Effect of Processing Techniques on the Characterization of Alloys Composites and Hybrids

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Metal Composites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 6798

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Exact Sciences and Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering and Geology, University of Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
Interests: reinforcement; polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); nanocomposites; metal oxide nanoparticles; thermal and mechanical properties; numerical modeling; refractory castables
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Mechanical Engineering, St Joseph Engineering College, Mangaluru 575028, India
Interests: spray forming; chill casting; centrifugal casting; Al-Si alloys; metal matrix composites; wear; hardness

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Co-Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tontadarya College of Engineering, Gadag 582101, India
Interests: solidification aspects of metals and alloys; rapid solidification; Al-Si alloys; tribology; processing of in situ metal matrix composites; characterization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The advancements in material science have ushered in a new era of innovation, particularly in the development of alloys, composites, and hybrid materials. The ability to enhance reinforcement and wear behaviour through the strategic addition or modification of elements is paramount for achieving superior performance in a wide range of applications, from aerospace and automotive to industrial machinery and medical devices.

This topic delves into the transformative impact of these modifications, exploring the various methods used to develop materials with optimized properties. By examining techniques such as solid solution strengthening, precipitation hardening, surface treatments, powder metallurgy, mechanical alloying, and the creation of metal matrix composites and functionally graded materials, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art strategies in material enhancement.

This Special Issue will address the above-mentioned points in relation to materials, methods characterisation, performance and properties of advanced alloys or composites or hybrids to offer an insight into the future of field of materials. We invite you to engage with this discussion, share your insights, and contribute to the collective understanding of how these advancements are shaping the future of material engineering. Your expertise and perspectives are invaluable as we explore the intricate relationships between elemental modifications, microstructural changes, and their resultant effects on reinforcement and wear behaviour.

Dr. Deesy Gomes Pinto
Dr. K. Raju
Dr. Dayanand M. Goudar
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • eutectic Al-Si alloy
  • spray forming
  • microstructure
  • hardness
  • friction
  • wear

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 2652 KiB  
Article
Rapid and Highly Selective Dopamine Sensing with CuInSe2-Modified Nanocomposite
by Jing Li, Guangzhong Xie, Luwei Dai, Min Yang and Yuanjie Su
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(3), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9030123 - 6 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 448
Abstract
As an important neurotransmitter, the concentration of dopamine (DA) reflects certain physiological conditions and DA-related diseases. Rapid monitoring of DA levels is of great significance in regulating body health. However, regular electrochemical DA sensors suffer from poor sensitivity, low selectivity and interference immunity, [...] Read more.
As an important neurotransmitter, the concentration of dopamine (DA) reflects certain physiological conditions and DA-related diseases. Rapid monitoring of DA levels is of great significance in regulating body health. However, regular electrochemical DA sensors suffer from poor sensitivity, low selectivity and interference immunity, as well as a complex preparation process. Herein, we developed an accessible and cost-effective electrochemical sensor with a copper indium selenide (CuInSe2 or CIS)-modified screen-printed carbon electrode for DA discrimination. This DA sensor was developed using a facile one-step hydrothermal method without high-temperature quenching. Benefitting from the inherent merits of CIS and the conversion of Cu2+ and Cu+ during the catalytic reaction, the sensor attained both excellent sensitivity (2.511 μA·µM−1·cm−1) and selectivity among multiple substances interfering with DA. This work demonstrates the potential to improve the analytical performance of traditional electrochemical sensors. Full article
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25 pages, 14571 KiB  
Article
Friction Stir Spot Welding of Aluminum Alloy to Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Coated by Thermoplastic Resin Using Tools with Different Surface Shapes
by Kazuto Tanaka and Yuki Nagae
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9010017 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 782
Abstract
To achieve carbon neutrality, a reduction in car body weight is essential. Multi-material structures that use lightweight materials such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) and aluminum (Al) alloy are used to replace parts of steel components. This multi-material method requires specific joining techniques [...] Read more.
To achieve carbon neutrality, a reduction in car body weight is essential. Multi-material structures that use lightweight materials such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) and aluminum (Al) alloy are used to replace parts of steel components. This multi-material method requires specific joining techniques for bonding dissimilar materials. Friction stir spot welding (FSSW) is one of the joining techniques used for joining dissimilar materials, enabling rapid and strong joints. FSSW for bonding A5052 Al alloy and carbon fiber-reinforced thermosetting resin (CFRTS) utilizing composite laminates with integrally molded thermoplastic resin in the outermost layer has been developed. However, joints using this method cause pyrolysis due to excessive frictional heating at the tool’s bottom, which may affect joint strength and promote corrosion in Al alloy. Therefore, this study developed new tools, a concave-shaped tool without a probe, a concave-shaped tool with a probe and a conventional FSSW tool, and investigated the influence of heat distribution and joint strength using the three new tools. The newly developed concave-shaped tool with a probe suppressed 7% of maximum heat input, decreased the pyrolysis area of epoxy resin by 47%, and increased joint strength by 4%. Finite element analysis also showed the suppression of heat input through the newly developed concave-shaped tool with a probe, achieved by reducing the contact area between the tool and Al alloy. Full article
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17 pages, 11855 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Corrosion Resistance of Superhydrophobic Composite Coatings on Shot-Peened AA 7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy
by Ke Zhan, Ruiqing Ding, Ziliang Liu, Qingchao Yang and Vincent Ji
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(12), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8120502 - 2 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1097
Abstract
In order to further improve the corrosion resistance of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy after shot peening, corrosion-resistant superhydrophobic coatings (EP-HDTMS@SiO2) containing epoxy resin (EP), cetyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS), and nano-silica (SiO2) were prepared by a simple spraying method on the surface of [...] Read more.
In order to further improve the corrosion resistance of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy after shot peening, corrosion-resistant superhydrophobic coatings (EP-HDTMS@SiO2) containing epoxy resin (EP), cetyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS), and nano-silica (SiO2) were prepared by a simple spraying method on the surface of shot-peened AA 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. The effects of different EP/SiO2 mass ratios on the micro-morphology, surface wettability, and corrosion resistance of the superhydrophobic composite coatings were analyzed. Due to the combination of microstructure and the modification of low surface energy organics, the contact angle of EP-HDTMS@SiO2 coatings reached the superhydrophobic level (152.6°). The electrochemical tests showed that the corrosion current densities (Icorr) of the EP-HDTMS@SiO2 composite coatings were both significantly lower than those of the EP-HDTMS coatings and matrix aluminum alloys. The addition of SiO2 nanoparticles could improve the hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance of epoxy-based composite coatings. Due to the increase in surface roughness and epoxy resin, the shot-peened AA 7075-T6 alloy coating had high adhesion after the peel test. The prepared coatings also showed excellent corrosion resistance in the neutral salt spray test. This study provides a simple method for preparing stable superhydrophobic coatings on metal surfaces, which is expected to expand the application of 7075 aluminum alloy in harsh environments. Full article
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14 pages, 8426 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Stress between Three Different Functionally Graded Hip Stem Implants Made of Different Titanium Alloys and Composite Materials
by Mario Ceddia, Giuseppe Solarino, Pasquale Dramisino, Giuseppe De Giosa, Stefano Rizzo and Bartolomeo Trentadue
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(11), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8110449 - 1 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1174
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the mechanical behavior, by ways of the FEM, of three femoral stems made of a Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy with transverse holes in the proximal zone and a stem made of a β-type titanium alloy with a stiffness varying [...] Read more.
This study aims to evaluate the mechanical behavior, by ways of the FEM, of three femoral stems made of a Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy with transverse holes in the proximal zone and a stem made of a β-type titanium alloy with a stiffness varying from 65 GPa in the proximal zone to 110 GPa in the distal zone and the CFRP composite material. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of stress shielding on an intact femoral bone. A three-dimensional model of the intact femur was created, and the three prostheses were inserted with perfect stem bone fit. Applying constraint conditions such as fixation in all directions of the distal part of the femur and the application of a static load simulating standing still during a gait cycle allowed the stresses of both the implants and the bone to be compared. Evaluating the stress shielding for the three proposed materials was possible by identifying the seven Gruen zones. We can see from the results obtained that the metal alloys produced observable stress shielding in all the Gruen zones. There was a difference for the β-type alloy which, as a result of its stiffness variation from the proximal to the distal zone, did not show any level of stress shielding in Gruen zones 1 and 2. The CFRP composite, in contrast, showed no stress shielding in all of the Gruen zones and is an excellent material for the fabrication of total hip replacements. Further in vitro and in vivo validation studies are needed to make the modeling more accurate and understand the biological effects of the use of the three materials. Full article
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11 pages, 2178 KiB  
Article
Effect of Sintering Temperature on the Physical and Mechanical Characteristics of Fabricated ZrO2–Cr–Ni–Ce–Y Composite
by Brajesh Chandra Saini, Naman Jain, Dinesh Kumar Rao, Varun Singhal, Akarsh Verma, Dayanand M. Goudar, Kandavalli Raju and Deesy G. Pinto
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(11), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8110446 - 1 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1666
Abstract
The present study investigates the synthesis and characterization of a zirconium oxide (ZrO2)-based metal composite doped with cerium (Ce) and yttrium (Y), using chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) as base metals. These constituents were selected for their superior mechanical properties and [...] Read more.
The present study investigates the synthesis and characterization of a zirconium oxide (ZrO2)-based metal composite doped with cerium (Ce) and yttrium (Y), using chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) as base metals. These constituents were selected for their superior mechanical properties and compatibility with the ceramic phase. High-purity powders were homogenized via high-energy ball milling, followed by cold pressing and sintering in a controlled atmosphere of hydrogen. The sintering process was conducted at temperatures ranging from 850 °C to 1350 °C to examine the evolution of microstructure, grain growth, and densification. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a homogeneous distribution of phases, with distinct microstructural features attributed to each element at different sintering temperatures. The experimental results revealed that the composite’s density was increased by 30% and porosity was reduced by 61% at a sintering temperature of 1350 °C. The hardness and flexural strength of composite were found to be 23% and 60% higher at 1350 °C, respectively, compared to that at 850 °C, suggesting enhanced mechanical properties due to cerium and yttrium reinforcement within matrix and efficient doping and phase transformation. Overall, incorporation of cerium and yttrium significantly improved mechanical behavior and phase stability of ZrO2–Cr–Ni composite, highlighting its potential for advanced engineering applications. Full article
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14 pages, 15296 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Al6061 Nanocomposites Production Reinforced with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
by Beatriz Monteiro and Sónia Simões
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(9), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8090381 - 23 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1107
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al6061 nanocomposites. The MWCNTs were uniformly dispersed in the aluminum alloy matrix using ultrasonication following cold pressing and sintering in a vacuum. The effect of the [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al6061 nanocomposites. The MWCNTs were uniformly dispersed in the aluminum alloy matrix using ultrasonication following cold pressing and sintering in a vacuum. The effect of the sintered temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was evaluated. The addition of MWCNTs resulted in grain refinement, with the nanocomposites exhibiting smaller and more uniformly distributed grains than the pure Al6061 matrix, particularly at lower sintering temperatures of 580 and 600 °C. The nanocomposites also demonstrated an increase in hardness, with peak values observed at 580 °C, primarily due to the effective dispersion of MWCNTs, which restrict dislocation movement and reinforce grain boundaries. While higher sintering temperatures led to significant grain growth and less uniform hardness distribution, lower temperatures favored finer grain structures and more homogeneous hardness profiles. The results suggest that the optimal sintering temperature for achieving the best balance between microstructure and mechanical properties is 580 °C. However, the study also highlights the need for optimized dispersion techniques to achieve a more uniform distribution of MWCNTs. Full article
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