Particle Reinforced Composite

Introduction
A particle has no long dimension. Particle composites consist of particles of one

material dispersed in a matrix of a second material. Generally spherical, ellipsoidal, polyhedral, or irregular in shape. Added to a liquid matrix that later solidifies in some process. The particles may be treated to be made compatible with the matrix, or they may be incorporated without such treatment. Particles are most often used to extend the strength or other properties of inexpensive materials by the addition of other materials.

Types of Particle Reinforced Composite

Particle reinforced composites
Large particle
LARGE indicate that particle-matrix interaction cannot be treated on the atomic or molecular level. Involves large particles that are harder or stiffer than matrix. The reinforcing particles tend to restrain movement of the matrix phase in the vicinity of each particle The matrix transfer some of the applied stress to the particles, which bear a friction at the load.

Dispersion
Small particles (10 to 100 nm) Matrix bears most of the applied load Particles hinder or impede motion of dislocations Plastic deformation is restricted Improves yield and tensile strength. Most of MMCs fall in this category Metal, metallic compound, ceramic particle, whisker or etc., is uniformly dispersed in matrix medium.

Orientation and Geometry

Approximately in the same dimension in all
direction. (Equiaxed). Uniformly distributed Generally spherical, ellipsoidal, polyhedral, or irregular in shape

Particle and Fiber variables

For any composite, regardless of the selection of matrix and
disperse phase (material and type), there are many options that will affect properties:
Schematic representations of the varius geometrical and spatial characteristics of particles of dispersed phase that may influence the properties of composites: a) Concentration b) Size c) Shape d) Distribution e) Orientation

Large-Particle vs. Dispersion-Strengthened Composites

Shear t

Large-Particle

Strong Particle >500 nm Dispersion Strengthened

Stress field of dispersion

Dislocation shears through the dispersion

Strong Particle <100 nm

Dislocation stopped

PROPERTIES

Mechanical Properties of Particulate Reinforcement

High specific stiffness, greater strength, and
good fracture properties:
Influence by the microstructure of the reinforcement; such as size, shape, and spatial distribution of the reinforcement.

Good corrosion resistance (for MMC)

Lead to formation of interface between the matrix reinforcement, interfacial stresses as well as high dislocation density in the matrix

Advantages of Particulate Reinforcement

Isotropic properties Improves the machinability of the material. decrease the permeability of the matrix decrease the ductility of the matrix Support higher tensile, compressive and shear stresses.

APPLICATIONS

Large-particle Composites
Cermets are ceramic-metal composites
Cermented Carbidecutting tools WC or TiC particles (incredibly hard) Metal matrix (Co or Ni) The particles will crack under the high stresses in cutting applications, so the matrix prevents crack propagation between particles by separating them.

Polymer/Carbon composites include

Tires Elastomer matrix with carbon black particles (15-30 vol%). Improved tensile strength, tear and abrasion resistance, and toughness. Small particles are optimal, <50 nm.

 Ceramic-ceramic composites include

Concrete is: ~70 vol% sand and gravel particles (different sizes promotes
better packing). Portland cement (ceramic/ceramic composite) is the binder once water is added.

Improved tensile, compressive, and shear response by reinforcing with steel rods, bars (rebar), wires, or wire mesh (ceramic-ceramic-metal composite). Steel is selected for thermal expansion coefficient Not corroded during cement hardening Strong composite/matrix bond is possible, especially if the steel
surface is contoured

Pre stressing

Dispersion-strengthening Composite
Thoria dispersed nickel (Ni with up to 3 vol% ThO2

particles) Sintered aluminum powder (Al matrix with Al2O3 coated Al flakes) Nanometer Al2O3 / Cu composite Particle aluminum metal matrix composites (PAMMCs) Oxides dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys
~ austenitic (Ni-based) alloys, which is strengthened by oxide dispersion and by alpha phase precipitates ~ ferritic (Fe-based), strengthened by an oxide dispersion, which are suitable for gas turbine chambers, high temperature sensors and heaters, diesel engine components, and components of advanced energy conversion systems.