Powder metallurgy (PM) is one of the most applied processes in the fabrication of metal matrix composites (MMCs). Recently, a novel PM strategy called flake PM was developed to fabricate MMCs with nano-laminated or hierarchical architectures. The name “flake PM” was derived from the use of flake metal powders, which could benefit the uniform dispersion of reinforcements in the metal matrices and thus result in balanced strength and ductility. Flake PM has been proved to be successful in the dispersion of nano aluminum oxides, carbon nanotubes, graphene nano-sheets, and microsized B4C particles in aluminum or copper matrix. This paper reviews the technique and mechanism developments of flake PM in previous studies, and foresees the future develop of this new fabricating method.

Development of Flake Powder Metallurgy in Fabricating Metal Matrix Composites: A Review

Evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of graphene nanoplates and ZrB2 nanoparticles reinforced AA6111 composites during hot rolling deformation

Investigation of microstructure and tribological performances of high-fraction TiC/graphene reinforced self-lubricating Al matrix composites

Recycling of Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMCs): A Review and the Way Forward

In this work, the graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) and ZrO2 nanoparticles single- and hybrid-reinforced AlSi10Mg composites were fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The influences of the introduction of single and hybrid reinforcements on the microstructure and tensile properties were investigated. Furthermore, the strengthening and toughening mechanisms of the LPBF-ed composites were systematically discussed. The results shows that the addition of the hybrid reinforcement (GNPs + ZrO2) reduces grain size of composites more effectively than the addition of either reinforcement alone. The GNPs and ZrO2 nanoparticles promote the columnar-to-equiaxed transition of α-Al grains at the bottom of the melt pool during LPBF processing of single- and hybrid-reinforced composites, resulting in a bimodal microstructure. The hybrid-reinforced composites had the greatest volume of fine equiaxed grains. There are several reinforcing phases in the (GNPs + ZrO2)/AlSi10Mg composite: eutectic Si phase distributed along cell boundaries, large numbers of un-melted GNPs and ZrO2 nanoparticles uniformly distributed along cell and grain boundaries, Si precipitate and some un-melted ZrO2 nanoparticles inside the cells, as well as rod-like Al4C3 nanoparticles distributed along cell boundaries. Compared to the single modified composites, the (GNPs + ZrO2)/AlSi10Mg composite had a highest tensile strength of 520 ± 12 MPa however the lowest elongation of 8 ± 1.8%. The grain refinement strengthening and the Orowan strengthening contribute to the most increment in strength of the hybrid modified composites, while the Si precipitation and some un-melted ZrO2 nanoparticles inside the cells and the bimodal microstructure play a dominant role in increasing ductility. 

Xi Zhou Kai

Papers

Effect of External Pressure on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of In Situ (ZrB2+Al2O3/Al3Zr)/6016 Nanocomposites

Evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of graphene nanoplates and ZrB2 nanoparticles reinforced AA6111 composites during hot rolling deformation

Microstructures and mechanical properties of the in-situ formed nanocomposites of (ZrB2+Al2O3) and AA7055 alloy

Microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welding joint of in-situ ZrB2/AA7085 composites

Research on high strength and creep behavior of in-situ (Al2O3 + ZrB2)/7055 Al nanocomposites

Xi Zhou Kai

Papers

Effect of External Pressure on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of In Situ (ZrB2+Al2O3/Al3Zr)/6016 Nanocomposites

Evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of graphene nanoplates and ZrB2 nanoparticles reinforced AA6111 composites during hot rolling deformation

Microstructures and mechanical properties of the in-situ formed nanocomposites of (ZrB2+Al2O3) and AA7055 alloy

Microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welding joint of in-situ ZrB2/AA7085 composites

Research on high strength and creep behavior of in-situ (Al2O3 + ZrB2)/7055 Al nanocomposites

Research on high strength and creep behavior of in-situ (Al2O3 + ZrB2)/7055 Al nanocomposites