Calle-Hoyos, Andrés F.

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Optimization of novel aluminum welding fillers reinforced with NbB2 nanoparticles
(2018-05) Calle-Hoyos, Andrés F.; Suárez, O. Marcelo; College of Engineering; Torres Garcia, Wandaliz; Medina, Lourdes A.; Cesaní, Viviana I.; Department of Industrial Engineering; Torres, Pedro
Accordingly, the present research sought a cost-effective alternative to repair structures and rescue equipment with better quality welding, for rapid restoration of areas affected by disasters. This study focuses on the development of a new aluminum-based filler reinforced with a stable diboride nanodispersoid that provides the weld with higher service temperature and strength. A response surface methodology allowed assessing the effect of stir casting factors, namely the melt stirrer speed and the stirring time, while estimating a second-degree polynomial model, which enabled the optimization the manufacturing process of the filler with those niobium diboride (NbB2) nanoparticles. The addition of NbB2 nanoparticles upon stir casting of the filler alloy can raise its hardness 11% compared to the unreinforced filler. One important operational benefit is that no new TIG welding methods need to be developed, as the fillers are designed to be interchangeable with competing commercial ones.