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Advances in Processing and Characterization of Metal-Based Nanocomposites Materials towards Development of Functional Applications

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A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 January 2025 | Viewed by 5736

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Emmanuel Segura-Cárdenas

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Guest Editor

Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Av Carlos Lazo 100, Santa Fe, La Loma, Álvaro Obregón, 01389 Ciudad de México, Mexico
Interests: preparation of composite metal materials; electrical, mechanical and tribology properties in composite metal materials; selective laser sintering; additive manufacturing

Dr. Hector R. Siller

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Guest Editor

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76201, USA
Interests: additive manufacturing; metrology; micro-manufacturing; high-performance machining
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metal matrix nanocomposites have been of great interest in recent years, mainly due to their superior thermal, electrical, mechanical, and construction characteristics and properties, which are relevant for the development of functional prototypes in different fields such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. In this sense, the development of these materials and their processability has become a topic of scientific interest for the development of new analytical and experimental strategies that help improve the properties of said nanocomposites.

However, the more precise requirements for the choice of matrix, reinforcement, and suitable techniques such as processing and post-processing are not fully defined. Furthermore, new facilities in the case of metal matrix nanocomposites are always suggested by the continuous progress of new materials, particularly in the nanosize range. For this reason, it is important to deeply investigate the connection between features, constituents (including matrix), reinforcement, interfaces, and also production techniques. This is one of the most interesting topics in the field of metal matrix composites.

This Special Issue covers the most relevant topics in relation to the development, characterization, and processability of nanocomposites with functional applications (examples of functional applications: electrodes, protectors, etc.). Likewise, it welcomes scientific works that allow for improving the understanding of adhesion and dispersion of nanomaterials in metallic matrices with a focus on, but while not limited to, thin films, coatings, etc. (The idea is to include development fronts that involve the combination of fields such as powder metallurgy, sputtering deposition, mechanical or chemical plating, etc.) The main objective, therefore, will be to present the latest results in the area of metal matrix nanocomposites to the research community around the world.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Emmanuel Segura-Cárdenas
Dr. Hector R. Siller
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

metal materials
nanomaterials
composites
processing
properties
electrical
tribology
mechanical

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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7 pages, 919 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Demonstration of Sensitivity of the Total-Electron-Yield Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Method on Plastic Deformation of the Surface Layer

by Lenka Oroszová, Karel Saksl, Dávid Csík, Katarína Nigutová, Zuzana Molčanová and Beáta Ballóková

Coatings 2024, 14(3), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14030295 - 28 Feb 2024

Viewed by 671

Abstract

X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy (XAFS) has proven instrumental for the study of atomic-scale structures across diverse materials. This study conducts a meticulous comparative analysis between total electron yield (TEY) and absorption coefficients at the K absorption edge of polycrystalline Fe and Zr₆₀Cu₂₀Fe₂₀ alloy. Our findings not only highlight differences between TEY and transmission XAFS measurements but also demonstrate the capabilities and limitations inherent in these measurement modes within the context of XAFS. This article provides an experimental exploration of widely used X-ray absorption spectroscopy methods, shedding light on the nuances of TEY and transmission XAFS. Through presenting experimental results, we aim to offer insights crucial to the material science community, guiding experimentalists in optimizing measurements while raising awareness about potential misinterpretations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Processing and Characterization of Metal-Based Nanocomposites Materials towards Development of Functional Applications)

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15 pages, 14963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Thermal and Force Regulation Mechanism of Bypass Coupling Double-Sided Arc Welding Based on 6061 Aluminum Alloy

by Zheng Zhang, Ziran Wang, Yugang Miao, Guangxu Hu, Yuyang Zhao, Ji Liu, Yifan Wu and Qingwen Deng

Coatings 2024, 14(2), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14020161 - 26 Jan 2024

Viewed by 803

Abstract

In this study, 6061 aluminum alloy was proposed for welding using bypass coupling double-sided arc welding (BCO-DASW) to further improve its welding quality and efficiency. To gain insight into the thermal and force regulation mechanism of the BCO-DASW of 6061 aluminum alloy, the dynamic effects of the high-temperature plasma inside the arc with various parameters were fully compared and investigated through the combined method of the physical experiment and the numerical simulation. The thermal flow field of the hybrid arc was analyzed numerically. Furthermore, its working adaptability and mechanical behaviors were studied experimentally. The results show that a single penetration of the 6 mm sheets can be achieved without visible defects when the center offset of the arcs is within 3 mm on both sides of the base metal during BCO-DASW. Through the thermal analysis, it was found that, compared with the MIG process, the introduction of the bypass arc lead to a temperature decrease at the bottom of the hybrid arc due to energy redistribution. Furthermore, through the kinetic analysis, it was found that not only could the level of arc pressure be reduced, but also the action range of the arc pressure could be regulated up to 4.6 mm. The thermal force regulation mechanism worked together to enhance the stability of the molten pool and achieves good joint strength during the BCO-DASW of 6061 aluminum alloy. This research not only has great significance in further improving the welding quality and efficiency of aluminum alloy, but also deeper understanding of the energy regulation mechanism during aluminum alloy welding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Processing and Characterization of Metal-Based Nanocomposites Materials towards Development of Functional Applications)

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15 pages, 4542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Constitutive Equation-Based Recrystallization Mechanism of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy during Superplastic Forming

by Caihong Chang and Junzhou Yang

Coatings 2024, 14(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14010122 - 16 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 805

Abstract

The present paper is concerned with the dynamic recrystallization of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) observations are performed after high-temperatures tensile tests, with the temperature ranging from 700 to ~950 °C, and the strain rates varying between 10⁻⁴ and 10⁻²/s. Based on the analysis of flow behavior, the dominant mechanism is identified, and a mechanism map is proposed. In particular, the conditions of 890 °C and strain rates ranging from 10⁻³ to ~10⁻²/s serve as the delineating boundary of dynamic recovery (DRV) and dynamic recrystallization (DRX). For superplastic deformation, the dominant softening mechanism is DRV. Consequently, the occurrence of continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) can naturally be ascribed to the process of grain refinement. Then, a multi-scales physical-based constitutive model of CDRX is developed, demonstrating a good agreement is obtained between the experimental and calculated grain sizes, so the above model could be used to describe the grain growth for superplastic deformation. In conclusion, DRV and DRX in the superplastic forming of Ti-6Al-4V are studied in this study, the condition boundaries of their occurrence are distinguished, and a constitutive equation-based CDRX recrystallization mechanism is given, which might be employed in the fracture mechanism research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Processing and Characterization of Metal-Based Nanocomposites Materials towards Development of Functional Applications)

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10 pages, 6640 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Influence of Interlayers on Adhesion Strength of TiN Film on Mg Alloy

by Huaiyuan Liu, Jialin Li, Donglin Ma, Xin Jiang, Dong Xie and Yongxiang Leng

Coatings 2024, 14(1), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14010121 - 16 Jan 2024

Viewed by 829

Abstract

The wide application of Mg alloys has been restricted because of their poor corrosion and wear resistance. Titanium nitride ceramic films prepared via magnetron sputtering can improve the corrosion and wear resistance of Mg alloys. However, residual stress produced at the interface between the film and the Mg alloy substrate causes the TiN film to spall off and reduces its service life. One potential approach to mitigating residual stress involves enhancing the adhesive strength between the film and the substrate, thereby potentially extending the service life of the film. To increase the adhesion strength between the TiN film and the Mg alloy substrate, a Ti or Al interlayer was deposited on the Mg alloy by magnetron sputtering. Subsequently, the adhesion strengths of TiN/Ti and TiN/Al were determined under a single high shear force by scratch tests and were determined under multiple low shear forces by friction and wear tests. The results of scratch tests show that TiN with the Ti interlayer on the Mg alloy substrate has superior adhesion strength under a single high shear force. And the results of friction and wear tests show that both the TiN/Al and TiN/Ti films provided protection to the Mg alloy substrate against friction and wear, and TiN with the Ti interlayer on the Mg alloy substrate has superior adhesion strength under multiple low shear forces. This work can provide guidance for the selection of interlayers between Mg alloy substrates and hard ceramic films. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Processing and Characterization of Metal-Based Nanocomposites Materials towards Development of Functional Applications)

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15 pages, 8942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Processing of Porous-Core Materials for Bone Implant Applications: A Permeability and Mechanical Strength Analysis

by Rogelio Macías, Luis Olmos, Pedro Garnica, Ivon Alanis, Didier Bouvard, Jorge Chávez, Omar Jiménez, César Márquez-Beltrán and Jose L. Cabezas-Vila

Coatings 2024, 14(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14010065 - 3 Jan 2024

Viewed by 956

Abstract

This study presents a methodology to fabricate Ti6Al4V cylindrical compacts with a highly porous core and dense shell with the aim to mimic the bone microstructure. Compacts with different core diameters were obtained via conventional pressing and sintering. Large pores were created with the aid of pore formers. Dilatometry was used to determine the sintering kinetics, while X-ray computed tomography was used for characterization. Also, the permeability was evaluated on the 3D microstructure, and the mechanical strength was evaluated via compression tests. The results indicated that sintering was constrained by the different densification rates of the porous and dense layers. However, defect-free compacts were obtained due to neck bonding between the Ti6Al4V particles. Large pores were located in the designed core with a similar pore size distribution. The permeability increased following a power law as a function of the pore volume fraction. The porous core drove the stiffness of the bilayer components, while the combination of both layers increased their strength. The bilayer materials showed permeability (1.36 × 10⁻¹⁰ m²), mechanical properties (E = 6.83 GPa and σ_y = 299 MPa), and admissible strain (σ_y/E = 43 × 10⁻³) similar to those of human bones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Processing and Characterization of Metal-Based Nanocomposites Materials towards Development of Functional Applications)

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13 pages, 4426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Sintering Temperature on High-Entropy Alloy Particle Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites via Vacuum Hot-Pressing Sintering

by Liang Zhang, Weilin Fang, Wenbin Tian and Zhanwei Yuan

Coatings 2024, 14(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14010016 - 23 Dec 2023

Viewed by 874

Abstract

In this paper, Al_0.6CoCrFeNi/5052 aluminum matrix composites were prepared at different sintering temperatures (550–700 °C) by vacuum hot-pressing sintering. The effects of sintering temperature on composites were studied by testing the morphology, phase composition and mechanical properties of the composites, which were characterized by uniaxial compression experiments, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, electron probe and nanoindentation. The results show that the prepared composites have high strength and very good ductility with sintering temperature lower than 700 °C. When the sintering temperature is above 550 °C, the interface layer is formed in the composite material. As the sintering temperature increases, the formation method of the interface layer changes. The generation of the interface layer has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Processing and Characterization of Metal-Based Nanocomposites Materials towards Development of Functional Applications)

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Review

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161 pages, 2796 KiB

Open AccessReview

Studies on the Quality of Joints and Phenomena Therein for Welded Automotive Components Made of Aluminum Alloy—A Review

by Bogdan Derbiszewski, Andrzej Obraniak, Adam Rylski, Krzysztof Siczek and Marek Wozniak

Coatings 2024, 14(5), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050601 - 10 May 2024

Viewed by 347

Abstract

To fulfill the need to limit automotive emissions, reducing vehicle weight is widely recommended and achieved in many ways, both by the construction of individual elements of the vehicle and by the selection of light materials, including Al alloys. Connecting these elements with each other and with elements made of iron alloys can be realized, inter alia, by welding or stir welding. However, the quality of the welds obtained varies widely and depends on many design, operational, and environmental factors. The present study focused on a review of various welding techniques used to join both similar and dissimilar Al alloys utilized in the automotive industry, the effect of various process parameters on weld quality, and the phenomena observed in such welds. The research methodology was based on the analysis of the content of articles from main databases. Apart from capturing the current state of the art, this review evaluates reaching the possible highest joint quality and welding process disadvantages such as porosity, poor surface quality, a tendency toward hot cracking, and low ductility for the Al alloys applied in the automotive industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Processing and Characterization of Metal-Based Nanocomposites Materials towards Development of Functional Applications)

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