X-Ray Tomography and Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Characterization of Nano-Composites: Static and In Situ Experiments

To meet the future EU challenges of lightweighting and pollution reduction, especially relevant in transportation, it is necessary to develop innovative materials and processing techniques. The addition of reinforcing nanoparticles coupled with melt treatment by external fields (electromagnetic or ultrasonic) was identified as a promising route to improve light alloys properties. The purpose of this study is to present combined results obtained from smallangle neutron scattering and X-ray tomography on Aluminium (6082) and Magnesium (AZ91) nano-composites in static conditions with different reinforcements. We will discuss the morphology, size, and spatial distribution of particles as well as their influence on the solidification microstructure. We will also present some and pollution reduction, especially relevant in transportation, it is necessary to develop innovative materials and processing techniques. The addition of reinforcing nanoparticles coupled with melt treatment by external fields (electromagnetic or ultrasonic) was identified as a promising route to improve light alloys properties. The purpose of this study is to present combined results obtained from smallangle neutron scattering and X-ray tomography on Aluminium (6082) and Magnesium (AZ91) nano-composites in static conditions with different reinforcements. We will discuss the morphology, size, and spatial distribution of particles as well as their influence on the solidification microstructure. We will also present some in situ experiments using X-ray tomography and Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) carried out to investigate the influence of ultrasonic vibration on the agglomeration and deagglomeration of particles.