Mechanical Alloying Processing with Applications to Structural Materials
Abstract
Relationships among the synthesis, processing, structure and properties of materials generated through mechanical alloying (MA) or mechanosynthesis are described. Several materials classes: cermets, particulate metal matrix composites (MMC), and tungsten heavy alloys (WHA) have been produced, and their properties and structures evaluated. Niobium carbide and tungsten, carbide cermets can be conveniently generated either through room temperature synthesis (NbC cermets) or by room temperature milling followed by elevated temperature exposure (WC cermets). Cermet microstructures following consolidation are fine, and the materials demonstrate exceptional hardnesses albeit their fracture toughnesses are generally low. Al based MMC can be synthesized similarly. The composites we have studied utilize aluminum carbide as a reinforcement. The yield strengths of these MMC are approximately twice those of high strength aerospace Al alloys. Noncrystalline WHA can be generated via MA. During consolidation, these alloys are prone to crystallization. Nonetheless, because of their fine structure the crystalline products manifest high hardnesses relative to conventional WHA. Current efforts are focusing on retaining the noncrystalline phase during consolidation so as to produce materials having particularly desirable mechanical properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA357838
Entities
People
- Thomas H. Courtney
Organizations
- Michigan Technological University