Insertion of particulate reinforcement into the metal matrix composite strips

• Grant number: 10/06616-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2010
• End date: January 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Manufacturing Processes
• Principal Investigator: Antonio de Pádua Lima Filho
• Grantee: Bruno Katsuyoshi Silama Ueda
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this research is to obtain particulate reinforced metal matrix composites strips directly from liquid state. Fe (H 100 ¼m) and Cu (74 ¼m) powders will be utilized to reinforce PbSn eutetic. This type of composite has been developed to offer creep resistance and dimensional stability of soldered joints for electronic industry in optical components. The composite strips achieved will be 45 mm in width with a thickness varying from 1.2 mm to 1.4 mm approximately. The metal matrix composite strips will be processed in a two-high mill. A nozzle made of ceramic material positioned at the lower mill roll receives the particulate reinforced metal matrix composite (PMMCs) slurry/mushy material and is dragged by this roll to produce the metallic strip. The experimental apparatus is fitted with five type K thermocouples which will monitor the processing temperatures. This type of processing enables the production of much longer PMMCs than those based on the usual method of squeeze casting and infiltration hydrostatic pressure. The effects of processing conditions such as pouring temperature and the insertion of particulate reinforcement into the strip will be investigated in this Scientific Initiation. The PMMCs strips will be characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy at CTA/AMR to verify spatial distribution of reinforcement particles and eventual interfacial products at reinforcement/matrix.