Cavitation-induced particle engulfment via enhancing particle-interface interaction in solidification

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Metallurgy
• Composite Materials

Background:

• Particle engulfment is crucial for particulate reinforced metal matrix composites.
• During solidification, particles are often pushed by the advancing solid/liquid interface.
• Titanium diboride particle/aluminum matrix composites (TiB2p/Al) are a model system for studying these phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate particle engulfment in TiB2p/Al composites using acoustic cavitation.
• To understand the mechanism of particle engulfment driven by acoustic cavitation.
• To evaluate the effect of acoustic cavitation on microstructure and mechanical properties.

Main Methods:

• Utilized acoustic cavitation to induce bubble implosion near the solid/liquid interface.
• Investigated the movement of TiB2 particles driven by bubble collapse.
• Analyzed microstructural changes, specifically secondary dendrite arm spacing.
• Measured mechanical properties, including work-hardening rate and strength.

Main Results:

• Acoustic cavitation significantly increased the probability of particle engulfment.
• The implosion of bubbles propelled TiB2 particles towards the solid/liquid interface.
• Secondary dendrite arm spacing was reduced from 271.2 μm to 98.0 μm.
• The treated composite exhibited a more rapid work-hardening rate and higher strength.

Conclusions:

• Acoustic cavitation is an effective method to enhance particle engulfment in metal matrix composites.
• Particle engulfment and dendrite refinement induced by acoustic cavitation improve mechanical properties.
• This technique offers a promising route for fabricating advanced particulate reinforced composites.