Self-healing metal matrix composite of nitinol wire-reinforced A356 alloy matrix by stir casting technology

The current demand for novel and self-healing material in today's industries is one of the key challenges. Many engineering applications required tailored properties including self-healing characteristics in novel engineering materials. In this regard, an attempt is made to develop the metal matrix composite of aluminum A356 alloy by utilizing the properties of Nitinol alloy (wire) through a semi-solid metal processing technique. The investigation was validated by light-microscope images of the developed material. Further, filed emission scanning electron microscopy images are taken from the specimens for morphological examination. The elemental confirmation of the produced material is conducted through Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) spectrum. The results revealed the random dispersion of reinforcement in the matrix phase and EDX confirms that the major constituents of A356 alloy and the Nitinol wires. At last, the crack analysis is conducted before and after hearing which reveals that the interlocks of Nitinol wire with the alpha Al phase of base alloy can provide the ability to close the crack and it can recover the deformed surface by 17.35%.

Automated summary

The demand for novel and self-healing material is a significant challenge in industries nowadays. Many engineering applications require materials with tailored properties, including self-healing characteristics. This study developed a metal matrix composite of aluminum A356 alloy using a semi-solid metal processing technique and utilizing the properties of Nitinol alloy wire. The investigation was validated through light-microscope images and field emission scanning electron microscopy images were taken for morphological examination. The results showed that the reinforcement was randomly dispersed in the matrix phase and the elemental confirmation was conducted through Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) spectrum. The crack analysis before and after healing revealed that the interlocks of Nitinol wire with the alpha Al phase of the base alloy can close the crack and recover the deformed surface by 17.35%.