Production of semi-solid slurry through heterogeneous nucleation in Metal Matrix Nanocomposites (MMNC) using nano-scale ultrasonically dispersed inoculants

Michael De Cicco*, Lih Sheng Turng, Xiaochun Li, John H. Perepezko

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ever since copious nucleation was shown to be an efficient, cost effective method for producing semi-solid slurry, many processes have been developed to take advantage of the cost savings inherent in this method of slurry production. Despite great advances in various aspects of semi-solid processing, the cost competitive nature of the industry, most noticeably the auto industry, has prevented a wider adoption of semi-solid casting technology. This research aims to realize a more industrial appealing process by combining the synergistic benefits of semi-solid casting technology with metal matrix nanocomposite (MMNC) technology, thus creating higher value products with superior properties cost-effectively. To do this, a process that produces a semi-solid slurry though the nucleation catalysis induced by nanoparticle additions as small as 1 wt. % to alloys is proposed and the results are presented in this paper. Examination of the potential for nano-scale inoculants to catalyze nucleation of solidification showed that despite their small sizes, inoculants on the scale of tens of nanometers are capable of catalyzing nucleation in the zinc and aluminum alloys studied. Employing the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and droplet emulsion techniques with nanocomposite samples showed a significant reduction in undercooling owing to the homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles by ultrasonic mixing and the potency of those nanoparticles to catalyze nucleation. Comparison of undercoolings between different types of nanoparticles, such as silicon carbide (SiC), gamma and alpha alumina (Al2O3), and titanium carbide (TiC), to relative potencies predicted by minimum lattice disregistry showed a strong correlation. Results were also examined in light of free growth and nucleation controlled grain initiation. For nanoparticles predicted to be potent nucleation catalysts by lattice disregistry, the undercoolings observed fell into the free growth controlled grain initiation regime.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSemi-Solid Processing of Alloys and Composites X - Selected, peer reviewed papers from the 10th International Conference on Semi-Solid Processing of Alloys and Composites, S2P 2008
PublisherTrans Tech Publications Ltd
Pages487-492
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9771012039401
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
EventSemi-Solid Processing of Alloys and Composites 10 - Selected, peer reviewed papers from the 10th International Conference on Semi-Solid Processing of Alloy and Composites, S2P 2008 - Aachen, Germany
Duration: 16 09 200818 09 2008

Publication series

NameSolid State Phenomena
Volume141-143
ISSN (Print)1012-0394

Conference

ConferenceSemi-Solid Processing of Alloys and Composites 10 - Selected, peer reviewed papers from the 10th International Conference on Semi-Solid Processing of Alloy and Composites, S2P 2008
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityAachen
Period16/09/0818/09/08

Keywords

  • Free growth
  • Metal matrix nanocomposite
  • Nucleation
  • Ultrasonic dispersion

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