AVS 49th International Symposium
    Applied Surface Science Tuesday Sessions
       Session AS-TuP

Paper AS-TuP21
Surface Characterization of Nanoparticles for Cast Dispersion Strengthened Metal Matrix Nanocomposites

Tuesday, November 5, 2002, 5:30 pm, Room Exhibit Hall B2

Session: Topics in Applied Surface Science
Presenter: A.L. Linsebigler, General Electric Global Research Center
Authors: A.L. Linsebigler, General Electric Global Research Center
V.S. Smentkowski, General Electric Global Research Center
T. Angeliu, General Electric Global Research Center
Correspondent: Click to Email
Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) metal matrix composites possess very stable nano-particles that provide strength at elevated temperatures, but have found limited commercial application due to complex processing and cost constraints. Solidification processing has been pursued as one of the most cost effective and versatile methods to produce metal matrix composites. However, composites produced by casting have significant challenges in wetting the surface of an oxide particle by molten metal. Particle wetting can be influenced by physisorbed and chemisorbed surface species and oxide stoichiometry. Surface characterization studies have been conducted on as-received and heat-treated alumina nanoparticles by SEM, AES, TOF-SIMS, and TPD methods. The roles of adsorbed species and surface functionalization on the wetting and dispersion of these nanoparticles in metal alloy matrices will be discussed.