Date of Award
January 2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Mechanical Engineering
First Advisor
Surojit Gupta
Abstract
This thesis has been organized into five chapters. The main focus of this thesis is to design
novel multifunctional materials by using particulate additives. Chapter 1 is devoted to reviewing
recent studies in additive manufacturing (AM) and other background information. In Chapter 2,
the synthesis and characterization of novel Ti3SiC2-reinforced Zn-matrix composites is reported.
During this study, all the Zn composites were hot pressed at 500oC for 5 min at a uniaxial pressure
of ~150 MPa. Microstructure analysis by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and phase analysis
by XRD (X-ray Diffraction) confirmed that there was minimal interfacial reaction between Ti3SiC2
particles and the Zn matrix. The addition of Ti3SiC2 improved the tribological performance of
these composites against alumina substrates but did not have any beneficial effect on the
mechanical performance. The addition of Ti3SiC2 particulates to metal and polymer matrices show
interesting properties. Chapter 3 will focus on additive manufacturing of Ti3SiC2 particulates in a
polymer matrix. Waste materials are a big problem in the world. Chapters 4 and 5 focus on
recycling materials. The mechanical and tribological properties of the Resin-Nylon and ResinPolyester
composites are reported, respectively.
Recommended Citation
Dunnigan, Ross D., "On The Design Of Novel Multifunctional Materials By Using Particulate Additives" (2016). Theses and Dissertations. 1890.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/1890