Aluminium strengthening with carbon?

In summary, although carbon has low solubility in aluminum, it can form a stable compound known as aluminum carbide. This compound can potentially be used to reinforce aluminum and improve its mechanical properties. However, due to the high cost of ion implantation, it is not a practical method for strengthening aluminum. Additionally, the presence of water can cause aluminum carbide to decompose, making it a less desirable option for alloying with aluminum.
  • #1
krautkramer
25
0
Aluminium strengthening with carbon??

Hi ,

Is it possible to strengthen aluminium with interstitial strengthening by carbon?I couldn't find any aluminium alloy with carbon content.What is the problem behind alloying of carbon with aluminium?
 
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  • #2


Carbon is not very soluble in aluminium. In fact, the standard refinement process for aluminium uses carbon electrodes electrolyzing molten alumina, and if it had significant solubility you would not be able to use this process.

I guess you could try ion implantation - but that would be a very expensive process!
 
  • #3


Al and C do not form a thermodynamically stable compound.

See - Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
http://www.keytometals.com/page.aspx?ID=CheckArticle&site=ktn&NM=2

Aluminum Alloys – Effects of Alloying Elements
http://www.keytometals.com/page.aspx?ID=CheckArticle&site=ktn&NM=55

Carbon may occur infrequently as an impurity in aluminum in the form of oxycarbides and carbides, of which the most common is Al4C3, but carbide formation with other impurities such as titanium is possible. Al4C3 decomposes in the presence of water and water vapor, and this may lead to surface pitting.

See also - http://www.keytometals.com/page.aspx?ID=Articles&LN=EN
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  • #4


Astronuc said:
Al and C do not form a thermodynamically stable compound.

I think it does. Please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium_carbide

The formation of aluminum carbide suggests why carbon nanotubes (probably the MWNT types) might be a superior reinforcing fiber for aluminum due to the potential for high interface strength between the fibers and the aluminum matrix.
 
  • #5


mikegem said:
I think it does. Please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium_carbide

The formation of aluminum carbide suggests why carbon nanotubes (probably the MWNT types) might be a superior reinforcing fiber for aluminum due to the potential for high interface strength between the fibers and the aluminum matrix.
Perhaps I am using the wrong terminology, but I was thinking about the fact that "Aluminium carbide hydrolyses with evolution of methane. The reaction proceeds at room temperature but is rapidly accelerated by heating." [from the Wikipedia article] Perhaps chemically unstable in the presence of water is a better statement.
 
  • #6


Aluminum carbide is a thermodynamically stable compound in that it occupies a lower energy level than the aluminum and carbon reactants from which it forms, or the reaction would not proceed.

Aluminum carbide is a thermodynamically unstable compound with respect to the potential reaction products when exposed to water. As is aluminum itself unstable with respect to atmospheric oxygen under normal ambient temperature, with the metal's apparent stability owing to the immediate formation of a thin, protective oxide layer that terminates the oxidation reaction.

I took the sense of your statement to mean that aluminum could not form a carbide. It clearly does, and the compound shows no tendency to spontaneously decompose. Thus with regard to the OP's original question about alloying aluminum with carbon, I think it is accurate to say (1) aluminum can form a persistent carbide and (2) that compound would be stable intermixed with aluminum.
 

1. How does carbon strengthen aluminium?

Carbon is able to strengthen aluminium by forming a strong intermetallic compound with it. This compound, known as Al4C3, has a much higher strength and stiffness than pure aluminium, making it an effective reinforcement material.

2. What is the process of aluminium strengthening with carbon?

The process involves mixing carbon with molten aluminium and then cooling the mixture to form a solid. This solid is then heated and hot-rolled to create a uniform distribution of carbon particles within the aluminium matrix. This results in a stronger and stiffer material.

3. What are the benefits of using carbon to strengthen aluminium?

Using carbon as a strengthening agent for aluminium has several benefits. It increases the strength, stiffness, and hardness of the material, making it suitable for a variety of applications. It also improves the wear resistance and fatigue life of aluminium, making it more durable.

4. Are there any limitations to aluminium strengthening with carbon?

While carbon can significantly improve the mechanical properties of aluminium, there are some limitations to this process. The main limitation is that the amount of carbon that can be added is limited, as excessive carbon can reduce the ductility and formability of aluminium.

5. What industries use aluminium strengthened with carbon?

Aluminium strengthened with carbon is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment manufacturing. It is also used in the production of high-performance bicycles, golf clubs, and other lightweight structures that require high strength and stiffness.

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