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Published on: November 27, 2015
Size effect in Ni-coated TiC particles for metal matrix composites
Eun-Hee Kim1, David Lee, Ungyu Paik
1School of Nano and Advanced Materials Engineering, Changwon National University, Changwon, Kyungnam 641-773, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|April 2, 2011
Summary
Coating nickel (Ni) particles onto titanium carbide (TiC) improves metal matrix composites. Particle size is crucial for fabricating efficient Ni-coated TiC particles, impacting dispersion and properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Titanium carbide (TiC) particles are coated with nickel (Ni) to improve their dispersion in molten metals.
- This coating aims to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of metal matrix composites.
- Adhesion is driven by electrostatic attraction between negatively charged TiC and Ni cations in solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of particle size on the fabrication of Ni-coated TiC particles.
- To analyze the phase composition and microstructure of Ni-coated TiC powders.
- To determine the optimal conditions for creating Ni-coated TiC for metal matrix composites.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of Ni-coated TiC powders with varying particle sizes (0.02, 1, 4, and 40 microm).
- Phase analysis using techniques like Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
- Evaluation of Ni particle dispersion and aggregation on TiC surfaces.
Main Results:
- Powders of 1, 4, and 40 microm showed distinct TiC and Ni phases.
- The 0.02 microm powder exhibited complex phases including Ni, TiC, and titanium dioxide (TiO2) due to oxidation.
- TEM images confirmed Ni distribution: localized around TiC without aggregation in 1 microm powder, and isolated in 4 and 40 microm powders.
Conclusions:
- Particle size is a critical factor in the successful fabrication of Ni-coated TiC particles.
- Optimizing particle size ensures uniform Ni coating and prevents unwanted oxidation, leading to enhanced material properties.
