Future Directions
Most of the work carried out on microstructural and mechanical characterization of Al and Mg based nanocomposites is currently based on laboratory-scale research activities. Aiming to fully exploit the potential of MMNCs at a larger scale, however, the fe
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Future Directions
Abstract Most of the work carried out on microstructural and mechanical characterization of Al and Mg based nanocomposites is currently based on laboratory-scale research activities. Aiming to fully exploit the potential of MMNCs at a larger scale, however, the feasibility of the manufacturing processes to produce nanocomposite components should be investigated at a much larger-scale. In this chapter, industrial scaling-up issues related to casting processes are highlighted and discussed, as well as the translation of MMNCs to the product level. Critical aspects still partially unexplored in the literature, such as fatigue properties, corrosion behavior and recycling of MMNCs will be also presented.
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Industry-Level Translation
In the earlier sections, the various liquid-state and solid-state processes have been discussed. As mentioned, the prominent liquid-state routes for producing MMNCs include stir casting, compocasting, ultrasonic assisted casting, infiltration and disintegrated melt deposition techniques. Most of the microstructural and mechanical properties discussed in the previous sections are based on laboratory-scale research works. In order to utilize the full potential of the developed MMNCs, the feasibility of the processes to produce nanocomposites at a much larger-scale should be investigated. Important factors such as matrix-particle bonding, easier control of matrix structure, simplicity and low cost of processing should be considered. Considering the stir casting process, although it has been established as a suitable method for micron-size reinforcements, however, in the case of nano-sized reinforcements, it is extremely difficult to distribute and disperse nanoscale particles uniformly (by mechanical stirring) in industrial-scale melts due to the large surface-to-volume ratio [1]. Similarly to stir casting, pressure/vacuum infiltration is already a promising technique for composites with micron-size reinforcements, and is especially used for selective infiltration. The process itself being a near-net shape process - can be easily automated and is widely considered as a promising method for manufacturing small-sized MMC components. However, the challenge to use © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2017 L. Ceschini et al., Aluminum and Magnesium Metal Matrix Nanocomposites, Engineering Materials, DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-2681-2_6
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Future Directions
the process for large-scale MMNCs production depends on the preparation of the nanoparticle or nanofiber preforms and the subsequent process parameters involved in the infiltration process. For example, the uniform distribution of nano-particles/fibers in the preform is an important factor, as the presence of clusters in the preform will give rise to variation in volume fraction within the preform. Eventually, during molten metal infiltration, this would result in: (i) preform breakage due to applied squeeze pressure and (ii) variation in solidification rate within the material, giving rise to increased porosity and/or undes
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