Z.M. Xu

Bio: Z.M. Xu is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Thermal lag & Composite material. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 245 citations.

Synthesis and tribological properties of MXene/TiO2/MoS2 nanocomposite

Abstract: In this work, novel MXene/TiO2/MoS2 heterojunction of flower-like MoS2 decorated sheet-like MXenes were successfully fabricated by one-step hydrothermal approach using TiO2 as the precursor, and systematically investigated by a series of characterizations (e.g. XRD, Raman, SEM, and TEM analysis). Furthermore, the tribological behaviour of MXene/TiO2/MoS2 heterojunction in liquid paraffin were extensively examined a ball-on-disk tribometer. The effects of applied load and rotational speed were also investigated. Compared with MXenes/MoS2 nanocomposites, three-phase MXene/TiO2/MoS2 achieved better friction properties. Especially, when the mass ratio of MTM in base oil is 3wt%, the friction coefficient reaches the minimum value of 0.09. Additionally, the construction and excellent tribological properties of MXene/TiO2/MoS2 heterojunction would be beneficial for the design of novel nano-additives with 2D/2D structure for enhancing friction reduction and anti-wear, which also would expand their actual applications in the industry and agriculture

Study on bulk aluminum matrix nano-composite fabricated by ultrasonic dispersion of nano-sized SiC particles in molten aluminum alloy

Abstract: Lightweight metal matrix nano-composites (MMNCs) (metal matrix with nano-sized ceramic particles) can be of significance for automobile, aerospace and numerous other applications. It would be advantageous to produce low-cost as-cast bulk lightweight components of MMNCs. However, it is extremely difficult to disperse nano-sized ceramic particles uniformly in molten metal. This paper presents a new method for an inexpensive fabrication of bulk lightweight MMNCs with reproducible microstructures and superior properties by use of ultrasonic nonlinear effects, namely transient cavitation and acoustic streaming, to achieve uniform dispersion of nano-sized SiC particles in molten aluminum alloy A356. Microstructural study was carried out with an optical microscope, SEM, EDS mapping, and XPS. It validates a good dispersion of nano-sized SiC in metal matrix. It also indicates that partial oxidation of SiC nanopartilces results in the formation of SiO2 in the matrix. Mechanical properties of the as-cast MMNCs have been improved significantly even with a low weight fraction of nano-sized SiC. The ultrasonic fabrication methodology is promising to produce a wide range of other MMNCs.

Review of recent studies in magnesium matrix composites

Abstract: In this paper, recent progress in magnesium matrix composite technologies is reviewed. The conventional and new processes for the fabrication of magnesium matrix composites are summarized. The composite microstructure is subsequently discussed with respect to grain refinement, reinforcement distribution, and interfacial characteristics. The mechanical properties of the magnesium matrix composites are also reported.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Al2O3 micro and nano composites fabricated by stir casting

Abstract: Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with micro and nano-sized Al2O3 particles are widely used for high performance applications such as automotive, military, aerospace and electricity industries because of their improved physical and mechanical properties. In this study, in order to improve the wettability and distribution of reinforcement particles within the matrix, a novel three step mixing method was used. The process included heat treatment of micro and nano Al2O3 particles, injection of heat-treated particles within the molten A356 aluminum alloy by inert argon gas and stirring the melt at different speeds. The influence of various processing parameters such as heat treatment of particles, injection process, stirring speed, reinforcement particle size and weight percentage of reinforcement particles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of composites was investigated. The matrix grain size, morphology and distribution of Al2O3 nanoparticles were recognized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscope (OM) equipped with image analyzer, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Also, the hardness and compression strength of samples was investigated. The results showed the poor incorporation of nano particles in the aluminum melt prepared by the common condition. However, the use of heat-treated particles, injection of particles and the stirring system improved the wettability and distribution of the nano particles within the aluminum melt. In addition, it was revealed that the amount of hardness, compressive strength and porosity increased as weight percentage of nano Al2O3 particles increased.