Some aspects of nanotechnology and nanomaterials
Jerzy Sobczak Instytut Odlewnictwa, ul. Zakopiańska 73, 30-418 Kraków
Annals 3 No. 8, 2003 pages 385-391
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abstract In this review some selected nanotechnological aspects regarding liquid phase metallurgy of monolithic and cast metal matrix composites have been highlighted. It was noted new research-scientific plans in term of nanotechnology, particularly United States National Nanotechnology Initiative and United Europe VI Frame Programme. Polish State Committee for Scientific Research is not widely involved in specific scientific programs having priority related to „hot directions” in the face of a fact the perceptible limitations for financial support in science and research in Poland. Many existing practical applications for nanomaterials have been indicated. The relationship between processing routes and microstructure for a variety of nanocrystalline materials produced by advanced solidification processing methods have been shortly given according to B. Cantor (Oxford University). Examples include spray formed AlSi25 aluminum alloy, aluminum-lithium alloys, aluminum matrix A2618(AlCu2.5Mg1.5Ni1Fe1)/15 vol.% SiCp composites (for supercharger compressor rotors), Ni-Al superalloys (aerogine casing) and titanium matrix Ti/SiCf composites (compressor rings), squeeze cast Al-Si alloy and Al/Al2O3f composites (brake calipers and pistons), sand cast grain refined Al-Si alloys (engine blocks and cylinder heads), direct chill cast Al-Fe-Si packaging sheet, melt spun aluminum bearing Al-Pb, Cu-Pb and Al-Sn alloys, melt spun amorphous Fe tranformer cores and laser surface melted Ag/SiO2, Ag/ZnO2 and Ag/Si diffraction gratings. Attention has been paid to possibility of production of efficient grain refiners by the high-energy ball milling technique. These refiners for pure aluminum and its foundry alloys have been investigated and patented by Groupe Minutia Inc., Canada. Finally, the results of investigations done at Foundry Research Institute, Krakow on reactivity of liquid aluminum in contact with plenty of ceramic materials have been presented. Above-mentioned technique can be successfully adopted to manufacturing of in situ nanocomposites. Key words: nanotechnology, nanomaterials, liquid phase metallurgy, metal matrix composites