Influence of porosity and hBN content on the damping capacity of metal matrix composites

Abstract

Sintered iron samples were produced using different pressing loads, resulting in different residual porosities of approximately 14%, 18%, 22% and 30%. Iron-matrix composites, containing 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 %vol. of dispersed hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) particles, were also produced. The influence of these parameters on the amplitude-dependent damping capacity was assessed using a dynamic-mechanical analyser. The simultaneous effect on mechanical strength was assessed through a tensile test. The microstructure was analysed with optical and electronic microscopy and quantitatively evaluated through a digital image analysis. It was verified that the increase of porosity did not lead to a representative increase in the damping capacity of sintered iron. On the other hand, higher hBN content leads to a higher damping capacity due to the introduction of robust new damping mechanisms. However, hBN reservoirs, which are bigger and more elongated than the pores, are more detrimental to mechanical strength.