Aluminum alloy material for new energy automobile and processing method of aluminum alloy material

Abstract

The invention discloses an aluminum alloy material for a new energy automobile and a processing method of the aluminum alloy material, and belongs to the technical field of aluminum alloy materials. The aluminum alloy material comprises the following raw materials in percentage by mass: 0.2-0.8% of Co, 0.3-1.5% of carbon nano tube loaded nickel, 0.5-1% of vanadium-doped basalt fiber, less than or equal to 0.1% of inevitable impurities and the balance of 6061 aluminum alloy. The cobalt element is doped in the 6-series aluminum alloy, new intermetallic compounds Al-Co phase and Al-Co-Si phase are formed, a more stable dispersion strengthening phase is provided at a high temperature, and the strength of the aluminum alloy is improved. And the carbon nanotubes and the basalt fibers are added to form a toughening network, so that the impact resistance of the aluminum alloy is synergistically improved. And by adding the carbon nano tube loaded nickel, an efficient three-dimensional heat conduction network is constructed, and the homogeneous heat conduction capability of the material is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of aluminum alloy materials, and specifically relates to an aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles and a processing method thereof. Background Art

[0002] New energy vehicles are powered by batteries. Existing battery technologies have limited storage capacity, resulting in short driving ranges for new energy vehicles, hindering their widespread adoption. Reducing vehicle weight is currently one approach to improving vehicle range. With the growing demand for weight reduction and improved energy efficiency in new energy vehicles, the use of lightweight aluminum alloys is also rapidly increasing, creating a growing market.

[0003] Aluminum alloys, due to their excellent properties such as low density, high strength, and corrosion resistance, are increasingly used in key areas of new energy vehicles, including the body, chassis, and powertrain. In new energy vehicles, the weight of the power battery system accounts for at least 30% of the vehicle. Excessive power battery weight can seriously affect the vehicle's range.

[0004] The lower case of a power battery box is the primary component. Generally, it resists external impacts and protects the battery modules and cells. Existing lower cases for new energy vehicle power batteries are made of steel, aluminum alloy, or reinforced plastic. Comparing battery lower cases primarily made of aluminum alloy with those made of steel plate reveals that aluminum alloy lower cases are lighter and easier to form, but their impact strength needs to be improved. A lightweight power battery box must possess a certain degree of resistance to external impacts to enhance safety. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides an aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles and a processing method thereof, so as to solve the problem of poor impact resistance of aluminum alloy power battery boxes existing in the prior art.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions: An aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles comprises the following raw materials, calculated by mass percentage: Co: 0.2-0.8%, carbon nanotube-loaded nickel: 0.3-1.5%, vanadium-doped basalt fiber: 0.5-1%, unavoidable impurity content ≤0.1%, and the balance being 6061 aluminum alloy.

[0007] Conventional 6-series aluminum alloys, primarily strengthened by silicon and magnesium, form the Mg2Si phase, offering moderate strength but inferior thermal conductivity to 1-series aluminum alloys. As sheet material for battery cases in new energy vehicles, their strength and thermal conductivity need to be further enhanced. This new alloy, based on the existing 6061 aluminum alloy, incorporates cobalt. This addition forms new intermetallic compounds, Al-Co and Al-Co-Si, providing a more stable dispersion-strengthened phase at high temperatures and improving strength.

[0008] Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have excellent thermal conductivity, and their addition to aluminum alloys can improve heat dissipation. However, CNTs have poor dispersion in the metal matrix, easily agglomerating, and poor wettability with aluminum, resulting in limited improvement. Loading CNTs with nickel allows the nickel particles to act as a bridge, forming a metal-carbon bond with the CNTs while reacting with the molten aluminum to form intermetallic compounds (such as Al3Ni). This significantly improves the wettability and interfacial bonding strength between the CNTs and the aluminum alloy matrix, enhancing tensile strength and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the nickel acts as a barrier, reducing the tendency of direct contact between Al and carbon to form brittle Al4C3.

[0009] Basalt fiber absorbs significant amounts of energy when impacted through mechanisms such as fracture, stretching, and shearing, thereby improving the impact resistance of aluminum alloys. Basalt fiber is relatively low-cost. Vanadium-doped basalt fiber improves its dispersion within the aluminum alloy matrix. Vanadium reacts with the basalt fiber to form a VO-Si interface layer, enhancing chemical bonding. Furthermore, vanadium forms intermetallic compounds (such as Al3V) within the aluminum matrix. These compounds exhibit high thermal stability, inhibiting interface coarsening and possessing a certain degree of plastic deformation capacity, enabling the interface to absorb energy when subjected to stress rather than undergoing brittle fracture.

[0010] Nickel-loaded carbon nanotubes and vanadium-doped basalt fibers create a toughening network of nanomaterials and fibers, resisting external impact. Cobalt preferentially reacts with the basalt fiber components to form Co₂SiO₄, replacing the brittle Al-Si-O phase in the aluminum alloy matrix and improving interfacial toughness. Co forms a Ni-Co solid solution with the nickel on the carbon nanotube surface, enhancing dispersion uniformity.

[0011] Furthermore, the component ratio of the 6061 aluminum alloy is as follows: Si: 0.6-1.0%, Mg: 0.8-1.2%, Cu: 0-0.25%, Mn: 0.1-0.15%, Cr: 0.05-0.2%, Fe: 0-0.3%, Zn: 0.1-0.25%, Ti: 0.05-0.1%, and the balance is Al.

[0012] Furthermore, the preparation of the carbon nanotube-loaded nickel is as follows: Nickel nitrate was dissolved in water, acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes were added, stirred at room temperature and ultrasonically dispersed, the pH was adjusted to 2-3, urea was added and stirred evenly, the temperature was raised to 90-95°C while stirring, condensed and refluxed for 12-24 hours, filtered, washed with water, and dried. The obtained particles were reduced at 400-450°C for 2-4 hours under a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen, and cooled to room temperature to obtain carbon nanotube-loaded nickel.

[0013] Furthermore, the steps for preparing the acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes are as follows: The carbon nanotubes are added to a mixed liquid of concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid, heated to 90-95° C. while stirring, subjected to condensation reflux treatment for 5-8 hours, filtered, washed with water, and dried to obtain acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes.

[0014] Furthermore, the mass of the nickel nitrate is 10-30% of the mass of the acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes.

[0015] Furthermore, the concentration of urea in the reaction system is 0.05-0.1 mol / L.

[0016] Furthermore, the volume ratio of hydrogen to nitrogen in the hydrogen and nitrogen mixed gas is (1-2): (8-9).

[0017] Furthermore, the preparation steps of the vanadium-doped basalt fiber are as follows: Vanadium pentoxide and hydrogen peroxide are mixed and stirred in a water bath at 80-90°C to obtain a vanadium oxide sol. The sol and acid-etched basalt fibers are evenly mixed. The fibers are taken out and dried, and calcined at 480-500°C for 1-2 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere to obtain vanadium-doped basalt fibers.

[0018] Furthermore, the preparation steps of the acid-etched basalt fiber are as follows: Immerse the basalt fiber in concentrated sulfuric acid for 8-10 hours and then wash with water until it is neutral and dry.

[0019] Furthermore, the mass of the vanadium pentoxide is 5-15% of the mass of the acid-etched basalt fiber.

[0020] The present invention also provides a method for processing aluminum alloy materials for new energy vehicles, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Prepare alloy raw materials according to the component ratio of 6061 aluminum alloy, and stir and mix the alloy raw materials, cobalt powder, carbon nanotube-loaded nickel, and vanadium-doped basalt fibers under an inert atmosphere; Step 2: After mixing, put it into the melting furnace for melting and casting to form a casting; Step 3: After homogenization annealing, the aluminum alloy material is extruded and subjected to T6 heat treatment.

[0021] Furthermore, the melting temperature is 720-750°C; the homogenization annealing temperature is 430-460°C, and the holding time is 12-15 hours; the extrusion temperature of the extrusion molding is 470-500°C; and the T6 heat treatment is set as follows: The solution treatment temperature is 530-550℃, and the heat preservation time is 5-6h. After water quenching, it enters artificial aging. The artificial aging temperature is 160-180℃, and the heat preservation time is 8-12h. It is cooled to room temperature with the furnace.

[0022] Beneficial effects of the present invention: (1) The present invention dopes cobalt into the 6 series aluminum alloy to form new intermetallic compounds Al-Co phase and Al-Co-Si phase, providing a more stable dispersion strengthening phase at high temperature and improving the strength of the aluminum alloy.

[0023] (2) The present invention adds carbon nanotubes and basalt fibers to the aluminum alloy to form a toughening network, synergistically improving the impact resistance of the aluminum alloy. The addition of nickel-loaded carbon nanotubes creates a highly efficient three-dimensional thermal conductivity network, further enhancing the material's homogeneous thermal conductivity.

[0024] (3) Nickel is loaded on carbon nanotubes, and the bonding effect between nickel and aluminum alloy groups is used to enhance the wettability of carbon nanotubes and aluminum alloy matrix. Vanadium is doped and modified into basalt fibers, and vanadium and aluminum form a nanoscale reinforcement phase, which enhances the interfacial bonding strength between basalt fibers and aluminum alloy matrix. Both of them form a strong and tough bonding interface with the 6061 aluminum alloy matrix, avoiding the agglomeration of the reinforcement phase or interface failure, and improving the impact resistance of the aluminum alloy. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following will be combined with the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] An aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles comprises the following raw materials, calculated by mass percentage: Co: 0.6%, carbon nanotube-loaded nickel: 1.0%, vanadium-doped basalt fiber: 0.8%, unavoidable impurity content ≤ 0.1%, and the balance being 6061 aluminum alloy.

[0028] The component ratios of 6061 aluminum alloy are as follows: Si: 0.8%, Mg: 1.0%, Cu: 0.2%, Mn: 0.12%, Cr: 0.12%, Fe: 0.1%, Zn: 0.18%, Ti: 0.07%, and the balance is Al.

[0029] Preparation of carbon nanotubes loaded with nickel: (1) Acid oxidation of carbon nanotubes: Concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid were prepared in a volume ratio of 3:1 to obtain a mixed liquid. 30 g / L of carbon nanotubes were added to the mixed liquid, and the temperature was raised to 90 °C while stirring. The mixture was condensed and refluxed for 6 h, filtered, washed with water until neutral, and dried at 100 °C for 12 h to obtain acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes.

[0030] (2) Nickel loaded on carbon nanotubes: nickel nitrate was dissolved in water at 5 g / L, and acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes were added, with the mass of nickel nitrate being 20% ​​of the mass of the acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min, ultrasonically treated for 1 h, and fully dispersed. The pH was adjusted to 2 with dilute nitric acid, and urea was added at 0.08 mol / L and stirred evenly. The mixture was heated to 90 °C while stirring, and condensed and refluxed for 24 h. The mixture was filtered, washed with water, and dried at 120 °C for 8 h. The obtained particles were reduced at 430 °C for 3 h in a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen (hydrogen and nitrogen volume ratio is 2:8), and cooled to room temperature to obtain nickel loaded on carbon nanotubes.

[0031] Preparation of vanadium-doped basalt fibers: (1) Acid-etched basalt fiber: The basalt fiber was immersed in concentrated sulfuric acid (2 mol / L) for 10 h, the fiber was taken out and washed with water until neutral, and dried at 80 °C for 10 h to obtain the acid-etched basalt fiber.

[0032] (2) Vanadium-doped basalt fiber: Add vanadium pentoxide at a concentration of 10 g / L to hydrogen peroxide (concentration of 10 wt%) and mix. Stir in a 90 °C water bath to obtain a vanadium oxide sol. Mix the sol and the acid-etched basalt fiber evenly. The mass of vanadium pentoxide is 10% of the mass of the acid-etched basalt fiber. Take out the fiber and dry it. Then calcine it at 500 °C for 1 h in a nitrogen atmosphere to obtain vanadium-doped basalt fiber.

[0033] Preparation of aluminum alloy: Step 1: Prepare alloy raw materials according to the component ratio of 6061 aluminum alloy, and stir and mix the alloy raw materials, cobalt powder, carbon nanotube-loaded nickel, and vanadium-doped basalt fibers under a nitrogen atmosphere; Step 2: After mixing, put it into a melting furnace for melting at a temperature of 730°C and cast it into a casting; Step 3: Homogenization annealing treatment was carried out at 450℃ for 14 hours, followed by extrusion molding, setting the extrusion temperature to 480℃, and T6 heat treatment to obtain aluminum alloy material. The settings of T6 heat treatment are as follows: The solution treatment temperature is 540℃, kept warm for 5h, and then entered artificial aging after water quenching. The artificial aging temperature is 170℃, kept warm for 10h, and then cooled to room temperature with the furnace.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] The only difference from Example 1 is that the proportion of Co in the aluminum alloy is adjusted to 0.2%. Other preparation conditions and steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0036] Example 3

[0037] The only difference from Example 1 is that the proportion of Co in the aluminum alloy is adjusted to 0.8%. Other preparation conditions and steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0038] Example 4

[0039] The only difference from Example 1 is that the proportion of carbon nanotube-loaded nickel in the aluminum alloy is adjusted to 0.3%. Other preparation conditions and steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0040] Example 5

[0041] The only difference from Example 1 is that the proportion of carbon nanotube-loaded nickel in the aluminum alloy is adjusted to 1.5%. Other preparation conditions and steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0042] Example 6

[0043] The only difference from Example 1 is that the proportion of vanadium-doped basalt fiber in the aluminum alloy is adjusted to 0.5%. Other preparation conditions and steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0044] Example 7

[0045] The only difference from Example 1 is that the proportion of vanadium-doped basalt fiber in the aluminum alloy is adjusted to 1.0%. Other preparation conditions and steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0046] Example 8

[0047] The only difference from Example 1 is that the mass of nickel nitrate is 10% of the mass of the acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes. The other preparation conditions and steps are the same as in Example 1. The steps for preparing nickel-loaded carbon nanotubes are as follows: (1) Acid oxidation of carbon nanotubes: Concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid were prepared in a volume ratio of 3:1 to obtain a mixed liquid. 30 g / L of carbon nanotubes were added to the mixed liquid, and the temperature was raised to 90 °C while stirring. The mixture was condensed and refluxed for 6 h, filtered, washed with water until neutral, and dried at 100 °C for 12 h to obtain acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes.

[0048] (2) Carbon nanotube loaded nickel: nickel nitrate was dissolved in water at 5 g / L, and acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes were added, with the mass of nickel nitrate being 10% of the mass of the acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min, ultrasonically treated for 1 h, and fully dispersed. The pH was adjusted to 2 with dilute nitric acid, and urea was added at 0.08 mol / L and stirred evenly. The mixture was heated to 90 °C while stirring, and condensed and refluxed for 24 h. The mixture was filtered, washed with water, and dried at 120 °C for 8 h. The obtained particles were reduced at 430 °C for 3 h in a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen (hydrogen and nitrogen volume ratio is 2:8), and cooled to room temperature to obtain carbon nanotube loaded nickel.

[0049] Example 9

[0050] The only difference from Example 1 is that the mass of nickel nitrate is 30% of the mass of the acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes. The other preparation conditions and steps are the same as those in Example 1. The steps for preparing nickel-loaded carbon nanotubes are as follows: (1) Acid oxidation of carbon nanotubes: Concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid were prepared in a volume ratio of 3:1 to obtain a mixed liquid. 30 g / L of carbon nanotubes were added to the mixed liquid, and the temperature was raised to 90 °C while stirring. The mixture was condensed and refluxed for 6 h, filtered, washed with water until neutral, and dried at 100 °C for 12 h to obtain acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes.

[0051] (2) Carbon nanotube loaded nickel: nickel nitrate was dissolved in water at 5 g / L, and acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes were added. The mass of nickel nitrate was 30% of the mass of acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min, ultrasonicated for 1 h, and fully dispersed. The pH was adjusted to 2 with dilute nitric acid. Urea was added at 0.08 mol / L and stirred evenly. The mixture was heated to 90 °C while stirring. The mixture was condensed and refluxed for 24 h. After filtration, the mixture was washed with water and dried at 120 °C for 8 h. The obtained particles were reduced at 430 °C for 3 h in a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen (hydrogen and nitrogen volume ratio is 2:8). The particles were cooled to room temperature to obtain carbon nanotube loaded nickel.

[0052] Example 10

[0053] The only difference from Example 1 is that the mass of vanadium pentoxide is 5% of the mass of the acid-etched basalt fiber. Other preparation conditions and steps are the same as in Example 1. The steps for preparing vanadium-doped basalt fiber are as follows: (1) Acid-etched basalt fiber: The basalt fiber was immersed in concentrated sulfuric acid (2 mol / L) for 10 h, the fiber was taken out and washed with water until neutral, and dried at 80 °C for 10 h to obtain the acid-etched basalt fiber.

[0054] (2) Vanadium-doped basalt fiber: Add vanadium pentoxide at a concentration of 10 g / L to hydrogen peroxide (concentration of 10 wt%) and mix. Stir in a 90 °C water bath to obtain a vanadium oxide sol. Mix the sol and the acid-etched basalt fiber evenly. The mass of vanadium pentoxide is 5% of the mass of the acid-etched basalt fiber. Take out the fiber and dry it. Then calcine it at 500 °C for 1 h in a nitrogen atmosphere to obtain vanadium-doped basalt fiber.

[0055] Example 11

[0056] The only difference from Example 1 is that the mass of vanadium pentoxide is 15% of the mass of the acid-etched basalt fiber. Other preparation conditions and steps are the same as in Example 1. The steps for preparing vanadium-doped basalt fiber are as follows: (1) Acid-etched basalt fiber: The basalt fiber was immersed in concentrated sulfuric acid (2 mol / L) for 10 h, the fiber was taken out and washed with water until neutral, and dried at 80 °C for 10 h to obtain the acid-etched basalt fiber.

[0057] (2) Vanadium-doped basalt fiber: Add vanadium pentoxide at a concentration of 10 g / L to hydrogen peroxide (concentration of 10 wt%) and mix. Stir in a 90 °C water bath to obtain a vanadium oxide sol. Mix the sol and the acid-etched basalt fiber evenly. The mass of vanadium pentoxide is 15% of the mass of the acid-etched basalt fiber. Take out the fiber and dry it. Then calcine it at 500 °C for 1 h in a nitrogen atmosphere to obtain vanadium-doped basalt fiber.

[0058] Comparative Example 1

[0059] The only difference from Example 1 is that no Co element is added to the aluminum alloy.

[0060] An aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles comprises the following raw materials, calculated by mass percentage: carbon nanotube-loaded nickel: 1.0%, vanadium-doped basalt fiber: 0.8%, unavoidable impurity content ≤ 0.1%, and the balance being 6061 aluminum alloy.

[0061] The component ratios of 6061 aluminum alloy are as follows: Si: 0.8%, Mg: 1.0%, Cu: 0.2%, Mn: 0.12%, Cr: 0.12%, Fe: 0.1%, Zn: 0.18%, Ti: 0.07%, and the balance is Al.

[0062] The steps for preparing nickel-loaded carbon nanotubes and vanadium-doped basalt fibers are the same as those in Example 1.

[0063] Preparation of aluminum alloy: Step 1: prepare alloy raw materials according to the component ratio of 6061 aluminum alloy, and stir and mix the alloy raw materials, carbon nanotubes loaded with nickel, and vanadium-doped basalt fibers under a nitrogen atmosphere; Step 2: After mixing, put it into a melting furnace for melting at a temperature of 730°C and cast it into a casting; Step 3: Homogenization annealing treatment was carried out at 450℃ for 14 hours, followed by extrusion molding, setting the extrusion temperature to 480℃, and T6 heat treatment to obtain aluminum alloy material. The settings of T6 heat treatment are as follows: The solution treatment temperature is 540℃, kept warm for 5h, and then entered artificial aging after water quenching. The artificial aging temperature is 170℃, kept warm for 10h, and then cooled to room temperature with the furnace.

[0064] Comparative Example 2

[0065] The only difference from Example 1 is that no carbon nanotube-loaded nickel is added to the aluminum alloy.

[0066] An aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles comprises the following raw materials, calculated by mass percentage: Co: 0.6%, vanadium-doped basalt fiber: 0.8%, unavoidable impurity content ≤ 0.1%, and the balance being 6061 aluminum alloy.

[0067] The component ratios of 6061 aluminum alloy are as follows: Si: 0.8%, Mg: 1.0%, Cu: 0.2%, Mn: 0.12%, Cr: 0.12%, Fe: 0.1%, Zn: 0.18%, Ti: 0.07%, and the balance is Al.

[0068] The steps for preparing vanadium-doped basalt fiber are the same as those in Example 1.

[0069] Preparation of aluminum alloy: Step 1: Prepare alloy raw materials according to the component ratio of 6061 aluminum alloy, and stir and mix the alloy raw materials, cobalt powder and vanadium-doped basalt fiber under nitrogen atmosphere; Step 2: After mixing, put it into a melting furnace for melting at a temperature of 730°C and cast it into a casting; Step 3: Homogenization annealing treatment was carried out at 450℃ for 14 hours, followed by extrusion molding, setting the extrusion temperature to 480℃, and T6 heat treatment to obtain aluminum alloy material. The settings of T6 heat treatment are as follows: The solution treatment temperature is 540℃, kept warm for 5h, and then entered artificial aging after water quenching. The artificial aging temperature is 170℃, kept warm for 10h, and then cooled to room temperature with the furnace.

[0070] Comparative Example 3

[0071] The only difference from Example 1 is that vanadium-doped basalt fiber is not added to the aluminum alloy.

[0072] An aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles comprises the following raw materials, calculated by mass percentage: Co: 0.6%, carbon nanotube-loaded nickel: 1.0%, unavoidable impurity content ≤ 0.1%, and the balance being 6061 aluminum alloy.

[0073] The component ratios of 6061 aluminum alloy are as follows: Si: 0.8%, Mg: 1.0%, Cu: 0.2%, Mn: 0.12%, Cr: 0.12%, Fe: 0.1%, Zn: 0.18%, Ti: 0.07%, and the balance is Al.

[0074] The steps for preparing carbon nanotubes loaded with nickel are the same as those in Example 1.

[0075] Preparation of aluminum alloy: Step 1: Prepare alloy raw materials according to the component ratio of 6061 aluminum alloy, and stir and mix the alloy raw materials, cobalt powder and carbon nanotube-loaded nickel under nitrogen atmosphere; Step 2: After mixing, put it into a melting furnace for melting at a temperature of 730°C and cast it into a casting; Step 3: Homogenization annealing treatment was carried out at 450℃ for 14 hours, followed by extrusion molding, setting the extrusion temperature to 480℃, and T6 heat treatment to obtain aluminum alloy material. The settings of T6 heat treatment are as follows: The solution treatment temperature is 540℃, kept warm for 5h, and then entered artificial aging after water quenching. The artificial aging temperature is 170℃, kept warm for 10h, and then cooled to room temperature with the furnace.

[0076] Comparative Example 4

[0077] The only difference from Example 1 is that the carbon nanotubes loaded with nickel are replaced by carbon nanotubes of equal mass in the aluminum alloy.

[0078] An aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles comprises the following raw materials, calculated by mass percentage: Co: 0.6%, carbon nanotubes: 1.0%, vanadium-doped basalt fiber: 0.8%, unavoidable impurity content ≤ 0.1%, and the balance being 6061 aluminum alloy.

[0079] The component ratios of 6061 aluminum alloy are as follows: Si: 0.8%, Mg: 1.0%, Cu: 0.2%, Mn: 0.12%, Cr: 0.12%, Fe: 0.1%, Zn: 0.18%, Ti: 0.07%, and the balance is Al.

[0080] The steps for preparing vanadium-doped basalt fiber are the same as those in Example 1.

[0081] Preparation of aluminum alloy: Step 1: Prepare alloy raw materials according to the component ratio of 6061 aluminum alloy, and stir and mix the alloy raw materials, cobalt powder, carbon nanotubes and vanadium-doped basalt fibers under a nitrogen atmosphere; Step 2: After mixing, put it into a melting furnace for melting at a temperature of 730°C and cast it into a casting; Step 3: Homogenization annealing treatment was carried out at 450℃ for 14 hours, followed by extrusion molding, setting the extrusion temperature to 480℃, and T6 heat treatment to obtain aluminum alloy material. The settings of T6 heat treatment are as follows: The solution treatment temperature is 540℃, kept warm for 5h, and then entered artificial aging after water quenching. The artificial aging temperature is 170℃, kept warm for 10h, and then cooled to room temperature with the furnace.

[0082] Comparative Example 5

[0083] The only difference from Example 1 is that the vanadium-doped basalt fibers are replaced with basalt fibers of equal mass in the aluminum alloy.

[0084] An aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles comprises the following raw materials, calculated by mass percentage: Co: 0.6%, carbon nanotube-loaded nickel: 1.0%, basalt fiber: 0.8%, unavoidable impurity content ≤ 0.1%, and the balance being 6061 aluminum alloy.

[0085] The component ratios of 6061 aluminum alloy are as follows: Si: 0.8%, Mg: 1.0%, Cu: 0.2%, Mn: 0.12%, Cr: 0.12%, Fe: 0.1%, Zn: 0.18%, Ti: 0.07%, and the balance is Al.

[0086] The steps for preparing carbon nanotubes loaded with nickel are the same as those in Example 1.

[0087] Preparation of aluminum alloy: Step 1: Prepare alloy raw materials according to the component ratio of 6061 aluminum alloy, and stir and mix the alloy raw materials, cobalt powder, carbon nanotube-loaded nickel and basalt fiber under nitrogen atmosphere; Step 2: After mixing, put it into a melting furnace for melting at a temperature of 730°C and cast it into a casting; Step 3: Homogenization annealing treatment was carried out at 450℃ for 14 hours, followed by extrusion molding, setting the extrusion temperature to 480℃, and T6 heat treatment to obtain aluminum alloy material. The settings of T6 heat treatment are as follows: The solution treatment temperature is 540℃, kept warm for 5h, and then entered artificial aging after water quenching. The artificial aging temperature is 170℃, kept warm for 10h, and then cooled to room temperature with the furnace.

[0088] The performance tests of the aluminum alloy materials prepared in Examples 1 to 11 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 were performed, and the results are shown in Table 1: Table 1

[0089] As can be seen from Table 1, the optimal amount of cobalt added in Examples 1 to 3 is 0.6%. Excessive addition of cobalt will cause segregation, affecting the performance of the aluminum alloy material. Carbon nanotube-loaded nickel in aluminum alloys can improve the thermal conductivity of aluminum alloys through the high thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes. Its nanostructure also plays a positive role in alleviating stress concentration and toughening impact resistance. In Example 5, when the proportion of carbon nanotube-loaded nickel was adjusted to 1.5%, the dispersion effect in the aluminum alloy matrix was reduced, and there was local agglomeration, resulting in a decrease in the reinforcement effect. Examples 1, 6 and 7 reflect that the proportion of vanadium-doped basalt fiber in aluminum alloys should not be too high. Since the thermal conductivity of basalt fiber itself is poor, although adding an appropriate amount can improve the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys, adding too much will reduce thermal conductivity. Examples 8 and 9 adjusted the nickel loading on the carbon nanotubes based on Example 1. In Example 8, the loading was too low, resulting in reduced wettability with the aluminum alloy substrate. In Example 9, the amount of nickel nitrate was increased, which reduced the dispersion of nickel on the carbon nanotubes and led to decreased uniformity. Based on the test results, the overall performance of Examples 8 and 9 was inferior to that of Example 1. Accordingly, Examples 10 and 11 adjusted the vanadium doping level of the vanadium-doped basalt fibers in Example 1. As can be seen from the tensile strength and yield strength values, their impact resistance was somewhat reduced compared to Example 1.

[0090] In the results of Example 1 and the comparative example, the lack of cobalt in Comparative Example 1 resulted in decreased mechanical properties and significantly reduced impact resistance of the aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy in Comparative Example 2 lacked nickel-loaded carbon nanotubes, resulting in reduced thermal conductivity and inferior heat dissipation capacity compared to Example 1. Furthermore, due to the lack of the synergistic toughening effect of carbon nanotubes and fibers, fiber toughening alone could not achieve the desired effect, resulting in reduced mechanical strength of the aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy in Comparative Example 3 lacked vanadium-doped basalt fibers. Although basalt fibers themselves have relatively weak thermal conductivity, they act as a bridge to facilitate the connection of carbon nanotubes and construct a thermal network. The lack of basalt fibers slightly reduced thermal conductivity. However, the lack of vanadium-doped basalt fibers, a primary component of the toughening mechanism, significantly impacted impact resistance, resulting in significantly inferior impact resistance of Comparative Example 3 compared to Example 1. Comparative Examples 4 and 5 did not load or dope carbon nanotubes and basalt fibers, significantly reducing their dispersion within the aluminum alloy matrix.

[0091] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0092] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles, characterized in that: Calculated by mass percentage, it includes the following raw materials: Co: 0.2-0.8%, carbon nanotube loaded nickel: 0.3-1.5%, vanadium doped basalt fiber: 0.5-1%, unavoidable impurity content ≤ 0.1%, the balance is 6061 aluminum alloy.

2. The aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The component ratios of the 6061 aluminum alloy are as follows: Si: 0.6-1.0%, Mg: 0.8-1.2%, Cu: 0-0.25%, Mn: 0.1-0.15%, Cr: 0.05-0.2%, Fe: 0-0.3%, Zn: 0.1-0.25%, Ti: 0.05-0.1%, and the balance is Al.

3. The aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preparation of the carbon nanotube-loaded nickel is as follows: Nickel nitrate was dissolved in water, acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes were added, stirred at room temperature and ultrasonically dispersed, the pH was adjusted to 2-3, urea was added and stirred evenly, the temperature was raised to 90-95°C while stirring, condensed and refluxed, the reaction was terminated when the pH was raised to 6-7, the particles were filtered, washed with water and dried, the obtained particles were reduced at 400-450°C under a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen for 2-4 hours, and cooled to room temperature to obtain carbon nanotube-loaded nickel.

4. The aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles according to claim 3, characterized in that: The steps for preparing the acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes are as follows: The carbon nanotubes are added into a mixed liquid of concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid, heated to 90-95° C. while stirring, subjected to condensation reflux treatment for 5-8 hours, filtered, washed with water, and dried to obtain acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes.

5. The aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles according to claim 3, characterized in that: The mass of the nickel nitrate is 10-30% of the mass of the acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes.

6. The aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles according to claim 3, characterized in that: The concentration of urea in the reaction system is 0.05-0.1 mol / L.

7. The aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preparation steps of the vanadium-doped basalt fiber are as follows: Vanadium pentoxide and hydrogen peroxide are mixed and stirred in a water bath at 80-90°C to obtain a vanadium oxide sol. The sol and acid-etched basalt fibers are evenly mixed. The fibers are taken out and dried, and calcined at 480-500°C for 1-2 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere to obtain vanadium-doped basalt fibers.

8. The aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles according to claim 7, characterized in that: The preparation steps of the acid-etched basalt fiber are as follows: Immerse the basalt fiber in concentrated sulfuric acid for 8-10 hours and then wash with water until it is neutral and dry.

9. The aluminum alloy material for new energy vehicles according to claim 7, characterized in that: The mass of the vanadium pentoxide is 5-15% of the mass of the acid-etched basalt fiber.

10. A pricing method for aluminum alloy materials for new energy vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step 1: Prepare alloy raw materials according to the component ratio of 6061 aluminum alloy, and stir and mix the alloy raw materials, cobalt powder, carbon nanotube-loaded nickel, and vanadium-doped basalt fibers under an inert atmosphere; Step 2: After mixing, put it into the melting furnace for melting and casting to form a casting; Step 3: homogenization annealing, extrusion molding, and T6 heat treatment to obtain aluminum alloy material.

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