Microstructural and thermochemical properties of Al/AlN/CuAl2 composite prepared by a combination of combustion synthesis and spark plasma sintering

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Vol. 43; no. 9; pp. 1490 - 1496
• Main Authors: Lee, Tae-Hyuk, Sun, Ju-Hyeon, Nersisyan, H.H., Jung, Ha-Guk, Lee, Kap-Ho, Lee, Jong-Hyeon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Metal–matrix composites (MMCs); aluminum; Applied sciences; B. Thermal properties; combustion; Composites; D. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM); E. Sintering; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; heat; Laminates; nanofibers; nitrogen; Polymer industry, paints, wood; powders; sampling; Technology of polymers; temperature; thermal conductivity; D. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM); B. Thermal properties; A. Metal–matrix composites (MMCs); E. Sintering; Metal matrix composite; Nanofiber; Polymer; Composite material; Mechanism; Thermal properties; Spark plasma sintering; Preparation; A. Metal-matrix composites (MMCs); Thermal conductivity
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2012.05.001

A combination of combustion synthesis (CS) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology was employed in the fabrication of Al/AlN/CuAl2 dense composites. Al/AlN/CuAl2 composite powders in which a portion of the AlN was present in macro- and nanofiber forms were prepared by combustion of Al–Cu–5wt.% (C2F4)n, under a nitrogen atmosphere. The resulting composite powders were then subjected to consolidation by SPS at a dwell temperature level of 1500°C, mechanical pressure of 60MPa, and a non-isothermal heating time of 10min. It is found that the actual thermal conductivity of Al/AlN/CuAl2 composites fabricated with 5wt.% (C2F4)n is much higher than that of materials prepared in the absence (C2F4)n. Maximum thermal conductivity (320W/mK) was recorded for the samples prepared from an 0.8Al–0.2Cu–5wt.% (C2F4)n mixture. The influence of (C2F4)n on the growth mechanism of AlN fibers and thermal conductivity of composite samples is discussed in light of the experimental data.