In-situ nanoscale Al2O3 spherical particle formation in Al-matrix of Al–Si/SiCP MMC foil by laser pulsing

An excimer pulse laser treatment is gaining more popularity for the surface modification of a metallic material due to its non-equilibrium processing character, ease of process, minimal depth of modification, effective absorptivity and extremely high cooling rate. In the present study, the laser sur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Surface engineering and applied electrochemistry 2016-09, Vol.52 (5), p.415-419
Main Authors: Mahanty, S., Gouthama
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Absorptivity
Aluminum base alloys
Aluminum matrix composites
Aluminum oxide
Cooling rate
Engineering
Excimer lasers
Excimers
Lasers
Machines
Manufacturing
Metal matrix composites
Nucleation
Parameter modification
Particulate composites
Processes
Silicon
Surface chemistry
Surface layers
Surface treatment
Transmission electron microscopy
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Summary:An excimer pulse laser treatment is gaining more popularity for the surface modification of a metallic material due to its non-equilibrium processing character, ease of process, minimal depth of modification, effective absorptivity and extremely high cooling rate. In the present study, the laser surface treatment of the Al–Si/SiC P Metal Matrix Composite foil was carried out by pulse excimer laser. The parameter used for the surface modifications are: pulse energy 1980 J m –2 and number of pulses 1, 5 and 10. The microstructural characterization was carried out by SEM and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), whereas the compositional analysis was done by TEM/EDS (Energy dispersive spectroscopy). The work demonstrates the possibility of in situ formation of fine scale, nano- to sub-micrometer, Al 2 O 3 particles in the surface layer of Al-matrix composite. After a pulse of laser is irradiated on the Metal Matrix Composite surface, spherical Al 2 O 3 particles are observed to nucleate and grow heterogeneously, whereas after 5 pulses of laser treatment, the fraction of Al 2 O 3 particles increased. Later, at 10 pulses, it further increases ~30% of the surface. The particles showed a size distribution, the higher size limit increase with number of pulses, but it remains same around (2–20 nm) for lower range. Transmission Electron Microscopy study indicates the nucleation of the new Al 2 O 3 phase with laser pulse cycle concurrent with the growth of the already existing particles.
ISSN:1068-3755
1934-8002
DOI:10.3103/S1068375516050100