Dr. Dmitri Kopeliovich

Co-deposition is a process, in which matrix metal is deposited together with the dispersed phase by one of the deposition techniques.

The following co-deposition methods are used for manufacturing Metal Matrix Composites:

• Electrolytic co-deposition
• Spray co-deposition
• Vapor co-deposition

This method (Electrolytic co-deposition) involves Electroplating technique, in which electrolyte solution of matrix metal ions contains suspended particles of dispersed phase. When the matrix metal is deposited on a substrate, the dispersed phase particles are entrapped by the coating, reinforcing the matrix material.

Examples of electrolytic co-deposition:

• Nickel matrix composite materials with various dispersed phases are fabricated by electrolytic co-deposition from Nickel Sulfamate and Watts electrolytes:

• Ni-Al₂O₃ - oxidation resistant nickel matrix composite;

• Ni-SiC – wear resistant nickel matrix composite;

• Ni-PTFE, Ni-C, Ni-MoS₂ – antifriction nickel matrix composites.

• Anti-friction coating of Engine bearings consisting of lead-tin-copper alloy and reinforced by alumina (Al₂O₃) is fabricated by electrolytic co-deposition from electrolyte solution of lead, tin and copper with alumina particles.

• Aluminum matrix material reinforced by silica (SiO₂) is prepared from AlCl₃-dimethylsulfone electrolyte containing fine silica particles.

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This method implements Thermal spraying technique for atomizing molten matrix metal, droplets of which are delivered to a substrate in a high velocity gas stream together with dispersed phase particles supplied to the stream from a separate container.

The method allows fabrication of near-net-shape forming of Metal Matrix Composites.

Examples of spray co-deposition:

Aluminum matrix material reinforced by silicon carbide (SiC) is produced by spray co-deposition followed by Rolling.

High Velocity Oxyfuel Spraying (HVOS) method is used for fabrication tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) composite material, which is conventionally manufactured by more expensive technology of sintering fabrication of Metal Matrix Composites.

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Vapor co-deposition is a group of various methods, utilizing materials in vapor state: Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Direct Vapor Deposition (DVD).

In these methods coating of solid material is formed as a result of vapor condensation or chemical reaction on a substrate surface.

Vapor co-deposition is used for coating fibers, creating multilayer depositions, fabricating nanostructure composite materials.

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• Metal Matrix Composites (introduction)
• Liquid state fabrication of Metal Matrix Composites
• Solid state fabrication of Metal Matrix Composites
• In-situ fabrication of Metal Matrix Composites
• Classification of composites
• Structure of composites

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to Metal Matrix Composites