Shear response and deformation mechanism of boron nitride nanosheets reinforced aluminum matrix composites

KZ Xu and JM Li and YQ Zhou and YH Gao and X Lei and FL Zhu, COMPOSITE STRUCTURES, 343, 118298 (2024).

DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2024.118298

Atomistic simulations are performed to study the shear response and deformation mechanism of boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) reinforced aluminum (Al) matrix composites. In this work, stacked BNNS/Al composites and dispersed BNNS/Al composites with various BNNS layers are constructed, respectively. Our computations show that the wrinkle deformation of BNNS under shear loading does not lead to the loss of load-bearing capacity. However, the yield of the Al matrix causes it to lose load-bearing capacity. The occurrence of wrinkles in BNNS aggravates the plastic failure of the Al matrix. High BNNS volume fraction increases the shear modulus and flow stress of stacked BNNS/Al composites but decreases the shear strength. Compared with stacked BNNS/Al composites, the mechanical properties of dispersed BNNS/Al composites are remarkably improved with the increase of BNNS interface in both elastic and plastic stages. In addition, the BNNS interface is able to obstruct the propagation of dislocations and stacking faults in the Al matrix. These findings may deepen our understanding of the mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of BNNS/Al composites.

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