, or a mixed cast/forged
microstructure, in certain embodiments. In various embodiments, the
metal matrix microstructure, on a volume basis, is at least 10%,
25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100% cast microstructure.
[0127] It is noted that friction stir processing requires rapid
quenching to avoid settling and agglomeration that would occur
during slow solidification. Rapid quenching tends to produce
microstructures that are not cast microstructures as defined
herein. Also, Bridgeman-type consolidation would be expected to
present a microstructure that is not a dispersed cast
microstructure.
[0128] Some variations of the present invention provide a raw
material produced by a consolidation method of functionalized
powder, to produce an ingot which may be used to make a
nanocomposite, or is itself a nanocomposite. The metal alloys and
nanoparticle compositions may vary widely, as described elsewhere.
Metal matrix nanocomposites herein may be fabricated via
compositional-bias assembly, density-bias assembly,
hierarchical-size assembly, or other types of assembly of
nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may stay the same composition upon
ingot formation, the nanoparticles may react in some way to form a
more favorable material for the nanocomposite, multiple different
nanoparticles may be used, or any combination of this could
occur.
[0129] Some graphical representations are shown in FIGS. 1 to 4,
which are exemplary embodiments of metal matrix nanocomposites.
[0130] FIG. 1 depicts some embodiments in which a functionalized
powder containing metal microparticles 105 coated with
nanoparticles 110 is consolidated into an ingot (or other
material), such as by application of heat and pressure, containing
nanoparticles 120 distributed throughout a metal phase 115. The
ingot 115/120 maintains a three-dimensional architecture of
nanoparticles 120 uniformly distributed throughout the metal matrix
115. As shown in the zoomed-in portion of the ingot (right-hand
side of FIG. 1), the nanoparticles 120 are oriented in a
three-dimensional structure within the metal matrix 115. In some
embodiments, the three-dimensional structure is predictable based
on the starting material (i.e. the functionalized powder containing
metal microparticles 105 coated with nanoparticles 110). That is,
the dimensions of microparticles 105 and nanoparticles 110, and the
spacing between individual microparticles 105 as well as between
individual nanoparticles 110, can be correlated to the spacing (in
three dimensions) between individual nanoparticles 110 within the
metal phase 115 in the ingot.
[0131] FIG. 2 depicts some embodiments in which a functionalized
powder containing metal microparticles 205 coated with
nanoparticles 210 is converted to a melt or ingot (or other
material) containing nanoparticles 210 distributed throughout a
metal phase 215. The nanoparticles 210 then react in the melt to
form a new distributed phase 225 containing nanoparticles 220. The
initial nanoparticles 210 have undergone a chemical transformation
via reaction, with the metal phase 215, to form nanoparticles
220.
[0132] FIG. 3 depicts some embodiments starting with a
functionalized powder containing metal microparticles 305 coated
with nanoparticles 310 and 320, which are different chemically
and/or physically. Heat is applied and the functionalized powder is
converted to a melt or ingot (or other material) containing
nanoparticles 310 and 320 distributed in metal phase 315. The
concentration of nanoparticles 310 and 320 may be uniform or
non-uniform.
[0133] FIG. 4 depicts some embodiments starting with a
functionalized powder containing metal microparticles 405 coated
with nanoparticles 410 and 420, which are different chemically
and/or physically. Heat is applied and the functionalized powder is
converted to an ingot (or other material) containing nanoparticles
410 and 420 distributed in metal phase 415. Then heat and/or
pressure are applied and nanoparticles 420 react to become
nanoparticles 440 in a new phase, while nanoparticles 410 do not
react and are distributed as nanoparticles 410 in the metal phase
425.
[0134] FIG. 4 also illustrates that reinforcement phases may be
created by in-situ chemical reactions with matrix constituents,
instead of (or in addition to) ex-situ methods. In ex-situ methods,
reinforcements are synthesized externally and then added into the
matrix during composite fabrication.
Functionally Graded Metal Matrix Nanocomposites
[0135] This invention in some variations provides a functionally
graded metal matrix nanocomposite and a method for its fabrication.
As intended herein, a "functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposite" is a metal matrix nanocomposite that exhibits a
spatial gradient of one or more properties, derived from some
spatial variation, within the metal matrix, of a nanoparticle or
nanoparticle phase. The property that varies may be mechanical,
thermal, electrical, photonic, magnetic, or any other type of
functional property. Some variations provide a functionally graded
metal matrix nanocomposite produced by a density-driven separation
(concentration or depletion) of the reinforcing particulate.
[0136] Metal matrix composites are typically fabricated with a
micrometer-size reinforcing particulate homogeneously dispersed in
a metal matrix. In order to achieve larger amounts of
strengthening, reducing the size of the reinforcement particulate
to the nanoscale is preferred. However, reinforcement phase
reactivity and inability to completely disperse hard phases at the
nanoscale in melt processing limit production opportunities of
metal matrix nanocomposites.
[0137] Functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite are
conventionally even more difficult to process and are limited to
friction stir processing which is geometrically and compositionally
limited. Using metal feedstock with nanoparticle functionalization
as a means of mitigating reactivity and dispersion issues in melt
processing, functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposites can be
produced with geometrically complex shapes and a broad spectrum of
compositions. Known melt-processing techniques such as centrifugal
casting, gravity casting, or electromagnetic separation casting may
be employed to fabricate the functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposites.
[0138] Melt processing of metal matrix nanocomposites has
traditionally proven to be difficult in part due to particulate
instability in the molten matrix and an inability to fully disperse
the nanoparticles due to surface energies. By contrast, in some
embodiments of the present invention, reaction times in the liquid
are reduced by utilizing a pre-dispersed metal matrix nanocomposite
feedstock powder, wherein nanoparticles are consolidated in a
three-dimensional architecture throughout the feedstock powder.
[0139] Density-driven phase separation may then be carried out to
selectively segregate a first phase comprising the metal matrix and
a second phase comprising the nanoparticles. The segregation of the
nanoparticles and the metal matrix is useful because the
nanoparticles are then selectively contained in a solid
reinforcement phase that has enhanced properties compared to the
metal matrix phase. The density-driven phase separation may result
in a higher concentration or a lower concentration (i.e.,
depletion) of nanoparticles in any particular phase. The first
phase may be in liquid form or a liquid-solid solution, while the
nanoparticles typically remain solid or at least as a distinct
material phase in the melt. Subsequent solidification of the melt
produces a graded density of nanoparticles within the solid metal
matrix nanocomposite.
[0140] Various forces may be employed to segregate nanoparticles by
density, such as centrifugal, gravitational, thermal, electrical,
acoustic, or other forces. Density-driven segregation may be
accelerated by the application of an external force. Notably,
density-driven phase separation can be used with metals that are
not compatible with friction stir processing.
[0141] The nanoparticle concentration may vary in volume fraction
across the bulk of the material from 0 to 1.0, such as about 0.05,
0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 0.95. The local
nanoparticle concentrations (volume fractions) will depend on the
starting amount of nanoparticles (on microparticle surfaces), the
properties of the metal matrix, and the segregation technique
employed. Following segregation, the region enriched in
nanoparticles may have a volume fraction up to 1.0, i.e. only
nanoparticles in that phase. Similarly, the region depleted in
nanoparticles may have a volume fraction of 0, i.e. no
nanoparticles in that phase. The transition between low and high
nanoparticle concentrations may be a gradual gradient (e.g., FIG.
5) or a sharp gradient (e.g., FIG. 12).
[0142] In addition to gradients in concentration, there can also be
gradients in particle sizes and material phases present, for
example. When density-driven segregation is used, there will of
course also be a density gradient. The difference between
nanoparticle density and metal matrix density may be at least 0.1,
0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, or 15 g/cm.sup.3, for example. The difference is
about 13 g/cm.sup.3 in Example 1.
[0143] When density-driven segregation is used, depending on the
density differences, various length scales of gradients are
possible. For example when the density difference is very large,
nanoparticles may form a high concentration in one region or layer
of the material. The gradient may be present over a length scale
from about 10 microns to about 1 centimeter or more, for example.
In preferred embodiments, the gradient length scale is at least 100
microns.
[0144] Nanocomposites are often strong but may sometimes lack
toughness, which can be problematic at high nanoparticle loading.
By incorporating functional grading, the material properties such
as toughness can be maintained while providing enhanced surface
properties, enhanced bulk properties, or enhanced overall
properties. For example, a functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposite may be designed to have high-hardness surfaces which
improve wear characteristics, in comparison to metal matrix
composites reinforced with micrometer reinforcement. The improved
wear characteristics arise from the enhanced strengthening
mechanisms introduced at the nanoscale, as a result of a higher
concentration of nanoparticles at or near the surface.
[0145] In some embodiments, an ingot is made or obtained, for later
producing a metal matrix nanocomposite. An "ingot" or equivalently
"pre-dispersed ingot" means a raw material that contains both a
metal component and a pre-dispersed reinforcing nanoparticle
component. An ingot may be obtained after processing of a
functionalized powder, or after processing of a metal matrix
nanocomposite. In some embodiments, the ingot already contains a
functional gradient of nanoparticle density. In some embodiments,
the ingot has or contains a microstructure indicative of a material
which consisted of powder precursors with nanoparticle surface
functionalization. This will result in a 3D network of
nanoparticles in the ingot.
[0146] An ingot may be a green body or a finished body. Ingot
relative densities may range from 10% to 100%, for example,
calculated as a percentage of the theoretical density (void-free)
of the components contained in the ingot.
[0147] The use of the ingot may vary. Further processing may result
in the redistribution of nanoparticles throughout the structure.
The ingot may be processed in such a way that it has the distinct
advantage of containing a targeted volume fraction of nanoparticles
determined during functionalization and a uniform distribution due
to the discrete nanoparticle assembly on the surface of the
metal-containing microparticles.
[0148] Some variations of the invention provide a functionally
graded metal matrix nanocomposite comprising a metal-matrix phase
and a first reinforcement phase containing first nanoparticles,
wherein the nanocomposite contains a gradient in concentration of
the first nanoparticles through at least one dimension of the
nanocomposite. The gradient in concentration of the nanoparticles
may be present in the nanocomposite over a length scale of at least
100 microns. The nanocomposite has a cast microstructure, in some
embodiments.
[0149] The metal-matrix phase may contain an element selected from
the group consisting of Al, Mg, Ni, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Si, and
combinations thereof. The first nanoparticles may contain a
compound selected from the group consisting of metals, ceramics,
cermets, intermetallic alloys, oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides,
polymers, carbon, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments,
the metal-matrix phase contains Al, Si, and Mg, and the first
nanoparticles contain tungsten carbide (WC).
[0150] The first nanoparticles may have an average particle size
from about 1 nanometer to about 1000 nanometers, such as about 10,
50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, or 900 nanometers. Some
or all of the first nanoparticles may be agglomerated such that the
effective particle size in the nanoparticle phase is larger than
1000 nanometers, in some embodiments.
[0151] The nanocomposite may contain from about 10 wt % to about
99.9 wt % of the metal-matrix phase, such as about 20, 30, 40, 50,
60, 70, 80, or 90 wt %, for example.
[0152] The nanocomposite may contain from about 0.1 wt % to about
50 wt % of the first nanoparticles, such as about 1, 5, 10, 20, 30,
or 40 wt %, for example.
[0153] In some embodiments, the nanocomposite further comprises
second nanoparticles in the first reinforcement phase and/or in a
second reinforcement phase.
[0154] In some embodiments, the metal-matrix phase and the first
reinforcement phase are each dispersed throughout the
nanocomposite. In these or other embodiments, the metal-matrix
phase and the first reinforcement phase are disposed in a layered
configuration within the nanocomposite, wherein the layered
configuration includes at least a first layer comprising the first
nanoparticles and at least a second layer comprising the
metal-matrix phase.
[0155] The nanocomposite may be present in an object or article
that has at least one dimension of 100 microns or greater, such as
200 microns, 500 microns, 1 millimeter, 5 millimeters, 1
centimeter, or greater. Object or article sizes vary widely.
[0156] Certain variations of the invention provide a functionally
graded metal matrix nanocomposite comprising a metal-matrix phase
containing Al, Si, and Mg and a reinforcement phase containing W
and C, wherein the nanocomposite contains a gradient in
concentration of the reinforcement phase through at least one
dimension of the nanocomposite. The nanocomposite may have a cast
microstructure.
[0157] The metal-matrix phase contains aluminum alloy AlSi10Mg, in
certain embodiments. AlSi10Mg is a typical casting alloy with good
casting properties and is often used for cast parts with thin walls
and complex geometry. It offers good strength, hardness, and
dynamic properties and is therefore also used for parts subject to
high loads. Adding a reinforcement phase to AlSi10Mg offers
additional benefits to properties. The reinforcement phase contains
tungsten carbide (WC), in certain embodiments.
[0158] In some embodiments, the metal-matrix phase and the
reinforcement phase are disposed in a layered configuration within
the nanocomposite, wherein the layered configuration includes a
first layer comprising W, C, Al, Si, and Mg, and a second layer
comprising Al, Si, and Mg--that is, the first layer is enriched in
W and C, such as in the form of WC nanoparticles.
[0159] In some embodiments, the nanocomposite is a master alloy, as
further discussed below.
[0160] Other variations provide a method of making a functionally
graded metal matrix nanocomposite, the method comprising:
[0161] (a) providing a precursor composition (e.g., powder)
comprising metal-containing microparticles and nanoparticles,
wherein the nanoparticles are chemically and/or physically disposed
on surfaces of the microparticles;
[0162] (b) consolidating the precursor composition into an
intermediate composition (e.g., ingot) comprising the
metal-containing microparticles and the nanoparticles, wherein the
nanoparticles are consolidated in a three-dimensional architecture
throughout the intermediate composition;
[0163] (c) melting the intermediate composition to form a melt,
wherein the melt segregates into a first phase comprising the
metal-containing microparticles and a second phase comprising, or
obtained from, the nanoparticles; and
[0164] (d) solidifying the melt to obtain a metal matrix
nanocomposite with a gradient in concentration of the nanoparticles
through at least one dimension of the nanocomposite.
[0165] The microparticles may contain an element selected from the
group consisting of Al, Mg, Ni, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Si, and combinations
thereof. The nanoparticles may contain a compound selected from the
group consisting of metals, ceramics, cermets, intermetallic
alloys, oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, polymers, carbon, and
combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the microparticles
contain Al, Si, and Mg, and the nanoparticles contain tungsten
carbide (WC).
[0166] In various embodiments, step (b) includes pressing, binding,
sintering, or a combination thereof.
[0167] In various embodiments, step (c) includes pressing,
sintering, mixing, dispersing, friction stir welding, extrusion,
binding, melting, semi-solid melting, capacitive discharge
sintering, casting, or a combination thereof. Step (c) may also
include holding the melt for an effective dwell time to cause
density-driven segregation of the first phase from the second
phase. The dwell time may be selected from about 1 minute to about
8 hours, for example. In some embodiments, step (c) includes
exposing the melt to an external force selected from gravitational,
centrifugal, mechanical, electromagnetic, or a combination
thereof.
[0168] Step (d) may include directional solidification or
progressive solidification of the melt. Directional solidification
and progressive solidification are types of solidification within
castings. Directional solidification is solidification that occurs
from the farthest end of the casting and works its way towards the
passage through which liquid material is introduced into a mold.
Progressive solidification is solidification that starts at the
walls of the casting and progresses perpendicularly from that
surface.
[0169] The metal-matrix phase and the reinforcement phase may be
each dispersed throughout the nanocomposite. In these or other
embodiments, the metal-matrix phase and the reinforcement phase are
disposed in a layered configuration within the nanocomposite,
wherein the layered configuration includes at least a first layer
comprising the nanoparticles and at least a second layer comprising
the metal-matrix phase. The nanoparticles may undergo some amount
of agglomeration. Agglomeration between nanoparticles may result in
nanoparticles being chemically or physically bound together.
Individual nanoparticles may or may not be present or detectable in
the reinforcement phase, and the length scale associated with the
nanoparticles may become greater than 1000 nm.
[0170] The gradient in concentration of the nanoparticles may be
present in the nanocomposite over a length scale of at least 10
microns, such as at least 100 microns, up to about 1 centimeter or
more, for example.
[0171] In some embodiments, the functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposite has a cast microstructure, defined above. In certain
embodiments, there is a functional gradient in the microstructure
itself, related to or independent of the concentration
gradient.
[0172] FIGS. 5 to 10 exhibit various embodiments of functionally
graded metal matrix nanocomposites.
[0173] FIG. 5 depicts some embodiments starting with nanoparticles
510 predistributed in a metal matrix 505, such as in an ingot. The
ingot may be obtained from heating a functionalized powder
containing metal microparticles coated with nanoparticles, as shown
in FIGS. 1-4. Heat is applied to the ingot which undergoes
density-driven phase segregation in which nanoparticles 510 migrate
toward the surface (against gravity) due to a density less than the
density of the molten matrix 515. After solidification, the
resulting functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite contains a
higher concentration of nanoparticles 510 at or near the surface,
compared to the bulk of the material, within the metal phase
525.
[0174] FIG. 6 depicts some embodiments starting with nanoparticles
610 predistributed in a metal matrix 605, such as in an ingot. The
ingot may be obtained from heating a functionalized powder
containing metal microparticles coated with nanoparticles, as shown
in FIGS. 1-4. Heat is applied to the ingot which undergoes
density-driven phase segregation in which nanoparticles 610 migrate
away from the surface (in the direction of gravity) due to a
density greater than the density of the molten matrix 615. After
solidification, the resulting functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposite contains a higher concentration of nanoparticles 610
at or near the distal region away from the surface, compared to the
bulk of the material, within the metal phase 625.
[0175] FIG. 7 depicts some embodiments starting with codispersed
nanoparticles 710 and 720 predistributed in a metal matrix 705,
such as in an ingot. The ingot may be obtained from heating a
functionalized powder containing metal microparticles coated with
nanoparticles, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Heat is applied to the ingot
which undergoes density-driven phase segregation in which
nanoparticles 710 migrate away from the surface (in the direction
of gravity) due to a density greater than the density of the molten
matrix 715, while nanoparticles 720 migrate toward the surface
(against gravity) due to a density less than the density of the
molten matrix 715. After solidification, the resulting functionally
graded metal matrix nanocomposite contains a higher concentration
of nanoparticles 710 at or near the distal region away from the
surface, and a higher concentration of nanoparticles 720 at or near
the surface, compared to the bulk of the material, within the metal
phase 725.
[0176] FIG. 8 depicts some embodiments starting with codispersed
nanoparticles 810 and 820 predistributed in a metal matrix 805,
such as in an ingot. The ingot may be obtained from heating a
functionalized powder containing metal microparticles coated with
nanoparticles, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Heat is applied to the ingot
which undergoes density-driven phase segregation in which
nanoparticles 810 migrate away from the surface (in the direction
of gravity) due to a density greater than the density of the molten
matrix 815. In this embodiment, nanoparticles 820 also migrate away
from the surface (in the direction of gravity) due to a density
greater than the density of the molten matrix 815, but the density
of nanoparticles 820 is less than the density of nanoparticles 810.
Therefore, nanoparticles 820 remain more dispersed within the
molten metal matrix 815, compared to the nanoparticles 810. After
solidification, the resulting functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposite contains a higher concentration of both nanoparticles
810 and 820 at or near the distal region away from the surface,
compared to the bulk of the material, within the metal phase 825.
The gradients of nanoparticles 810/820 concentrations are
different.
[0177] FIG. 9 depicts some embodiments starting with codispersed
nanoparticles 910 and 920 predistributed in a metal matrix 905,
such as in an ingot. The ingot may be obtained from heating a
functionalized powder containing metal microparticles coated with
nanoparticles, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Heat is applied to the ingot
which undergoes density-driven phase segregation in which
nanoparticles 910 migrate toward the surface (against gravity) due
to a density less than the density of the molten matrix 915. In
this embodiment, nanoparticles 920 also migrate toward the surface
due to a density less than the density of the molten matrix 915,
but the density of nanoparticles 920 is greater than the density of
nanoparticles 930. Therefore, nanoparticles 920 are more dispersed
within the molten metal matrix 915, compared to the nanoparticles
910. After solidification, the resulting functionally graded metal
matrix nanocomposite contains a higher concentration of both
nanoparticles 910 and 920 at or near the surface, compared to the
bulk of the material, within the metal phase 925. The gradients of
nanoparticles 910/920 concentrations are different.
[0178] FIG. 10 is an SEM image of a cross-section (side view) of an
exemplary AlSi10Mg--WC functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposite, according to Example 1 (described in the EXAMPLES
below).
Master Alloy Metal Matrix Nanocomposites
[0179] A "master alloy" is well-defined in the art and refers to a
concentrated alloy source which can be added to a metal being
processed, to introduce the appropriate alloying elements into the
system. Master alloys are particularly useful when the alloying
elements are difficult to disperse or in low weight quantities. In
the case of the dispersion difficulties, pre-dispersed master
alloys increase wetting and avoid agglomeration. In the case of low
quantities, it is much easier to control additions when heavier
weights of pre-alloyed material can be added, to avoid weighing
errors for the minor alloying elements.
[0180] A "master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite" or equivalently
"master alloy nanocomposite" herein means a metal matrix
nanocomposite with greater than 0.1 wt % nanoparticles distributed
in a metal or metal alloy matrix, suitable for further processing
through a variety of different routes (melt processing, machining,
forging, etc.) into a final product. The concentration of
nanoparticles is typically at least 1 wt %.
[0181] In some variations of the invention, a functionally graded
metal matrix nanocomposite is fabricated, followed by removal of
one or more phases not containing nanoparticles from the
nanocomposite, to generate a master alloy metal matrix
nanocomposite.
[0182] The production of a master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite
allows for a high volume loading of reinforcement phases into metal
matrices. By consolidating a homogenously dispersed nanoparticle
reinforcement phase, such as via density-driven phase separation,
and then removing a portion that does not contain the nanoparticle
reinforcement phase, a master alloy is obtained. The master alloy
may be used in further processing to produce a final geometrical
configuration, such as in melt processing and casting.
[0183] These methods provide low-cost, high-volume production of
master alloy metal matrix nanocomposites with high volume loading
of nanoparticulate reinforcement. Reaction times may be minimized
by using a pre-dispersed metal matrix nanocomposite feedstock
powder or feedstock ingot.
[0184] Some variations of the invention provide a method of making
a master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite, the method
comprising:
[0185] (a) providing an ingot composition comprising
metal-containing microparticles and nanoparticles, wherein the
nanoparticles are chemically and/or physically disposed on surfaces
of the microparticles, and wherein the nanoparticles are
consolidated in a three-dimensional architecture throughout the
ingot composition;
[0186] (b) melting the ingot composition to form a melt, wherein
the melt segregates into a first phase comprising the
metal-containing microparticles and a second phase comprising the
nanoparticles;
[0187] (c) solidifying the melt to obtain a metal matrix
nanocomposite with a gradient in concentration of the nanoparticles
through at least one dimension of the nanocomposite; and
[0188] (d) removing a fraction of the metal matrix nanocomposite
containing a lower concentration of the nanoparticles compared to
the remainder of the metal matrix nanocomposite, thereby producing
a master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite.
[0189] The microparticles may contain an element selected from the
group consisting of Al, Mg, Ni, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Si, and combinations
thereof. The nanoparticles may contain a compound selected from the
group consisting of metals, ceramics, cermets, intermetallic
alloys, oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, polymers, carbon, and
combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the microparticles
contain Al, Si, and Mg, and the nanoparticles contain tungsten
carbide (WC).
[0190] The processing in steps (b) and (c) takes a pre-dispersed
ingot, or other starting ingot composition, as a raw material and
produces a functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite.
[0191] Step (b) may further include pressing, sintering, mixing,
dispersing, friction stir welding, extrusion, binding, capacitive
discharge sintering, casting, or a combination thereof. Step (b)
may include holding the melt for an effective dwell time (e.g.,
about 1 minute to 8 hours) to cause density-driven segregation of
the first phase from the second phase. Optionally, step (b) may
include exposing the melt to an external force selected from
gravitational, centrifugal, mechanical, electromagnetic, or a
combination thereof.
[0192] Step (c) may include directional solidification or
progressive solidification of the melt, if desired. Directional
solidification is solidification that occurs from the farthest end
of the casting and works its way towards the passage through which
liquid material is introduced into a mold. Progressive
solidification is solidification that starts at the walls of the
casting and progresses perpendicularly from that surface.
[0193] The gradient in concentration of the first nanoparticles may
be present in the metal matrix nanocomposite over a length scale of
at least 100 microns.
[0194] In some embodiments, the metal-matrix phase and the first
reinforcement phase are each dispersed throughout the metal matrix
nanocomposite. In these or other embodiments, the metal-matrix
phase and the first reinforcement phase are disposed in a layered
configuration within the metal matrix nanocomposite, wherein the
layered configuration includes at least a first layer comprising
the nanoparticles and at least a second layer comprising the
metal-matrix phase.
[0195] Step (d) may include includes machining, ablation, reaction,
dissolution, evaporation, selective melting, or a combination
thereof. In certain embodiments, step (d) provides two distinct
master alloy metal matrix nanocomposites. A number of heating
methods and dwell times are appropriate for the production of
density-driven master alloy metal matrix nanocomposites.
[0196] In some embodiments, a method of fabrication of a master
alloy metal matrix nanocomposite starts by using a pre-dispersed
ingot as a raw material with a metal component and a reinforcing
particulate. This ingot is taken to a liquid or a semi-solid phase
through processing, wherein the metal component enters a molten
liquid or semi-solid phase with a dispersed reinforcing component
(nanoparticles).
[0197] The reinforcing component segregates through density-driven
segregation, in some embodiments. In particular, the matrix is
solidified and the reinforcing component is separated by density
into one or more higher-volume fractions (compared to the matrix).
The low-volume fraction component of the whole solid is then
removed, at least partially, to leave behind a final product of a
high-volume fraction master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite.
[0198] Compositions of this master alloy vary widely, according to
selection of the matrix metal(s) or metal alloy(s) in combination
with nanoparticles of arbitrary composition, including other metals
or metal alloys. Reinforcing nanoparticles are preferably less than
1000 nm in size, more preferably less than 250 nm, with any
geometrical configuration (rod, sphere, prism, etc.). Note that the
removed low-density material may be recycled and used in subsequent
processing. By producing a master alloy which may be added to a
targeted alloy system in the molten state, fully dispersed metal
matrix nanocomposites may be created and later processed under
conventional, cost-effective pyro-metallurgy approaches.
[0199] In some embodiments, the metal matrix nanocomposite in step
(c) is characterized by a cast microstructure. The final master
alloy metal matrix nanocomposite(s) may have a cast microstructure.
A cast microstructure is characterized in that it includes a
plurality of dendrites (from crystal growth) and grain boundaries
within the microstructure. In some embodiments, there is also a
plurality of voids, but preferably no cracks or large phase
boundaries.
[0200] In some embodiments, a cast microstructure is further
characterized by an equiaxed, fine-grained microstructure. Equiaxed
grains are roughly equal in length, width, and height. Equiaxed
grains can result when there are many nucleation sites arising from
the plurality of nanoparticles contained on surfaces of
microparticles, in the functionalized metal feedstock and therefore
in the master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite.
[0201] In some embodiments, a cast microstructure is further
characterized by a dispersed microstructure. A dispersed
microstructure generally arises from the large number of dendrites
and grain boundaries within the microstructure, which in turn arise
from the large number of nanoparticles initially on surfaces of
microparticles. The degree of dispersion may be characterized by a
dispersion length scale, calculated as the average spacing between
nanoparticles and/or the average length scale in the metal phase
between nanoparticles. In various embodiments, the dispersion
length scale is from about 1 nanometer to about 100 microns, such
as from about 10 nanometers to about 10 microns, or about 100
nanometers to about 1 micron.
[0202] Optionally, porosity may be removed or reduced in a cast
microstructure. For example, a secondary heat and/or pressure (or
other mechanical force) treatment may be done to minimize porous
voids present in the metal matrix nanocomposite. Also, pores may be
removed from the metal matrix nanocomposite by physically removing
(e.g., cutting away) a region into which porous voids have
segregated, such as via density-driven phase segregation. The
desired master alloy may have fewer voids, or no voids, compared to
the region removed.
[0203] In addition to removal of voids, other post-working may be
carried out, potentially resulting in other final microstructures
that are not cast microstructures, or that contain a mixture of
microstructures. For example, forging can refine defects from cast
ingots or continuous cast bar, and can introduce additional
directional strength, if desired. Preworking (e.g., strain
hardening) can be done such as to produce a grain flow oriented in
directions requiring maximum strength. The master alloy
microstructure therefore may be a forged microstructure, or a mixed
cast/forged microstructure, in certain embodiments. In various
embodiments, the master alloy metal matrix microstructure, on a
volume basis, is at least 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or
100% cast microstructure.
[0204] The master alloy may ultimately be processed in various
parts. These parts may be produced by a variety of processes, and
therefore a final part may or may not have a cast microstructure.
Metal-part forming operations include, but are not limited to,
forging, rolling, extrusion, drawing, sand casting, die casting,
investment casting, powder metallurgy, welding, additive
manufacturing, or others. A cast microstructure may be desired in
the final part, or a different microstructure may be desired, such
as a forged microstructure. A cast microstructure for the master
alloy may be preferred for the performance and quality of a final
part, in some embodiments.
[0205] FIGS. 11 to 15 exhibit several, non-limiting embodiments of
master alloy metal matrix nanocomposites.
[0206] FIG. 11 is an SEM image of a cross-section (side view) of an
exemplary AlSi10Mg--WC master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite,
according to Example 2 (described in the EXAMPLES below).
[0207] FIG. 12 depicts some embodiments starting with nanoparticles
1210 predistributed in a metal matrix 1205, such as in an ingot.
Heat is applied to the ingot undergoes density-driven phase
segregation in which nanoparticles 1210 migrate toward the surface
(against gravity) due to a density less than the density of the
molten matrix 1215. After solidification, the resulting
functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite contains a higher
concentration of nanoparticles 1210 at or near the surface,
compared to the bulk of the material, within the metal phase 1225.
A portion of the solid 1225, with relatively lower concentration of
nanoparticles 1210 (or no nanoparticles as in this illustration),
is then removed. The result is a master alloy metal matrix
nanocomposite enriched with nanoparticles 1210 in metal matrix
1225.
[0208] FIG. 13 depicts some embodiments starting with nanoparticles
1310 predistributed in a metal matrix 1305, such as in an ingot.
Heat is applied to the ingot which undergoes density-driven phase
segregation in which nanoparticles 1310 migrate away from the
surface (in the direction of gravity) due to a density greater than
the density of the molten matrix 1315. After solidification, the
resulting functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite contains a
higher concentration of nanoparticles 1310 at or near the distal
region away from the surface, compared to the bulk of the material,
within the metal phase 1325. A portion of the solid 1325, with
relatively lower concentration of nanoparticles 1310 (or no
nanoparticles as in this illustration), is then removed. The result
is a master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite enriched with
nanoparticles 1310 in metal matrix 1325.
[0209] FIG. 14 depicts some embodiments starting with codispersed
nanoparticles 1410 and 1420 predistributed in a metal matrix 1405,
such as in an ingot. Heat is applied to the ingot which undergoes
density-driven phase segregation in which nanoparticles 1410
migrate away from the surface (in the direction of gravity) due to
a density greater than the density of the molten matrix 1415. In
this embodiment, nanoparticles 1420 also migrate away from the
surface (in the direction of gravity) due to a density greater than
the density of the molten matrix 1415, but the density of
nanoparticles 1420 is greater than the density of nanoparticles
1410. After solidification, the resulting functionally graded metal
matrix nanocomposite contains a higher concentration of both
nanoparticles 1410 and 1420 at or near the distal region away from
the surface, compared to the bulk of the material, within the metal
phase 1425. A portion of the solid 1425, with relatively lower
concentration of nanoparticles 1410/1420 (or no nanoparticles as in
this illustration), is then removed. The result is a master alloy
metal matrix nanocomposite enriched with nanoparticles 1410 and
1420 in metal matrix 1425. Note that the layered configuration in
FIG. 14 is possible because the densities of nanoparticles 1410 and
1420 are different. In other embodiments, when the densities are
the same or similar, nanoparticles 1410 and 1420 will tend to be
uniformly dispersed within the final master alloy metal matrix
nanocomposite.
[0210] FIG. 15 depicts some embodiments starting with codispersed
nanoparticles 1510 and 1520 predistributed in a metal matrix 1505,
such as in an ingot. Heat is applied to the ingot which undergoes
density-driven phase segregation in which nanoparticles 1510
migrate away from the surface (in the direction of gravity) due to
a density greater than the density of the molten matrix 1515, while
nanoparticles 1520 migrate toward the surface (against gravity) due
to a density less than the density of the molten matrix 1515. After
solidification, the resulting functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposite contains a higher concentration of nanoparticles 1510
at or near the distal region away from the surface, and a higher
concentration of nanoparticles 1520 at or near the surface,
compared to the bulk of the material, within the metal phase 1525.
A portion of the solid 1525, with relatively lower concentration of
nanoparticles 1510/1520 (or no nanoparticles as in this
illustration), is then removed. Two distinct master alloy metal
matrix nanocomposites are fabricated simultaneously. One master
alloy metal matrix nanocomposite is enriched with nanoparticles
1510 in metal matrix 1525. The other master alloy metal matrix
nanocomposite is enriched with nanoparticles 1520 in metal matrix
1525.
Functionalized Metal Feedstocks for Producing Metal Matrix
Nanocomposites
[0211] Powder materials are a general class of feedstock for a
powder metallurgy process, including but not limited to additive
manufacturing, injection molding, and press and sintered
applications. As intended herein, "powder materials" refers to any
powdered ceramic, metal, polymer, glass, or composite or
combination thereof. In some embodiments, the powder materials are
metals or metal-containing compounds, but this disclosure should
not be construed as limited to metal processing. Powder sizes are
typically between about 1 micron and about 1 mm, but in some cases
could be as much as about 1 cm.
[0212] The powdered material may be in any form in which discrete
particles can be reasonably distinguished from the bulk. The powder
materials are not always observed as loose powders and may be
present as a paste, suspension, or green body. A green body is an
object whose main constituent is weakly bound powder material,
before it has been melted and solidified. For instance, a filler
rod for welding may consist of the powder material compressed into
a usable rod.
[0213] Particles may be solid, hollow, or a combination thereof.
Particles can be made by any means including, for example, gas
atomization, milling, cryomilling, wire explosion, laser ablation,
electrical-discharge machining, or other techniques known in the
art. The powder particles may be characterized by an average aspect
ratio from about 1:1 to about 100:1. The "aspect ratio" means the
ratio of particle length to width, expressed as length:width. A
perfect sphere has an aspect ratio of 1:1. For a particle of
arbitrary geometry, the length is taken to be the maximum effective
diameter and the width is taken to be the minimum effective
diameter.
[0214] In some embodiments, the particles are in the shape of rods.
By "rod" it is meant a rod-shaped particle or domain shaped like
long sticks, dowels, or needles. The average diameter of the rods
may be selected from about 5 nanometers to about 100 microns, for
example. Rods need not be perfect cylinders, i.e. the axis is not
necessarily straight and the diameter is not necessarily a perfect
circle. In the case of geometrically imperfect cylinders (i.e. not
exactly a straight axis or a round diameter), the aspect ratio is
the actual axial length, along its line of curvature, divided by
the effective diameter, which is the diameter of a circle having
the same area as the average cross-sectional area of the actual
nanorod shape.
[0215] The powder material particles may be anisotropic. As meant
herein, "anisotropic" particles have at least one chemical or
physical property that is directionally dependent. When measured
along different axes, an anisotropic particle will have some
variation in a measurable property. The property may be physical
(e.g., geometrical) or chemical in nature, or both. The property
that varies along multiple axes may simply be the presence of mass;
for example, a perfect sphere would be geometrically isotropic
while a cylinder is geometrically anisotropic. The amount of
variation of a chemical or physical property may be 5%, 10%, 20%,
30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 100% or more.
[0216] "Solidification" generally refers to the phase change from a
liquid to a solid. In some embodiments, solidification refers to a
phase change within the entirety of the powder volume. In other
embodiments, solidification refers to a phase change at the surface
of the particles or within a fractional volume of the powder
material. In various embodiments, at least (by volume) 1%, 2%, 5%,
10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or
100% of the powdered material is melted to form the liquid
state.
[0217] For a metal or mixtures of metals, solidification generally
results in one or more solid metal phases that are typically
crystalline, but sometimes amorphous. Ceramics also may undergo
crystalline solidification or amorphous solidification. Metals and
ceramics may form an amorphous region coinciding with a crystalline
region (e.g., in semicrystalline materials). In the case of certain
polymers and glasses, solidification may not result in a
crystalline solidification. In the event of formation of an
amorphous solid from a liquid, solidification refers to a
transition of the liquid from above the glass-transition
temperature to an amorphous solid at or below the glass-transition
temperature. The glass-transition temperature is not always
well-defined, and sometimes is characterized by a range of
temperatures.
[0218] "Surface functionalization" refers to a surface modification
on the powdered materials, which modification significantly affects
the solidification behavior (e.g., solidification rate, yield,
selectivity, heat release, etc.) of the powder materials. In
various embodiments, a powdered material is functionalized with
about 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%,
85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100% of the surface area of the powdered
material having the surface-functionalization modifications. The
surface modification maybe a surface-chemistry modification, a
physical surface modification, or a combination thereof.
[0219] In some embodiments, the surface functionalization includes
a nanoparticle coating and/or a microparticle coating. The
nanoparticles and/or microparticles may include a metal, ceramic,
polymer, or carbon, or a composite or combination thereof. The
surface functionalization may include a particle assembly that is
chemically or physically disposed on the surface of the powder
materials.
[0220] Due to the small size of nanoparticles and their reactivity,
the benefits provided herein may be possible with less than 1%
surface area coverage. In the case of functionalization with a
nanoparticle of the same composition as the base powder, a
surface-chemistry change may not be detectible and can be
characterized by topological differences on the surface, for
example. Functionalization with a nanoparticle of the same
composition as the base powder may be useful to reduce the melting
point in order to initiate sintering at a lower temperature, for
example.
[0221] In some embodiments, microparticles coat micropowders or
macropowders. The micropowder or macropowder particles may include
ceramic, metal, polymer, glass, or combinations thereof. The
microparticles (coating) may include metal, ceramic, polymer,
carbon, or combinations thereof. In the case of microparticles
coating other micropowders or macropowders, functionalization
preferably means that the coating particles are of significantly
different dimension(s) than the base powder. For example, the
microparticles may be characterized by an average dimension (e.g.,
diameter) that is less than 20%, 10%, 5%, 2%, or 1% of the largest
dimension of the coated powders.
[0222] In some embodiments, surface functionalization is in the
form of a continuous coating or an intermittent coating. A
continuous coating covers at least 90% of the surface, such as
about 95%, 99%, or 100% of the surface (recognizing there may be
defects, voids, or impurities at the surface). An intermittent
coating is non-continuous and covers less than 90%, such as about
80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 2%, 1%, or less of the
surface. An intermittent coating may be uniform (e.g., having a
certain repeating pattern on the surface) or non-uniform (e.g.,
random).
[0223] In general, the coating may be continuous or discontinuous.
The coating may have several characteristic features. In one
embodiment, the coating may be smooth and conformal to the
underlying surface. In another embodiment, the coating may be
nodular. The nodular growth is characteristic of kinetic
limitations of nucleation and growth. For example, the coating may
look like cauliflower or a small fractal growing from the surface.
These features can be affected by the underling materials, the
method of coating, reaction conditions, etc.
[0224] A coating may or may not be in the form of nanoparticles or
microparticles. That is, the coating may be derived from
nanoparticles or microparticles, while discrete nanoparticles or
microparticles may no longer be present. Various coating techniques
may be employed, such as (but not limited to) electroless
deposition, immersion deposition, or solution coating. The coating
thickness is preferably less than about 20% of the underlying
particle diameter, such as less than 15%, 10%, 5%, 2%, or 1% of the
underlying particle diameter.
[0225] In some embodiments, the surface functionalization also
includes direct chemical or physical modification of the surface of
the powder materials, such as to enhance the bonding of the
nanoparticles or microparticles. Direct chemical modification of
the surface of the powder materials, such as addition of molecules,
may also be utilized to affect the solidification behavior of the
powder materials. A plurality of surface modifications described
herein may be used simultaneously.
[0226] Nanoparticles are particles with the largest dimension
between about 1 nm and 1000 nm. A preferred size of nanoparticles
is less than 250 nm, more preferably less than 100 nm.
Microparticles are particles with the largest dimension between
about 1 micron and 1000 microns. Nanoparticles or microparticles
may be metal, ceramic, polymer, carbon-based, or composite
particles, for example. The nanoparticle or microparticle size may
be determined based on the desired properties and final function of
the assembly.
[0227] Nanoparticles or microparticles may be spherical or of
arbitrary shape with the largest dimension typically not exceeding
the above largest dimensions. An exception is structures with
extremely high aspect ratios, such as carbon nanotubes in which the
dimensions may include up to 100 microns in length but less than
100 nm in diameter. The nanoparticles or microparticles may include
a coating of one or more layers of a different material. Mixtures
of nanoparticles and microparticles may be used. In some
embodiments, microparticles themselves are coated with
nanoparticles, and the microparticle/nanoparticle composite is
incorporated as a coating or layer on the powder material
particles.
[0228] Some variations provide a powdered material comprising a
plurality of particles, wherein the particles are fabricated from a
first material (e.g., ceramic, metal, polymer, glass, or
combinations thereof), and wherein each of the particles has a
particle surface area that is surface-functionalized (such as
continuously or intermittently) with nanoparticles and/or
microparticles selected to control solidification of the powdered
material from a liquid state to a solid state. The nanoparticles
and/or microparticles may include metal, ceramic, polymer, carbon,
or combinations thereof.
[0229] In some embodiments, the powdered material is characterized
in that on average at least 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%,
35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or more of the particle surface area is
surface-functionalized with the nanoparticles and/or the
microparticles.
[0230] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles and/or microparticles
are selected to control solidification of a portion of the powdered
material, such as a region of powdered material for which
solidification control is desired. Other regions containing
conventional powdered materials, without nanoparticles and/or
microparticles, may be present. In some embodiments, the
nanoparticles and/or microparticles are selected to control
solidification of a portion of each the particles (e.g., less than
the entire volume of a particle, such as an outer shell).
[0231] Various material combinations are possible. In some
embodiments, the powder particles are ceramic and the nanoparticles
and/or microparticles are ceramic. In some embodiments, the powder
particles are ceramic and the nanoparticles and/or microparticles
are metallic. In some embodiments, the powder particles are
polymeric and the nanoparticles and/or microparticles are metallic,
ceramic, or carbon-based. In some embodiments, the powder particles
are glass and the nanoparticles and/or microparticles are metallic.
In some embodiments, the powder particles are glass and the
nanoparticles and/or microparticles are ceramic. In some
embodiments, the powder particles are ceramic or glass and the
nanoparticles and/or microparticles are polymeric or carbon-based,
and so on.
[0232] Exemplary ceramic materials for the powders, or the
nanoparticles and/or microparticles, include (but are not limited
to) SiC, HfC, TaC, ZrC, NbC, WC, TiC, TiC.sub.0.7N.sub.0.3, VC,
B.sub.4C, TiB.sub.2, HfB.sub.2, TaB.sub.2, ZrB.sub.2, WB.sub.2,
NbB.sub.2, TaN, HfN, BN, ZrN, TiN, NbN, VN, Si.sub.3N.sub.4,
Al.sub.2O.sub.3, MgAl.sub.2O.sub.3, HfO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2,
Ta.sub.2O.sub.5, TiO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2, and oxides of rare-earth
elements Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho Er, Tm, Yb,
and/or Lu.
[0233] Exemplary metallic materials for the powders, or the
nanoparticles and/or microparticles, include (but are not limited
to) Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm,
Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Si, or
B.
[0234] Exemplary polymer materials for the powders, or the
nanoparticles and/or microparticles, include (but are not limited
to) thermoplastic organic or inorganic polymers, or thermoset
organic or inorganic polymers. Polymers may be natural or
synthetic.
[0235] Exemplary glass materials for the powders include (but are
not limited to) silicate glasses, porcelains, glassy carbon,
polymer thermoplastics, metallic alloys, ionic liquids in a glassy
state, ionic melts, and molecular liquids in a glassy state.
[0236] Exemplary carbon or carbon-based materials for the
nanoparticles and/or microparticles include (but are not limited
to) graphite, activated carbon, graphene, carbon fibers, carbon
nanostructures (e.g., carbon nanotubes), and diamond (e.g.,
nanodiamonds).
[0237] These categories of materials are not mutually exclusive;
for example a given material may be metallic/ceramic, a ceramic
glass, a polymeric glass, etc.
[0238] The selection of the coating/powder composition will be
dependent on the desired properties and should be considered on a
case-by-case basis. Someone skilled in the art of material science
or metallurgy will be able to select the appropriate materials for
the intended process, based on the information provided in this
disclosure. The processing and final product configuration should
also be dependent on the desired properties. Someone skilled in the
art of material science, metallurgy, and/or mechanical engineering
will be able to select the appropriate processing conditions for
the desired outcome, based on the information provided in this
disclosure.
[0239] In some embodiments, a method of controlling solidification
of a powdered material comprises:
[0240] providing a powdered material comprising a plurality of
particles, wherein the particles are fabricated from a first
material, and wherein each of the particles has a particle surface
area that is surface-functionalized with nanoparticles and/or
microparticles;
[0241] melting at least a portion of the powdered material to a
liquid state; and
[0242] semi-passively controlling solidification of the powdered
material from the liquid state to a solid state.
[0243] As intended in this description, "semi-passive control,"
"semi-passively controlling," and like terminology refer to control
of solidification during heating, cooling, or both heating and
cooling of the surface-functionalized powder materials, wherein the
solidification control is designed prior to melting through
selected functionalization and is not actively controlled
externally once the melt-solidification process has begun. Note
that external interaction is not necessarily avoided. In some
embodiments, semi-passive control of solidification further
includes selecting the atmosphere (e.g., pressure, humidity, or gas
composition), temperature, or thermal input or output. These
factors as well as other factors known to someone skilled in the
art may or may not be included in semi-passive control.
[0244] Exemplary semi-passive control processes, enabled through
surface functionalization as described herein, will now be
illustrated.
[0245] One route to control nucleation is the introduction, into
the liquid phase, of nanoparticles derived from a coating described
above. The nanoparticles may include any material composition
described above and may be selected based on their ability to wet
into the melt. Upon melt initiation, the nanoparticles wet into the
melt pool as dispersed particles which, upon cooling, serve as
nucleation sites, thereby producing a fine-grained structure with
observable nucleation sites in the cross-section. In some
embodiments, the density of nucleation sites is increased, which
may increase the volumetric freezing rate due to the number of
growing solidification fronts and the lack of a nucleation energy
barrier.
[0246] In an exemplary embodiment, ceramic nanoparticles, e.g.
TiB.sub.2 or Al.sub.2O.sub.3 nanoparticles, are coated onto
aluminum alloy microparticles. The ceramic nanoparticles are
introduced into an aluminum alloy melt pool in an additive
manufacturing process. The nanoparticles then disperse in the melt
pool and act as nucleation sites for the solid. The additional
well-dispersed nucleation sites can mitigate shrinkage cracks (hot
cracking). Shrinkage cracks typically occur when liquid cannot
reach certain regions due to blockage of narrow channels between
solidifying grains. An increase in nucleation sites can prevent
formation of long, narrow channels between solidifying grains,
because multiple small grains are growing, instead of few large
grains.
[0247] In another exemplary embodiment, nanoparticles act as
nucleation sites for a secondary phase in an alloy. The
nanoparticles may comprise the secondary phase or a material that
nucleates the secondary phase (due to similar crystal structures,
for instance). This embodiment can be beneficial if the secondary
phase is responsible for blocking interdendritic channels leading
to hot cracking. By nucleating many small grains of the secondary
phase, a large grain that might block the narrow channel between
the dendrites can be avoided. Furthermore, this embodiment can be
beneficial if the secondary phase tends to form a continuous phase
between the grains of the primary phase, which promotes stress
corrosion cracking. By providing additional nucleation sites for
the secondary phase, this secondary phase may be broken up and
interdispersed, preventing it from forming a continuous phase
between grains of the primary alloy. By breaking up a secondary
phase during solidification, there is the potential to more
completely homogenize the material during heat treatment, which can
decrease the likelihood of stress corrosion cracking (fewer
gradients in the homogenized material). If the secondary phase is
not continuous, long notches from corrosion are less likely.
[0248] In another embodiment of nucleation control, the
functionalized surface may fully or partially dissolve in the melt
and undergo a reaction with materials in the melt to form
precipitates or inclusions, which may act in the same manner as the
nanoparticles in the preceding paragraph. For example, titanium
particles may be coated on an aluminum alloy particle, which upon
melting would dissolve the titanium. However, on cooling the
material undergoes a peritectic reaction, forming aluminum-titanium
intermetallic (Al.sub.3Ti) inclusions which would serve as
nucleation sites.
[0249] In another embodiment, the coating may react with impurities
to form nucleation sites. An example is a magnesium coating on a
titanium alloy powder. Titanium has a very high solubility of
oxygen (a common atmospheric contaminant), which can affect the
overall properties. A coating of magnesium reacts within the melt,
binding to dissolved oxygen which forms magnesium oxide (MgO)
inclusions, promoting nucleation.
[0250] Nucleation control may include the use of ceramic particles.
In some embodiments, the ceramic particles can be wet by the molten
material, while in other embodiments, the ceramic particles cannot
be wet by the molten material. The ceramic particles may be
miscible or immiscible with the molten state. The ceramic particles
may be incorporated into the final solid material. In some
embodiments, the ceramic particles are rejected from the solid.
Exemplary ceramic materials include (but are not limited to) SiC,
HfC, TaC, ZrC, NbC, WC, TiC, TiCo.sub.0.7N.sub.0.3, VC, B.sub.4C,
TiB.sub.2, HfB.sub.2, TaB.sub.2, ZrB.sub.2, WB.sub.2, NbB.sub.2,
TaN, HfN, BN, ZrN, TiN, NbN, VN, Si.sub.3N.sub.4, Al.sub.2O.sub.3,
MgAl.sub.2O.sub.3, HfO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2, Ta.sub.2O.sub.5,
TiO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2, and oxides of rare-earth elements Y, La, Ce,
Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho Er, Tm, Yb, and/or Lu.
[0251] Nucleation control may include the use of metallic
particles. In some embodiments, the metallic particles can be wet
by the molten material. The metallic particles may form an alloy
with the molten material through a eutectic reaction or peritectic
reaction. The alloy may be an intermetallic compound or a solid
solution. In some embodiments, the metallic particles cannot be wet
by the molten material and cannot form an alloy with the molten
material. Exemplary metallic materials include (but are not limited
to) Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm,
Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Si, or
B.
[0252] Nucleation control may include the use of plastic particles.
In some embodiments, the plastic particles can be wet by the molten
material, while in other embodiments, the plastic particles cannot
be wet by the molten material.
[0253] Nanoparticles promote surface growth of crystals that have
good epitaxial fit. Nucleation on the surface of a nanoparticle is
more likely when there is good fit between the crystal lattice
parameters of the nanoparticles and the solidifying material.
Nanoparticles may be selected to promote nucleation of a specific
phase in the melt.
[0254] Generally, nucleation-promoting chemical reactions are
dependent on the selected surface functionalization and on the
heating (or cooling) parameters.
[0255] As nanoparticles or microparticles are organized on a
particle surface under conditions for which rapid melting or near
melting occurs and rapidly fuses the particles together with very
little melt convection, the coating will not have the time or
associated energy to diffuse away from its initial position
relative to the other powders. This would in turn create a
three-dimensional network structure of inclusions. Thus, a method
is provided to control maximum grain size and/or to design a
predictable microstructure. The microstructure is dependent on the
initial powder size, shape, and packing configuration/density.
Adjusting the coating and powder parameters allows control of this
hierarchical structure. In some embodiments, these architectures
significantly improve material properties by impeding, blocking, or
redirecting dislocation motion in specific directions, thereby
reducing or eliminating failure mechanisms.
[0256] Utilizing the appropriate functionalization, the heat flow
during solidification may be controlled using heats of fusion or
vaporization. In some embodiments, inclusions are pulled into the
melt or reacted within the melt (as described above). In some
embodiments, a coating is rejected to the surface of the melt pool.
Utilizing a functionalization surface with a high vapor pressure at
the desired melting point of the powder, vaporization would occur,
resulting in a cooling effect in the melt which increases the
freezing rate. As described above, magnesium on a titanium alloy
may accomplish this, in addition to forming oxide inclusions. The
effect of this is detectible when comparing non-functionalized
powders to functionalized powders under identical conditions, as
well as comparing the composition of feed material versus the
composition of the final product.
[0257] In another embodiment, the opposite effect occurs. Some
systems may require slower solidification times than can be
reasonably provided in a certain production system. In this
instance, a higher-melting-point material, which may for example be
rejected to the surface, freezes. This releases the heat of fusion
into the system, slowing the total heat flux out of the melt. Heat
may also be held in the melt to slow solidification by
incorporating a secondary material with a significantly higher heat
capacity.
[0258] In another embodiment, the heat of formation is used to
control heat flow during melt pool formation and/or solidification.
For example, nickel microparticles may be decorated with aluminum
nanoparticles. Upon supply of enough activation energy, the
exothermic reaction of Ni and Al to NiAl is triggered. In this
case, a large heat of formation is released (-62 kJ/mol) which may
aid in melting the particles fully or partially. The resulting NiAl
intermetallic is absorbed into the melt and stays suspended as a
solid (a portion may be dissolved) due to its higher melting point,
thereby acting as a nucleation site as well as having a
strengthening effect on the alloy later.
[0259] Thermodynamic control of solidification may utilize
nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings which undergo a
phase transformation that is different from phase transformations
in the base material. The phase transformations may occur at
different solidus and/or liquidus temperatures, at similar solidus
and/or liquidus temperatures, or at the same solidus and/or
liquidus temperatures. The phase-transformed
nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings may be
incorporated into the final solid material, or may be rejected from
the final solid material, or both of these. The phase-transformed
nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings may be miscible or
immiscible with the molten state. The phase-transformed
nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings may be miscible or
immiscible with the solid state.
[0260] Thermodynamic control of solidification may utilize
nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings which vaporize or
partially vaporize. For example, such coatings may comprise organic
materials (e.g., waxes, carboxylic acids, etc.) or inorganic salts
(e.g., MgBr.sub.2, ZnBr.sub.2, etc.)
[0261] Thermodynamic control of solidification may utilize
nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings which release or
absorb gas (e.g., oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.).
[0262] Thermodynamic control of solidification may utilize
nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings with different
heat capacities than the base material.
[0263] In addition to controlling the energy within the system, it
also is possible to control the rate at which heat leaves the
system by controlling thermal conductivity or emissivity (thermal
IR radiation). This type of control may be derived from a rejection
to the surface or from the thermal conductivity of a powder bed
during additive manufacturing, for instance. In one embodiment, the
functionalization may reject to the surface a low-conductivity
material, which may be the functionalization material directly or a
reaction product thereof, which insulates the underlying melt and
decreases the freezing rate. In other embodiments, a layer may have
a high/low emissivity which would increase/decrease the radiative
heat flow into or out of the system. These embodiments are
particularly applicable in electron-beam systems which are under
vacuum and therefore radiation is a primary heat-flow
mechanism.
[0264] Additionally, in laser sintering systems, the emissivity of
a rejected layer may be used to control the amount of energy input
to the powder bed for a given wavelength of laser radiation. In
another embodiment, the functionalized surface may be fully
absorbed in the melt yet the proximity to other non-melted
functionalized powders, such as additive manufacturing in a powder
bed, may change the heat conduction out of the system. This may
manifest itself as a low-thermal-conductivity base powder with a
high-conductivity coating.
[0265] Thermal conductivity or emissivity control of solidification
may utilize nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings which
are higher in thermal conductivity compared to the base material.
The nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings may be
incorporated into the melt, or may be rejected, such as to grain
boundaries or to the surface of the melt. The
nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings may be miscible or
immiscible with the molten state. The nanoparticles/microparticles
or surface coatings may be miscible or immiscible with the final
solid state.
[0266] Thermal conductivity or emissivity control of solidification
may utilize nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings which
are lower in thermal conductivity compared to the base
material.
[0267] Thermal conductivity or emissivity control of solidification
may utilize nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings which
are higher in emissivity compared to the base material.
[0268] Thermal conductivity or emissivity control of solidification
may utilize nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings which
are lower in emissivity compared to the base material.
[0269] In some embodiments, the functionalization material may
react with contaminants in the melt (e.g., Mg--Ti--O system). When
the functionalization material is properly chosen, the reacted
material may be selected such that the formed reaction product has
a high surface tension with the liquid, such that it may be
rejected to the surface. The rejected reaction product may take the
form of an easily removable scale. Optionally, the rejected layer
is not actually removed but rather incorporated into the final
product. The rejected layer may manifest itself as a hard-facing
carbide, nitride, or oxide coating, a soft anti-galling material,
or any other functional surface which may improve the desired
properties of the produced material. In some cases, the rejected
surface layer may be of a composition and undergo a cooling regime
which may result in an amorphous layer on the surface of the
solidified material. These surface-rejected structures may result
in improved properties related to, but not limited to, improved
corrosion resistance, stress corrosion crack resistance, crack
initiation resistance, overall strength, wear resistance,
emissivity, reflectivity, and magnetic susceptibility.
[0270] Through contaminant removal or rejection, several scenarios
are possible. Nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings that
react with or bind to undesired contaminants may be incorporated
into the solidification, in the same phase or a separate solid
phase. The reacted nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coatings
may be rejected during solidification. When portions or select
elements present in the nanoparticles/microparticles or coatings
react with or bind to contaminants, such portions or elements may
be incorporated and/or rejected.
[0271] In some embodiments, the functionalized surface reacts upon
heating to form a lower-melting-point material compared to the base
material, such as through a eutectic reaction. The functionalized
surface may be chosen from a material which reacts with the
underlying powder to initiate melting at the particle surface, or
within a partial volume of the underlying powder. A heat source,
such as a laser or electron beam, may be chosen such that the
energy density is high enough to initiate the surface reaction and
not fully melt the entire functionalized powder. This results in an
induced uniform liquid phase sintering at the particle surface.
Upon freezing, the structure possesses a characteristic
microstructure indicating different compositions and grain
nucleation patterns around a central core of stock powder with a
microstructure similar to the stock powder after undergoing a
similar heat treatment. This structure may later be normalized or
undergo post-processing to increase density or improve the
properties.
[0272] Another possible reaction is a peritectic reaction in which
one component melts and this melted material diffuses into a second
nanoparticle or microparticle, to form an alloyed solid. This new
alloyed solid may then act as a phase-nucleation center, or may
limit melting just at the edge of particles.
[0273] Incorporating nanoparticles into a molten metal may be
challenging when the nanoparticles have a thin oxide layer at the
surface, since liquid metals typically do not wet oxides well. This
may cause the nanoparticles to get pushed to the surface of the
melt. One way to overcome the oxide layer on nanoparticles, and the
associated wettability issues, is to form the nanoparticles in situ
during melt pool formation. This may be achieved by starting with
nanoparticles of an element that forms an intermetallic with one
component of the base alloy, while avoiding dissolution of the
nanoparticles in the melt. Alternatively, binary compound
nanoparticles that disassociate at elevated temperatures, such as
hydrides or nitrides, may be used since the disassociation reaction
annihilates any oxide shell on the nanoparticle.
[0274] As noted above, the surface functionalization may be
designed to be reacted and rejected to the surface of the melt
pool. In embodiments employing additive manufacturing, layered
structures may be designed. In some embodiments, progressive build
layers and hatchings may be heated such that each sequential melt
pool is heated long enough to reject the subsequent rejected layer,
thereby producing a build with an external scale and little to no
observable layering within the build of the rejected materials. In
other embodiments, particularly those which result in a functional
or desired material rejected to the surface, heating and hatching
procedures may be employed to generate a composite structure with a
layered final product. Depending on the build parameters, these may
be randomly oriented or designed, layered structures which may be
used to produce materials with significantly improved
properties.
[0275] Architected microstructures may be designed in which feature
sizes (e.g., distance between nanoparticle nodes) within the
three-dimensional network are selected, along with targeted
compositions, for an intended purpose. Similarly, layered composite
structures may be designed in which feature sizes (e.g., layer
thicknesses or distance between layers) are selected, along with
targeted compositions, for an intended purpose.
[0276] Note that rejection to the surface is not necessarily
required to generate layered structures. Functionalized surfaces
may be relatively immobile from their initial position on the
surface of the base powder. During melting, these functionalized
surfaces may act as nucleation sites, as previously mentioned;
however, instead of absorption into the melt, they may initiate
nucleation at the location which was previously occupied by the
powder surface and is not molten. The result is a fine-grained
structure evolving from the surface nucleation source, towards the
center. This may result in a designed composite structure with
enhanced properties over the base material. In general, this
mechanism allows for the ability to control the location of desired
inclusions through controlled solidification.
[0277] In the additive manufacturing of titanium alloys, the
problem of microstructural texturing of subsequent layers of molten
metals induces anisotropic microstructures and thus anisotropic
structural properties. Dispersing stable ceramic nanoparticles in
the solidifying layers may produce grain structures with isotropic
features which are stable upon repetitive heating cycles. An
example is a stable high-temperature ceramic nanoparticle, such as
Al.sub.2O.sub.3 or TiCN attached to the surface of a Ti-6Al-4V
microparticle powder which is subsequently melted, solidified, and
then reheated as the next layer of powder is melted on top. The
ceramic nanoparticles can induce nucleation of small grains and
prevent coarse grains from forming in the direction of the thermal
gradient.
[0278] Any solidification control method which derives its primary
functionality from the surface functionalization of a powdered
material can be considered in the scope of this invention. Other
methods of control may include multiple types of control described
above. An example of a combination of methods includes utilizing
rejection to the surface, internal reaction, along with emissivity
control. For instance, a part may be processed using additive
manufacturing in which a functionalization material is selected to
be dissolved into the surface, and reacts to form an insoluble
material which is rejected to the surface of the melt pool. This
rejected material may then have a low emissivity, which reflects
any additional laser radiation, thereby decreasing the local
heating and cooling the material quickly to control solidification.
The resulting structure is a material with a controlled
solidification structure with a low-emissivity surface coating.
[0279] In some embodiments, the solid state is a three-dimensional
microstructure containing the nanoparticles and/or microparticles
as inclusions distributed throughout the solid state.
[0280] In some embodiments, the solid state is a layered
microstructure containing one or more layers comprising the
nanoparticles and/or microparticles.
[0281] The method may further include creating a structure through
one or more techniques selected from the group consisting of
additive manufacturing, injection molding, pressing and sintering,
capacitive discharge sintering, and spark plasma sintering. The
present invention provides a solid object or article comprising a
structure produced using such a method.
[0282] Some variations provide a structure created from the
functionalized powder via additive manufacturing. The
functionalized powder (with nanoparticles/microparticles or surface
coating) may be incorporated into the final structure. In some
embodiments, the nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coating
are rejected, creating a scale. The scale may be unbonded to the
structure. In some embodiments, the scale bonds to the structure or
otherwise cannot be readily removed. This may be advantageous, such
as to provide a structural enhancement--for instance, rejected
ceramic particles may add a hard facing to the final structure.
Rejected nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coating may form a
multilayer composite, wherein each layer has a different
composition. In some embodiments, rejected
nanoparticles/microparticles or surface coating forms a spatially
graded composition within the bulk of the structure. A
three-dimensional architecture may also develop in the final
microstructure.
[0283] Some variations provide a solid object or article comprising
at least one solid phase (i) containing a powdered material as
described, or (ii) derived from a liquid form of a powdered
material as described. The solid phase may form from 0.25 wt % to
100 wt % of the solid object or article, such as about 1 wt %, 5 wt
%, 10 wt %, 25 wt %, 50 wt %, or 75 wt % of the solid object or
article, for example.
[0284] Other variations provide a solid object or article
comprising a continuous solid phase and a three-dimensional network
of nanoparticle and/or microparticle inclusions distributed
throughout the continuous solid phase, wherein the
three-dimensional network blocks, impedes, or redirects dislocation
motion within the solid object or article.
[0285] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle and/or microparticle
inclusions are distributed uniformly throughout the continuous
solid phase. The nanoparticle and/or microparticle inclusions may
be present at a concentration from about 0.1 wt % to about 50 wt %
of the solid object or article, such as about 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20,
25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 wt %, for example.
[0286] In some embodiments, light elements are incorporated into
the system. For example, the particle surface (or the surface of
nanoparticles or microparticles present on the powder particles)
may be surface-reacted with an element selected from the group
consisting of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, boron, sulfur,
and combinations thereof. For example, reaction with hydrogen gas
may be carried out to form a metal hydride. Optionally, the
particle or a particle coating further contains a salt, carbon, an
organic additive, an inorganic additive, or a combination thereof.
Certain embodiments utilize relatively inert carbides that are
incorporated (such as into steel) with fast melting and
solidification.
[0287] Methods of producing surface-functionalized powder materials
are generally not limited and may include immersion deposition,
electroless deposition, vapor coating, solution/suspension coating
of particles with or without organic ligands, utilizing
electrostatic forces and/or Van der Waals forces to attach
particles through mixing, and so on. U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/720,757 (filed May 23, 2015), U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/720,756 (filed May 23, 2015), and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/860,332 (filed Sep. 21, 2015), each commonly owned with
the assignee of this patent application, are hereby incorporated by
reference herein. These disclosures relate to methods of coating
certain materials onto micropowders, in some embodiments.
[0288] For example, as described in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/860,332, coatings may be applied using immersion deposition
in an ionic liquid, depositing a more-noble metal on a substrate of
a less-noble, more-electronegative metal by chemical replacement
from a solution of a metallic salt of the coating metal. This
method requires no external electric field or additional reducing
agent, as with standard electroplating or electroless deposition,
respectively. The metals may be selected from the group consisting
of aluminum, zirconium, titanium, zinc, nickel, cobalt copper,
silver, gold, palladium, platinum, rhodium, titanium, molybdenum,
uranium, niobium, tungsten, tin, lead, tantalum, chromium, iron,
indium, rhenium, ruthenium, osmium, iridium, and combinations or
alloys thereof.
[0289] Organic ligands may be reacted onto a metal, in some
embodiments. Organic ligands may be selected from the group
consisting of aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, silicones, polyols,
poly(acrylic acid), poly(quaternary ammonium salts), poly(alkyl
amines), poly(alkyl carboxylic acids) including copolymers of
maleic anhydride or itaconic acid, poly(ethylene imine),
poly(propylene imine), poly(vinylimidazoline), poly(trialkylvinyl
benzyl ammonium salt), poly(carboxymethylcellulose), poly(D- or
L-lysine), poly(L-glutamic acid), poly(L-aspartic acid),
poly(glutamic acid), heparin, dextran sulfate, 1-carrageenan,
pentosan polysulfate, mannan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and
combinations or derivatives thereof.
[0290] The reactive metal may be selected from the group consisting
of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, aluminum, silicon,
titanium, zirconium, hafnium, zinc, and combinations or alloys
thereof. In some embodiments, the reactive metal is selected from
aluminum, magnesium, or an alloy containing greater than 50 at % of
aluminum and/or magnesium.
[0291] Some possible powder metallurgy processing techniques that
may be used include but are not limited to hot pressing,
low-pressure sintering, extrusion, metal injection molding, and
additive manufacturing.
[0292] The final article may have porosity from 0% to about 75%,
such as about 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70%, in various
embodiments. The porosity may derive from space both within
particles (e.g., hollow shapes) as well as space outside and
between particles. The total porosity accounts for both sources of
porosity.
[0293] The final article may be selected from the group consisting
of a sintered structure, a coating, a weld filler, a billet, an
ingot, a net-shape part, a near-net-shape part, and combinations
thereof. The article may be produced from the coated reactive metal
by a process comprising one or more techniques selected from the
group consisting of hot pressing, cold pressing, sintering,
extrusion, injection molding, additive manufacturing, electron-beam
melting, selective laser sintering, pressureless sintering, and
combinations thereof.
[0294] In some embodiments of the invention, the coated particles
are fused together to form a continuous or semi-continuous
material. As intended in this specification, "fused" should be
interpreted broadly to mean any manner in which particles are
bonded, joined, coalesced, or otherwise combined, at least in part,
together. Many known techniques may be employed for fusing together
particles.
[0295] In various embodiments, fusing is accomplished by sintering,
heat treatment, pressure treatment, combined heat/pressure
treatment, electrical treatment, electromagnetic treatment,
melting/solidifying, contact (cold) welding, solution combustion
synthesis, self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, solid state
metathesis, or a combination thereof.
[0296] "Sintering" should be broadly construed to mean a method of
forming a solid mass of material by heat and/or pressure without
melting the entire mass to the point of liquefaction. The atoms in
the materials diffuse across the boundaries of the particles,
fusing the particles together and creating one solid piece. The
sintering temperature is typically less than the melting point of
the material. In some embodiments, liquid-state sintering is used,
in which some but not all of the volume is in a liquid state.
[0297] When sintering or another heat treatment is utilized, the
heat or energy may be provided by electrical current,
electromagnetic energy, chemical reactions (including formation of
ionic or covalent bonds), electrochemical reactions, pressure, or
combinations thereof. Heat may be provided for initiating chemical
reactions (e.g., to overcome activation energy), for enhancing
reaction kinetics, for shifting reaction equilibrium states, or for
adjusting reaction network distribution states.
[0298] Some possible powder metallurgy processing techniques that
may be used include, but are not limited to, hot pressing,
sintering, high-pressure low-temperature sintering, extrusion,
metal injection molding, and additive manufacturing.
[0299] A sintering technique may be selected from the group
consisting of radiant heating, induction, spark plasma sintering,
microwave heating, capacitor discharge sintering, and combinations
thereof. Sintering may be conducted in the presence of a gas, such
as air or an inert gas (e.g., Ar, He, or CO.sub.2), or in a
reducing atmosphere (e.g., H.sub.2 or CO).
[0300] Various sintering temperatures or ranges of temperatures may
be employed. A sintering temperature may be about, or less than
about, 100.degree. C., 200.degree. C., 300.degree. C., 400.degree.
C., 500.degree. C., 600.degree. C., 700.degree. C., 800.degree. C.,
900.degree. C., or 1000.degree. C.
[0301] A sintering temperature is preferably less than the
reactive-metal melting temperature. In some embodiments, a
sintering temperature may be less than a maximum alloy melting
temperature, and further may be less than a minimum alloy melting
temperature. In certain embodiments, the sintering temperature may
be within the range of melting points for a selected alloy. In some
embodiments, a sintering temperature may be less than a eutectic
melting temperature of the particle alloy.
[0302] At a peritectic decomposition temperature, rather than
melting, a metal alloy decomposes into another solid compound and a
liquid. In some embodiments, a sintering temperature may be less
than a peritectic decomposition temperature of the metal alloy. If
there are multiple eutectic melting or peritectic decomposition
temperatures, a sintering temperature may be less than all of these
critical temperatures, in some embodiments.
[0303] In some embodiments pertaining to aluminum alloys employed
in the microparticles, the sintering temperature is preferably
selected to be less than about 450.degree. C., 460.degree. C.,
470.degree. C., 480.degree. C., 490.degree. C., or 500.degree. C.
The decomposition temperature of eutectic aluminum alloys is
typically in the range of 400-600.degree. C. (Belov et al.,
Multicomponent Phase Diagrams: Applications for Commercial Aluminum
Alloys, Elsevier, 2005), which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
[0304] A solid article may be produced by a process selected from
the group consisting of hot pressing, cold pressing and sintering,
extrusion, injection molding, additive manufacturing, electron beam
melting, selected laser sintering, pressureless sintering, and
combinations thereof. The solid article may be, for example, a
coating, a coating precursor, a substrate, a billet, an ingot, a
net shape part, a near net shape part, or another object.
EXAMPLES
Example 1: Production of AlSi10Mg--WC Functionally Graded Metal
Matrix Nanocomposite
[0305] In this example, a functionally graded metal matrix
nanocomposite is produced, with AlSi10Mg alloy and tungsten carbide
(WC) nanoparticles. The starting AlSi10Mg alloy has an approximate
composition of 10 wt % silicon (Si), 0.2-0.45 wt % magnesium (Mg),
and the remainder aluminum (Al) except for impurities (e.g., Fe and
Mn). The density of tungsten carbide 15.6 g/cm.sup.3 and the
density of AlSi10Mg is 2.7 g/cm.sup.3. The tungsten carbide
nanoparticles have a typical particle size of 15 nm to 250 nm.
[0306] Tungsten carbide nanoparticles are assembled on an AlSi10Mg
alloy powder. This material is consolidated under 300 MPa
compaction force and then melted in an induction heater at
700.degree. C. for one hour. The resulting material (FIG. 10)
exhibits a functional gradient according to the distribution of WC
nanoparticles. FIG. 10 is an SEM image of a cross-section (side
view) of the resulting AlSi10Mg--WC functionally graded metal
matrix nanocomposite.
[0307] This is an example of density-driven phase separation of
high-density tungsten carbide nanoparticles segregated to the
bottom of a matrix of aluminum alloy. Melting of the ingot induces
spontaneous segregation of the WC nanoparticles, of higher density
than the AlSi10Mg, to the bottom of the melt; and voids, of lower
density than the AlSi10Mg, to the top of the melt. The induction
melting of the predistributed ingot preserves the integrity and
dispersion of the WC nanoparticles and mitigates reaction between
the nanoparticles and the AlSi10Mg matrix, preventing significant
agglomeration of nanoparticles.
Example 2: Production of AlSi10Mg--WC Master Alloy Metal Matrix
Nanocomposite
[0308] In this example, a master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite
is produced, with AlSi10Mg alloy and tungsten carbide (WC)
nanoparticles.
[0309] A functionally graded metal matrix nanocomposite is first
produced according to Example 1. The material shown in FIG. 10 is
the precursor to the master alloy. According to FIG. 10, the
tungsten carbide nanoparticles are preferentially located
(functionally graded) toward the bottom of the structure. This is
also analogous to the schematic of FIG. 6. The AlSi10Mg alloy
(metal matrix phase) toward the top contains little or no tungsten
carbide nanoparticles. The desired material for this master alloy
is the lower phase, containing a higher volume of tungsten carbide
nanoparticles distributed within the AlSi10Mg phase.
[0310] The AlSi10Mg alloy (metal matrix phase) labeled "AlSi" is
then separated from the lower phase labeled "AlSi+WC". The
resulting material is a master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite.
FIG. 11 is an SEM image of a cross-section (side view) of the
microstructure of the resulting AlSi10Mg--WC master alloy metal
matrix nanocomposite. There is a well-distributed network of WC
nanoparticles in a high-volume-fraction nanocomposite without
significant nanoparticle accumulation.
[0311] This master alloy metal matrix nanocomposite example of
AlSiMg alloy with a hard reinforcement phase of tungsten carbide
nanoparticles demonstrates the use of a pre-dispersed ingot in the
process of density-driven phase separation. The total volume
fraction of WC to metal matrix is increased from the pre-dispersed
ingot by phase segregation.
[0312] Limitations in cost, availability, and performance impede
progress of metal matrix composites across several industries.
Variations of this invention provide an efficient, low-cost route
to manufacturing metal matrix nanocomposites. The versatility of
this method enables systems of reinforcement and metal matrix
composite components to be manufactured with a high performance
potential in many different applications.
[0313] Commercial applications include high-wear-resistant alloy
systems, creep-resistant alloys, high-temperature alloys with
improved mechanical properties, high thermal-gradient applications,
radiation-tolerant alloys, high-conductivity and
high-wear-resistant injection molding dies, turbine disks,
automotive and aviation exhaust system components, and nuclear
shielding, for example. This invention provides near-net-shape
casting of objects with complex surfaces, maintaining functionally
graded reinforcement across the designed surfaces. Density-driven
phase separation in casting can result in thick functionally graded
products.
[0314] Other specific applications may include gearing applications
where the functional gradient acts as a case hardening; pistons
with hard facing for improved wear and thermal behavior;
high-conductivity, wear-resistant tooling; rotating fixtures such
as shafts and couplers; engine valves; cast structures of
lightweight metals; high-conductivity structural materials;
wear-resistant materials; impact surfaces; creep-resistant
materials; corrosion-resistant materials; and high
electrical-conductivity metals.
[0315] In this detailed description, reference has been made to
multiple embodiments and to the accompanying drawings in which are
shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments of the
invention. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it
is to be understood that modifications to the various disclosed
embodiments may be made by a skilled artisan.
[0316] Where methods and steps described above indicate certain
events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be
modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the
variations of the invention. Additionally, certain steps may be
performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well
as performed sequentially.
[0317] All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in
this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety as if each publication, patent, or patent application were
specifically and individually put forth herein.
[0318] The embodiments, variations, and figures described above
should provide an indication of the utility and versatility of the
present invention. Other embodiments that do not provide all of the
features and advantages set forth herein may also be utilized,
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Such modifications and variations are considered to be
within the scope of the invention defined by the claims.
* * * * *