Types metal-matrix

There are three kinds of metal-matrix composites distinguished by type of reinforcement particle-reinforced MMCs, short fiber- or whisker-reinforced MMCs, and continuous fiber- or sheet-reinforced MMCs. Table 1 provides examples of some important reinforcements used in metal-matrix composites as well as their aspect (length/diameter) ratios and diameters. 

Laminated MMCs. There are three types of laminated MMCs (/) metallic matrix-containing fibers oriented at different angles in different layers, similar to that of polymeric laminates (2) two or more different metallic sheets bonded to each other and (3) laminated metal/discontinuously reinforced MMC. 

Those basic matrix selection factors are used as bases for comparing the four principal types of matrix materials, namely polymers, metals, carbons, and ceramics, listed in Table 7-1. Obviously, no single matrix material is best for all selection factors. However, if high temperatures and other extreme environmental conditions are not an issue, polymer-matrix materials are the most suitable constituents, and that is why so many current applications involve polymer matrices. In fact, those applications are the easiest and most straightforward for composite materials. Ceramic-matrix or carbon-matrix materials must be used in high-temperature applications or under severe environmental conditions. Metal-matrix materials are generally more suitable than polymers for moderately high-temperature applications or for modest environmental conditions other than elevated temperature. 

This paper reviews the recent experimental results and mathematical modeling from the literature on electrocodeposition of particles in a metallic matrix. Although many different particle/metal systems are discussed, the electrocodeposition of alumina particles in copper matrix is highlighted as this widely-studied system illustrates the various effects of process variables and it exemplifies the types of contradictions concerning these results in the literature. 

The composition of the codeposition bath is defined not only by the concentration and type of electrolyte used for depositing the matrix metal, but also by the particle loading in suspension, the pH, the temperature, and the additives used. A variety of electrolytes have been used for the electrocodeposition process including simple metal sulfate or acidic metal sulfate baths to form a metal matrix of copper, iron, nickel, cobalt, or chromium, or their alloys. Deposition of a nickel matrix has also been conducted using a Watts bath which consists of nickel sulfate, nickel chloride and boric acid, and electrolyte baths based on nickel fluoborate or nickel sulfamate. Although many of the bath chemistries used provide high current efficiency, the effect of hydrogen evolution on electrocodeposition is not discussed in the literature. 

Dezincification Some brass alloys are susceptible to pitting corrosion or loss of zinc from the metal matrix. This type of corrosion usually occurs when metal is in contact with high percentages of oxygen and carbon dioxide. 

A large number of matrix modifiers have been developed that thermally stabilize the analyte, allowing higher ash temperatures to be used without analyte loss. In this way, more matrix may be removed leaving less to interfere with the analyte s determination. Examples of this type of matrix modifier include some transition metal ions, e g. Ni and Pd, which form thermally stable intermetallic compounds with the metalloids, e.g. As-Ni,... 

Most fiber-matrix composites (FMCs) are named according to the type of matrix involved. Metal-matrix composites (MMCs), ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs), and polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) have completely different structures and completely different applications. Oftentimes the temperatnre at which the composite mnst operate dictates which type of matrix material is to be nsed. The maximum operating temperatures of the three types of FMCs are listed in Table 1.27. 

The effect of dispersoids on the mechanical properties of metals has already been described in Section 5.1.2.2. In effect, these materials are composites, since the dispersoids are a second phase relative to the primary, metallic matrix. There are, however, many other types of composite materials, as outlined in Section 1.4, including laminates, random-fiber composites, and oriented fiber composites. Since the chemical nature of the matrix and reinforcement phases, as well as the way in which the two are brought together (e.g., random versus oriented), vary tremendously, we shall deal with specific types of composites separately. We will not attempt to deal with all possible matrix-reinforcement combinations, but rather focus on the most common and industrially important composites from a mechanical design point of view. 

Metals and ceramics (claylike materials) are also used as matrices in advanced composites. In most cases, metal matrix composites consist of aluminum, magnesium, copper, or titanium alloys of these metals or intermetallic compounds, such as TiAl and NiAl. The reinforcement is usually a ceramic material such as boron carbide (B4C), silicon carbide (SiC), aluminum oxide (A1203), aluminum nitride (AlN), or boron nitride (BN). Metals have also been used as reinforcements in metal matrices. For example, the physical characteristics of some types of steel have been improved by the addition of aluminum fibers. The reinforcement is usually added in the form of particles, whiskers, plates, or fibers. 

The second mode of action of a modifier is direct reaction with the analyte to convert it into a phase with greater thermal stability, that is, to reduce analyte volatility. In this way, the charring stage can be carried out at higher temperatures, allowing a more efficient removal of the matrix but without the loss of analyte. Examples of this type of matrix modifier include transition metal ions (mainly Pd), which form thermally stable intermetallic compounds with analytes, and magnesium nitrate, which thermally decomposes to magnesium oxide, and in the process traps analyte atoms in its crystalline matrix it is thermally stable until 1100°C. In fact, the most frequently reported mixture for matrix modification consists of Pd(N03)2 and Mg(N03)2, proposed by Schlemmer and Welz as a universal chemical modifier.17... 

In 1958, Pitzer (141), in a remarkable contribution that appears to have been the first theoretical consideration of this phenomenon, likened the liquid-liquid phase separation in metal-ammonia solutions to the vapor-liquid condensation that accompanies the cooling of a nonideal alkali metal vapor in the gas phase. Thus, in sodium-ammonia solutions below 231 K we would have a phase separation into an insulating vapor (corresponding to matrix-bound, localized excess electrons) and a metallic (matrix-bound) liquid metal. This suggestion of a "matrix-bound analog of the critical liquid-vapor separation in pure metals preceeded almost all of the experimental investigations (41, 77, 91,92) into dense, metallic vapors formed by an expansion of the metallic liquid up to supercritical conditions. It was also in advance of the possible fundamental connection between this type of critical phenomenon and the NM-M transition, as pointed out by Mott (125) and Krumhansl (112) in the early 1960s. 

Although not all of these functions are needed in every case, most analyses require one or more of them. Figure 5.1 is a schematic of the analysis procedure. The major concerns in selection of sample preparation methods for metal analysis are the analytical method to be used, the concentration range of the analyte, and the type of matrix in which the analyte exists. 

Electrodeposition could be a pseudo-S-L type process, although definitive proof is lacking. The element to be ionized, uranium [16] or plutonium [17], is coelec-trodeposited with a platinum metal layer, then covered with an additional layer of platinum. The U or Pu is believed to be electrodeposited as an oxide, and platinum is electrodeposited as the metal. Hence there is thought to be a U or Pu oxide buried in the metal matrix. When this deposit is heated, after a sufficient length of time atomic cations of U or Pu begin to sublime from the surface without measurable metal oxide ions. Metal oxide ions should be readily observable if they are present in the matrix. Thermodynamic calculations indicate that the hot platinum matrix will not reduce the U and Pu oxides to the metallic state, and yet the observed species are atomic ions and not oxide molecular ions. 

The mechanism of particle incorporation is treated extensively in the next section, but a generalized mechanism is given here to better comprehend the effects of the process parameters. Particle incorporation in a metal matrix is a two step process, involving particle mass transfer from the bulk of the suspension to the electrode surface followed by a particle-electrode interaction leading to particle incorporation. It can easily be understood that electrolyte agitation, viscosity, particle bath concentration, particle density etc affect particle mass transfer. The particle-electrode interaction depends on the particle surface properties, which are determined by the particle type and bath composition, pH etc., and the metal surface composition, which depends on the electroplating process parameters, like pH, current density and bath constituents. The particle-electrode interaction is in competition with particle removal from the electrode surface by the suspension hydrodynamics. 

In the previous section it was shown that a generalized mechanism underlying particle incorporation in a metal matrix allows some insight into the effect of process parameters on the particle composite content. However, it is evident that a more elaborate mechanism is required to fully comprehend the processes involved. A detailed mechanism is also a prerequisite for the development of a mathematical model describing the particle codeposition behavior. Ideally, such a model should be able to predict the particle composite content from a given set of process parameters. This would facilitate screening composite types and optimization of process conditions for industrial applications. 

---