Guo, et al. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 2022, 854, 143820.
Nano-yttrium oxyfluoride (YOF)-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) were synthesized using a molten-salt-assisted stirring casting method. The process began with the preparation of a precursor mixture, where Y₂O₃ and KAlF₄ were ultrasonically dispersed in ethyl alcohol, followed by vacuum drying at 120 °C for 24 hours to ensure homogeneity. High-purity aluminum was then heated to 750 °C in a graphite crucible, and the dried KAlF₄-Y₂O₃ mixture was gradually introduced onto the molten aluminum surface under stirring. The composite melt was stirred at 100 rpm for 10 minutes using a three-blade graphite impeller to facilitate the in-situ formation and uniform distribution of YOF nanoparticles. Post-processing involved casting the melt into a graphite mold to solidify the AMC structure. Additionally, the reaction between KAlF₄ and Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃ composite ceramic was investigated to confirm the dissolution of Al₂O₃, enabling efficient YOF incorporation. This synthesis method demonstrates a controlled and scalable approach for reinforcing AMCs with YOF, enhancing their mechanical properties for aerospace and automotive applications.
