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This study is performed to find ways for expanding use in industry of nanocomposites based on a light metal matrix and multiwall carbon nanotubes. Industrial tests are conducted using a high- pressure die casting process. Specimens are prepared in two ways using aluminum alloy AlSi9Cu3(Fe) with maxi- mum specific magnesium content of 0.55 wt.%: by adding 0.2 wt.% of nanotubes directly to molten AlSi9Cu3(Fe) for the high-pressure die casting process, and by adding 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 wt.% of nano- tubes to the press ahead of the high-pressure die casting process piston. Chemical composition is determined and the effect of magnesium on improved interphase bonding leading to homogeneous distribution of multiwall carbon nanotubes is confirmed. Addition of 0.05 wt.% nanotubes results in a finer specimen microstructure, resulting in improved mechanical properties. Based on research, recommendations are proposed for the industrial scaling up and use of nanocomposites, particularly in automobile components.

Two quaternary Cu-Al-Mn-Ag shape memory alloys with nearly constant Al and Ag contents and variable content of Mn were prepared by arc melting of pure metals. Experimentally determined overall compositions of the investigated alloys were Cu-9.4%Al-1.1%Mn-3.7%Ag (alloy 1) and Cu- 9.5%Al-5.6%Mn-3.9%Ag (alloy 2) (in wt.%). Microstructures of the prepared samples were investigated in the as-prepared condition and after heat treatment, which included solution annealing at 850◦C and quenching into the ice water. The effects of alloy composition and heat treatment on the microstructure and transformation temperatures of the investigated shape memory alloys were investigated using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was determined that alloy with low Mn content (alloy 1) exhibits martensite + α microstructure in the as-prepared state and the as-quenched state. The volume fraction of α-phase was much larger in the as-prepared condition. Ag was uniformly distributed between the co-existing phases. The microstructure of the alloy with a higher content of Mn (alloy 2) was fully martensitic in both investigated conditions. Martensite and austenite transformation temperatures were investigated using DSC.

The influence of processing, heat-treatment and aging of Cu-(8–9) wt% Al-(7–10) wt% Mn alloy on the kinetics and temperatures of martensitic transformation was investigated by calorimetric measurements. Cu-Al-Mn alloy was prepared by continuous casting, melt-spinner and by melting in the electric arc furnace. Alloys were further heat-treated at 900 °C for 30 min and quenched in water, as well as aged at 300 °C for 1 h. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was performed at 3 heating/cooling cycles from −50 to 250 °C. Non-isothermal measurements were determined at five different heating/cooling rates: 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 °C/min. Activation energy was obtained according to Ozawa and Kissinger kinetic models. Microstructure analysis of investigated systems was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicate the most intensive formation of martensitic structure in the as-cast state during continuous casting, where the partially formation of needle-like and V-shape martensite was observed. After solution treatment and quenching as well as aging, completely martensitic phase occurred in continuously cast alloy. XRD analysis detected Cu2AlMn, Cu3Al and Al4Cu9 phases in quenched specimens of continuously cast Cu-Al-Mn alloy and ribbon. The highest impact of the solution treatment and aging on the shifting of the martensitic temperatures was observed for Cu-Al-Mn ribbons, while in continuously cast Cu-Al-Mn alloy heat treatment and aging induced formation of different martensitic crystal structures. Kinetic investigations showed increasing start martensitic temperatures, Ms, and wider temperature interval of martensitic transformation with higher cooling rate. The highest values of activation energy of martensitic transformation was obtained for the continuously cast Cu-Al-Mn alloy.