Scientists at the Iran-based Shiraz University of Technology have adopted a cost-effective method to synthesize Al/B4C, a new variety of metal-derived nanocomposite.
Dr. Morteza Alizadeh, Faculty Member at Shiraz University of Technology, has stated that the proposal of synthesizing metal-based nanocomposites through accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process was made by him and Dr. Mohammad Paydar, Faculty Member at University of Shiraz, in 2008 and the research was started in 2009. He added that the ARB method uses metallic sheets as resources, which involves lesser cost than the metallic powders.
Alizadeh explained that the method of synthesizing Al/B4C. To begin with, the surface was prepared by scrubbing and washing by means of a solvent. Required quantity of powder comprising ceramic nanoparticles was dispensed on a sheet of the preferred alloy. A sheet resembling the previous one on nanoparticles was placed. The complete group was rolled by 50% to concurrently reduce its thickness, followed by cold-welding as per the outcomes of the solid state welding. The ARB process results in the development of aluminum sheets featuring two layers along with a middle layer made of ceramic nanoparticles powder.
Alizadeh mentioned that in the subsequent step, the developed sheets were cut into two identical halves in length. After preparing the surface, the two divisions were placed over one another, rolled by 50% and then followed by cold-welding. The same process was repeated several times to achieve a homogenous dispersal of ceramic nanoparticles powder in the base.
The research particulars were published in the recent issue of Materials Science and Engineering.
Source: http://www.sutech.ac.ir