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A special issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2020) | Viewed by 51711

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Dr. Marta Cabeza Simo

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Senior Lecturer, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
Interests: microstructure characterization; manufacturing processes; heat treatments; mechanical properties; tribology; corrosion and electrochemical behavior
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The challenge of this century is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to zero. Therefore, the interest in light metals and alloys has been increasing for many years. Among all of these, aluminum alloys are the most used due to their high strength/weight ratio combined with their good corrosion resistance and reasonable cost. The research community and industry have developed processes to manufacture even lighter components with higher strength from aluminum and its alloys. This Special Issue of Metals focuses on various aspects of advanced research to:

Increase the strength by several manufacturing routes and processes in order to obtain nanocrystalline aluminum alloys.
Design innovative processes routes for the manufacture of structural components from metal matrix composites (MMCs): matrices of aluminum or other aluminum alloys reinforced with micro ceramic particles (increased hardness and wear resistance) or nano particles (e.g., ceramic, carbon nanotubes, graphene) for high-performance applications.
Upgrade processing areas: surface engineering, joining methods (e.g., friction stir welding—FSW) and additive manufacturing methods.
Conduct microstructural characterization in order to understand mechanical properties and performance (e.g., corrosion behavior and tribological studies).
Run simulations and modelling of processing and heat treatment.

It is my pleasure to invite you to submit manuscripts to this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Dr. Marta Cabeza Simo
Guest Editor

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. Metals 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

Aluminum alloys
Aluminum matrix composites
Structure characterization
Casting and solidification
Powder metallurgy
Manufacturing processes
Mechanical properties
Tribology
Corrosion and electrochemical behavior
Surface engineering and treatments
Simulation and modeling

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 5509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Pulse Current-Assisted Rolling on the Interface Bonding Strength and Microstructure of Cu/Al Laminated Composite

by Hao Song, Weixin Hao, Xiaowei Mu, Tingzhuang Han, Chaojie Che and Guihong Geng

Metals 2020, 10(11), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/met10111555 - 23 Nov 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2121

Abstract

In this paper, Cu/Al laminated composite was prepared by adopting the pulse current-assisted rolling method, and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the material were investigated. The results showed that the Cu/Al laminated composite with pulsed current was significantly strengthened. The composite interface of Cu/Al laminated composite with pulse current-assisted rolling was found without intermetallic phase, and its bonding mode was mainly mechanical combined. The number of reticulated ridges increased at the shear interface. The small cracks on the copper surface were firmly embedded in the aluminum metal. There were obvious folds on the copper surface without aluminum embedding. The structural change of the bonding interface increases the contact area between copper sheet and aluminum sheet, thereby enhancing the bonding strength of the Cu/Al laminated composite. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aluminum Alloys and Aluminum Matrix Composites)

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14 pages, 7698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructure and Wear Resistance of TiB2/7075 Composites Produced via Rheocasting

by Qian Gao, Bin Yang, Guisheng Gan, Yujie Zhong, Liang Sun, Wenyan Zhai, Wei Qiang, Shiqing Wang and Yongxin Lu

Metals 2020, 10(8), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/met10081068 - 7 Aug 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2828

Abstract

In this study, TiB₂/7075 aluminum matrix composites were prepared via in situ synthesis. It was found that TiB₂ particles are mainly quadrate. Large TiB₂ particles (1–2 μm) agglomerate at grain boundaries, but most of the particles are on the submicron scale. Adding 4.5 wt.% TiB₂ particles effectively optimizes α-Al grains in the 7075 aluminum alloy. By combining in situ reinforcing particles with the self-stirring effect of a serpentuator, rheocasting of the 7075 aluminum alloy was achieved in a simple and economical way. The average grain size of the specimen after rheocasting and heat treatment was smaller than 33 μm, and the shape factors were greater than 0.85. The wear resistance of the 4.5 wt.% TiB₂/7075 aluminum matrix composite that was prepared via rheocasting and gravity casting was tested with loads of 30, 60, 90, and 120 N at a friction speed of 0.15 m/s for a duration of 30 min. Because of the optimized microstructure and increased hardness, the wear resistance of the 4.5 wt.% TiB₂/7075 aluminum matrix composite was significantly better than that of the 7075 aluminum alloy, and the wear resistance of the rheocast TiB₂/7075 aluminum matrix composite was better than that of the gravity cast one. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aluminum Alloys and Aluminum Matrix Composites)

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15 pages, 4232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Extruded 6005A Al Alloy Composite Reinforced with TiC Nanosized Particles and Strengthened by Precipitation Hardening

by Iria Feijoo, Pedro Merino, Gloria Pena, Pilar Rey and Marta Cabeza

Metals 2020, 10(8), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/met10081050 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3362

Abstract

High-energy ball milling was carried out to disperse 3 vol% TiC nanoparticles (ex situ reinforcement) in a high-pressure inert gas-atomised prealloyed micron-sized 6005A Al alloy (AA6005A), with a Si/Mg atomic ratio of 1.32 powder matrix. Nanocomposite powders were consolidated by hot extrusion in strip shape at 500 °C, followed by a T6 ageing heat treatment. The microstructural features of the consolidated and precipitation hardening nanocomposites specimens were studied using X-ray diffractometry (DRX), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The consolidated nanocomposites consisted of approximately equiaxed grains of different grain sizes with a high fraction of high-angle grain boundaries with average misorientation angles of approximately 35°. The nanocomposites showed remarkably higher hardness, Young’s modulus, yield, and ultimate strengths at room temperature than the extruded profiles of unreinforced milled AA6005A powders obtained through refinement of the Al alloy grain structure and a strong particle–matrix bonding, although with a drop in their ductility. The consolidated nanocomposite showed a weak response to industrial ageing heat treatment, as demonstrated by microstructural analyses and mechanical tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aluminum Alloys and Aluminum Matrix Composites)

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14 pages, 1481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparing Sc-Bearing Master Alloy Using Aluminum–Magnesium Thermoreduction Method

by Junhui Xiao, Wei Ding, Yang Peng, Tao Chen and Kai Zou

Metals 2020, 10(7), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/met10070960 - 16 Jul 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3552

Abstract

In this study, preparation of Al–Mg–Sc master alloy tests were carried out by Al–Mg thermoreduction method. Stirring by blowing argon and pressing with molten salt jar were adopted to reduce scandium segregation and upgrading scandium recovery of scandium-bearing master alloy. The results show that the Al–Mg–Sc master alloy ingot contained 2.90% Sc, 5.73% Mg, 0.0058% Cu, 0.29%, 0.029% Ti, 0.13% Fe, 0.075% Zn, 0.025% Na, and 96.72% recovered scandium obtained under the comprehensive conditions used: m(Al): m(Mg): m(ScCl₃) = 10:1:1.5, stirring speed of eight rpm, reduction temperature of 1223 K, reduction time of 40 min. The experimental results are in agreement with the thermodynamic predictions, and Al–Mg–Sc master alloy indicator was ideal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aluminum Alloys and Aluminum Matrix Composites)

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18 pages, 5750 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Feed Powder Composition in Mechanical Properties of AlN-Nano-Reinforced Aluminium Composites Coatings Deposited by Reactive Direct Laser Deposition

by Ainhoa Riquelme, Pilar Rodrigo, María Dolores Escalera-Rodriguez, Pablo García-Fogeda and Joaquín Rams

Metals 2020, 10(7), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/met10070926 - 10 Jul 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2367

Abstract

Aluminium matrix composite coatings reinforced with AlN nanopaticles have been manufactured by direct laser deposition on an AA6082 alloy substrate. The reinforcement of the composite has been generated by the direct nitridation reaction of the feed powder with the carrier gas (N₂) heated by an HPDL beam during the fabrication of the coating. The coating obtained consists of nano-sized AlN particles in an aluminium matrix, and the crystalline structure of the obtained AlN depends on the characteristics of the powder used. In this work, the influence of the feed powder composition is studied by comparison among pure aluminium, Al12-Si alloy, and AA6061 alloy, on the formation of AlN and its crystalline structure. A correlation was established between the temperature distribution reached by the particles, their composition, and the nitridation reaction mechanisms. The effect of the reinforcement was evaluated by comparing the microstructure and mechanical properties (microhardness, nanoindentation) of the composite costing with non-reinforced Al coatings and uncoated AA6082. Al/AlN composite coatings with improved properties were achieved, reaching hardness values that were 65% higher than coatings without reinforcement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aluminum Alloys and Aluminum Matrix Composites)

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29 pages, 778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of the Bilinear Stress-Strain Curve of Aluminum Alloys Using Artificial Intelligence and Big Data

by David Merayo Fernández, Alvaro Rodríguez-Prieto and Ana María Camacho

Metals 2020, 10(7), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/met10070904 - 6 Jul 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 12436

Abstract

Aluminum alloys are among the most widely used materials in demanding industries such as aerospace, automotive or food packaging and, therefore, it is essential to predict the behavior and properties of each component. Tools based on artificial intelligence can be used to face this complex problem. In this work, a computer-aided tool is developed to predict relevant mechanical properties of aluminum alloys—Young’s modulus, yield stress, ultimate tensile strength and elongation at break. These predictions are based on the alloy chemical composition and tempers, and are employed to estimate the bilinear approximation of the stress-strain curve, very useful as a decision tool that helps in the selection of materials. The system is based on the use of artificial neural networks supported by a big data collection about technological characteristics of thousands of commercial materials. Thus, the volume of data exceeds

5 k

entries. Once the relevant data have been retrieved, filtered and organized, an artificial neural network is defined and, after the training, the system is able to make predictions about the material properties with an average confidence greater than

95 %

. Finally, the trained network is employed to show how it can be used to support decisions about engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aluminum Alloys and Aluminum Matrix Composites)

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14 pages, 17610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Casting-Additives on the Microstructure Evolution of Hypoeutectic Aluminium-Silicon Alloys

by Elisa Fracchia, Federico Simone Gobber and Mario Rosso

Metals 2020, 10(5), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/met10050618 - 9 May 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4797

Abstract

Since the industries are called to produce environmentally friendly products, the research is moving toward new improved materials. In this panorama, aluminium alloys find applications for a large range of products. In the automotive, as well as in the aerospace, sector, aluminium alloys are largely adopted, thanks to their high specific properties and their light weight. Moreover, common casting techniques permit us to realize complex high-quality components. These components may be realized by using casting techniques adopting casting-additives, such as modifiers or refiners. In this work, the effect of refining and modification was studied in terms of microstructural evolution of the intermetallic phases in two aluminium-silicon alloys (EN AC 45300 and EN AC 43500). Microstructures were analyzed through micro-hardness measures, and we found a reduction in the standard deviation of the hardness with the addition of additives. Furthermore, secondary dendrites arms spacings (SDAS) were measured, evidencing a decrease in SDAS by adding casting additives. A strong correlation was found between the adding of additives and the possibility of containing the size of the silicon and of all the intermetallic phases opening up to the possibility of tailoring the microstructures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aluminum Alloys and Aluminum Matrix Composites)

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11 pages, 1544 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Process Performance Analysis and Improvement for the Manufacture of 6063 Aluminum Alloy

by Chang-Hsien Hsu

Metals 2020, 10(5), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/met10050605 - 8 May 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4634

Abstract

As industrial manufacturing technologies continuously improve, many conventional industrial materials are struggling to meet the needs of today’s industries. Aluminum alloys are currently the most extensively used non-ferrous metal in the industry, whose properties include corrosion resistance, high strength, and high ductility. As a result, they are widely used in many products, such as doors and windows, vehicles, and electronics. Pure aluminum though, is a very soft, silver-white metal, so to increase its strength, aluminum alloy manufacturers add in various chemical elements (such as magnesium, silicon, and zinc) according to international standards, and then adjust the proportions based on customer needs. If the chemical element composition does not meet specification requirements, it will affect the quality of the aluminum alloy product or even delay delivery and subsequently impact the operational performance of the manufacturer. To ensure and increase aluminum alloy quality, this study used a combined Six Sigma quality index (SSQI), Q_pc, to develop a multi-characteristic quality analysis model (MCQAM) with five steps for the aluminum alloy industry. A practical example with a manufacturer specializing in producing 6063 aluminum alloys in Taiwan is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of this proposed approach. The result shows that the proposed method not only effectively improves the quality of 6063 aluminum alloy, but also enhances its performance and capability (that is, corrosion resistance increases by 17%, strength increases by 8%, and stiffness increases by 3%). Finally, future works are also discussed in this context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aluminum Alloys and Aluminum Matrix Composites)

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14 pages, 5454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructure and Wear Resistance of Mg₂Si–Al Composites Fabricated Using Semi-Solid Extrusion

by Xiaobo Liu, Miao Yang, Dekun Zhou and Yuguang Zhao

Metals 2020, 10(5), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/met10050596 - 2 May 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2751

Abstract

In situ Mg₂Si–Al composites were prepared by using gravity casting and semi-solid extrusion. After P modification, the primary Mg₂Si transformed to polygonal blocks. Extraction tests showed that the Mg₂Si crystals had octahedral and tetrakaidekahedral morphologies. The semi-solid microstructure of the double-spheroidized α-Al matrix and reinforced-phase Mg₂Si was successfully obtained by using semi-solid extrusion. Extraction tests showed that the Mg₂Si crystals had a spherical morphology. Dry sliding wear behaviors of in situ Mg₂Si–Al composites fabricated by using gravity casting and semi-solid extrusion with isothermal heat treatment holding times of 50, 60, and 160 min against 45 steel, under conditions of different sliding speeds and loads, were investigated. The worn surfaces were analyzed using SEM and EDS techniques. The results showed that Mg₂Si–Al composites fabricated by using semi-solid extrusion were superior in terms of wear resistance to Mg₂Si–Al composites fabricated by using gravity casting, because the former had uniformly distributed spherical reinforced phase particles of Mg₂Si with weaker stress concentration around the particles, delaying the generation and expansion of cracks. The Mg₂Si particles were not easily detached from the matrix, and once they fell off, the Mg₂Si particles only served as spherical abrasive grains, with relatively small cutting and wear properties for the composite material. It was found that the Mg₂Si/Al composite fabricated by using semi-solid extrusion with an isothermal heat treatment holding time of 60 min had the best wear resistance. The failure mechanisms of Mg₂Si/Al composites were found to be mainly adhesive wear and abrasive wear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aluminum Alloys and Aluminum Matrix Composites)

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13 pages, 2628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Elastic Strain and Small Plastic Deformation on Tensile Strength of a Lean Al–Mg–Si Alloy

by Eva Anne Mørtsell, Ida Westermann, Calin Daniel Marioara, Ketill Olav Pedersen, Sigmund Jarle Andersen, Jostein Røyset, Bjørn Holmedal and Randi Holmestad

Metals 2019, 9(12), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9121276 - 28 Nov 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3388

Abstract

Al–Mg–Si alloys are usually formed into their final shape by rolling or extrusion. After extrusion, the aluminium profiles are usually straightened, causing the material to be subjected to a small plastic deformation. This study demonstrates the positive effect on strength that can be obtained from such small deformation levels or from only elastically straining the material. Elastic straining of a lean Al–Mg–Si alloy, when performed immediately after solution heat treatment, enhances the material yield strength after artificial ageing to T6. Transmission electron microscopy shows that this effect can be attributed to a higher number density and finer dispersion of the age-hardening precipitate needles. Furthermore, introducing a small plastic deformation of 1% after solution heat treatment results in a comparable strength increase to elastically straining the material. In this case, however, the strength increase is due to the increased dislocation density, which compensates for a lower density of precipitate needles. Finally, by combining plastic deformation with a succeeding elastic strain, we demonstrate how elastic strain can cause an on-set of dislocation cell formation in this material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aluminum Alloys and Aluminum Matrix Composites)

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10 pages, 2959 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simultaneous Increase of Electrical Conductivity and Hardness of Al–1.5 wt.% Mn Alloy by Addition of 1.5 wt.% Cu and 0.5 wt.% Zr

by Nikolay Belov, Natalya Korotkova, Torgom Akopyan and Kirill Tsydenov

Metals 2019, 9(12), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9121246 - 21 Nov 2019

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3552

Abstract

The effect of Cu and Zr additions and annealing temperature on electrical conductivity and hardness of the Al–1.5 wt.% Mn alloy in the form of as-cast ingots and cold rolled sheets has been investigated. It is shown that due to the formation of low alloyed aluminum solid solution and Al₂₀Cu₂Mn₃ and Al₃Zr (L1₂) phase nanoparticles, the 1.5MnCuZr alloy is superior to the base 1.5Mn alloy both in the hardness (up to two times) and electrical conductivity (up to 30%) after metal processing and annealing. A new alloy can be considered as a replacement for existing 6201 type conductive alloys. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aluminum Alloys and Aluminum Matrix Composites)

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10 pages, 3982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Composite Made of Al-Si-Cu-Mg Aluminum Alloy Reinforced with SiC Particles

by Xin Li, Hong Yan, Zhi-Wei Wang, Ning Li, Jian-Long Liu and Qiao Nie

Metals 2019, 9(11), 1205; https://doi.org/10.3390/met9111205 - 8 Nov 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3701

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of heat treatment (solution treatment and artificial aging) on the microstructure and properties of as-cast Al5Si1Cu0.5Mg aluminum alloy and its composite reinforced with 1.5 wt.% SiC particles was studied. The results showed that at 520 °C the optimal solution time for the aluminum alloy and its composite is 9 h and 6 h, respectively. After solution treatment, the microstructure of these two materials consists of a uniform distribution of nearly spherical eutectic Si and skeletal γ phase, furthermore, the composite eutectic Si phase is smaller and γ phase is more dispersed. After artificial aging at 175 °C for 6 h, the microstructure of the composite is more dispersed and finer than that of the aluminum alloy on the whole and Al₂Cu is precipitated. After heat treatment, the microhardness, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation of the aluminum alloy and its composite are higher than those of the as-casts. At the same time, the morphology of tensile fracture surface changes very much from a large area of cleavage plane to a large number of dimples and the tearing ridges become thicker for both the aluminum alloy and its composite. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aluminum Alloys and Aluminum Matrix Composites)

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