Enhancing mechanical properties of lightweight metal matrix composites through nano-reinforcement techniques

Résumé fourni par la source

Lightweight Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) offer superior mechanical performance and weight reduction; however, their processing is often limited by poor wettability, undesirable interfacial reactions, and the formation of brittle phases. This study explores an advanced nano-reinforcement strategy using borophene-based materials to enhance MMC performance. The work involves material synthesis, borophene separation, controlled sintering, and detailed characterization. Experimental investigations are complemented by computational approaches, including simulations based on the COMPASS II force field in Materials Studio, along with Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and the Meerkat Optimization Algorithm (MOA) for property prediction and optimization. The incorporation of BNN-Cu nano-reinforcement significantly improves mechanical and tribological properties. Micro-Vickers hardness reached 158 HV, exceeding typical values (<150 HV) reported for comparable MMC systems. Specific wear rates decreased by 18–35%, with maximum improvement observed at 4 m/s sliding speed and 40 N load, while the coefficient of friction reduced by 9–11% across testing conditions. Yield strength increased by approximately 7%, from ~280 MPa to ~300 MPa at 10 vol% reinforcement, outperforming many conventional micron-scale reinforcements. Overall, nano-reinforcement effectively enhances strength, stiffness, and wear resistance, producing tougher MMCs with improved abrasion resistance suitable for advanced structural applications.

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