Non-faceted nanoparticle reinforced metal matrix composite and method of manufacturing the same

摘要

A non-faceted nanoparticle reinforced metal matrix composite having increased ductility, while maintaining strength. In particular, a non-faceted nanoparticle reinforced metal matrix composite is provided comprised of spherical or ellipsoidal shaped (non-faceted) nanoparticles comprising one or more of boron carbide, titanium diboride, silicon nitride, alumina and boron nitride, and a nanostructured matrix composite comprised of one or more metals and/or metal alloys. In addition, a method of manufacturing such a non-faceted nanoparticle reinforced metal matrix composite is provided.

主权项

1. A method of producing a non-faceted nanoparticle reinforced metal matrix composite which exhibits improved strength and high ductility comprising:
(a) a blending step comprising blending 0.5-40 wt % of non-faceted nanoparticles comprising one or more of boron carbide, titanium diboride, silicon nitride, alumina and boron nitride, and 60-99.5 wt % of a nanostructured matrix composite material comprised of one or more metals and/or metal alloys, so as to produce a first blend mixture; (b) a milling step comprising cryomilling the first blend mixture, which cryomilled first blend mixture is mixed with a quantity of one or more unmilled metal and/or metal alloys to form a composite mixture; (c) a degassing step comprising hot vacuum degassing the composite mixture produced in step (b), so as to produce a second blend mixture; (d) a primary consolidation step comprising consolidating the second blend mixture, so as to form an initial consolidated reinforced metal matrix composite material; and (e) a secondary consolidation step comprising further consolidating the initial consolidated reinforced metal matrix composite material, so as to form a final reinforced metal matrix composite material; (f) wherein the quantity of said unmilled metal and/or metal alloys, which is mixed with said first blend mixture, is sufficient to achieve the reinforced metal matrix composite material with the desired strength and ductility.