Use of an iron alloy comprising a mass quantity of a niobium species as a vehicle component material and method for adjusting the mechanical properties of a metallic material

Abstract

The present invention pertains to the fields of materials engineering and nanotechnology. More specifically, the invention discloses the use of an iron alloy comprising a mass quantity of a niobium species as a vehicle component material and a method for adjusting the mechanical properties of a metallic material comprising the incorporation of a niobium species. The products comprising use of the inventive iron alloy exhibit remarkable properties, such as improved mechanical properties combined with reduced weight, resulting in an exponential performance gain. In one embodiment, the alloy used in the invention is called Steeron, because it has steel characteristics while being a cast iron.

Description

Descriptive Report of Invention Patent USE OF IRON ALLOY COMPRISING A MASS AMOUNT OF NIOBIUM SPECIES AS A VEHICLE COMPONENT MATERIAL AND METHOD FOR MODULATING THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF A METALLIC MATERIAL Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention is in the field of materials engineering and nanotechnology. More specifically, the invention discloses the use of an iron alloy comprising a mass quantity of niobium species as a vehicle component material and a method for modulating the mechanical properties of a metallic material comprising incorporation of niobium species. Products comprising the use of the iron alloy of the invention exhibit remarkable properties, such as improved mechanical properties combined with weight reduction, resulting in an exponential performance gain. In one embodiment, the alloy used in the invention is called Steeron, as it has characteristics of steel despite being a cast iron (iron). Background of the Invention

[0002] The incorporation of particles into molten metals is a technical difficulty that has not yet been satisfactorily resolved and is the subject of intense studies.

[0003] In the specific field of cast iron, various approaches have been studied and attempted to improve the properties of the final product. One approach involves incorporating nanoparticles of various materials. However, the large-scale use of nanoparticles still faces multiple limitations, beginning with the unavailability of nanoparticle preparations with high concentration, purity, precise particle size profiles, or even simply their availability in large quantities. Furthermore, There are several other technical problems that limit the industrial use of nanoparticles, including the tendency to aggregate, the difficulty of dispersion, the risks associated with possible dispersion in the air / environment and the still little-known effects resulting from human or animal contact with nanoparticles.

[0004] The problem of difficulty in mixing / dispersing / homogenizing additives, particularly those containing nanoparticles, in the processing of metals and special steels has been known for some time, and there are different approaches to trying to solve it.

[0005] Additionally, applications of these metallic materials are highly desirable. Thus, the present invention addresses highly desired and necessary applications in the state of the art.

[0006] In the search for the state of the art in scientific and patent literature, the following documents related to the topic were found:

[0007] Document CN105414497 details the technical difficulties of dispersing additives in the manufacture of specialty steels. This document discloses a device specifically developed to solve this problem, including a pipeline, a feeder with a valve welded to the side of one opening, and a thin, sealed and welded pipe with its end directed toward the center of the opening of the other pipe. This allows for the insufflation of air or argon to create negative pressure and thus allow the addition of fine powders of the additive to the liquid (molten) steel medium. The device allows for the adjustment of uniform additive addition. It does not disclose or anticipate the use of the present invention.

[0008] Document JP3321491, entitled “Method for adding rare earth element to molten steel and additive”, reveals a safe way to add an additive to molten steel. The additive is prepared by filling a container with a powder of an alloy containing rare earths, copper and aluminum. The container is made of a hollow bar of carbon steel or stainless steel. The way to add the additive consists of continuously adding the additive to the molten steel in the casting phase. Does not disclose or anticipate the use of the present invention.

[0009] Document US4892580 discloses an additive in the form of lead-containing filaments for producing modified steels. This additive is in the form of filaments consisting of a metallic coating and a finely divided material comprising metallic lead or lead alloys, as well as a material that releases CO2 at the temperature of the molten steel. It does not disclose or anticipate the use of the present invention.

[0010] Document RU2569621 discloses a method for producing niobium-containing steel. This method includes a step of melting the steel and forming a 200 mm thick layer in a receptacle. During the treatment of the metal outside the furnace, ferroniobium is added at a rate of 0.01 to 1 kg per ton of metal. It does not disclose or anticipate the use of the present invention.

[0011] US 3860777 discloses a process for welding low-alloy steels containing niobium. This document produces weld deposits with improved strength and hardness compared to previously known counterparts. The process involves adding controlled amounts of vanadium and / or titanium to the molten metal, along with other alloying elements, to form a deposit whose concentration is controlled in comparison to the niobium concentration present. It does not disclose or anticipate the use of the present invention.

[0012] WO 92226675 discloses a ferroniobium alloy and a niobium additive for steel, cast iron, and other metal alloys. The ferroniobium alloy has a microstructure comprising a eutectic matrix (E) and a primary constituent (N) as a niobium-rich solid solution, which requires a chemical composition of 75 to 95% niobium, 5 to 25% iron, with the following maximum impurities: tantalum 0.1%, silicon 3%, aluminum 1%, and tin 0.15%. This additive is useful for adding niobium to steels, cast iron, and other materials. It does not disclose or anticipate the use of the present invention.

[0013] Co-pending patent application BR 102021016247-3 with inventors In common with the present invention, it discloses a niobium nanoparticle preparation obtained by a top-down approach. This preparation also has the following technical characteristics: particles entirely in the nanometer particle size range; high purity; and industrial scale production, with a cost appropriate for economic viability. This nanometric powder preparation has very high purity, since the process does not add impurities or lead to the formation of reaction products, as is the case with state-of-the-art bottom-up (or synthesis) processes. It does not disclose or anticipate the use of the present invention.

[0014] Co-pending patent application BR 102022002639-4, filed by IHR in Feb 2022 with the same inventors and still under seal, discloses a premix useful for the use of nanoparticle preparations of various materials. This document, incorporated herein by reference, describes a nanoparticle premix with a unique composition, purity, and particle size profile, useful in a variety of applications and solving several technical problems, including facilitating dispersion in other substances and facilitating use in industrial processes. It does not disclose or anticipate the use of the present invention.

[0015] From what can be inferred from the literature researched, no documents were found anticipating or suggesting the teachings of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Compared to prior art products, the present invention enables reduced shrinkage, improved particle homogenization in the melt, standardization of metal alloys (baseline), and / or the production of parts with complex geometries. The modulation of the metallic material provided by the present invention enables the production of parts with geometries that would not be feasible if made from conventional prior art alloys.

[0017] Additionally, the present invention enables modulation of the mechanical properties of a metallic material, such as non-limiting yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and / or elongation. The present invention also allows for a concomitant gain in the mechanical properties of yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation. The concomitant increase in all three properties tested is particularly surprising, which is counterintuitive to someone skilled in the art.

[0018] Finally, it is also worth highlighting the reduction in weight of parts produced using the iron alloy of the present invention, and the combination of the reduction in weight concomitant with improvements in the mechanical properties of the part using the iron alloy of the present invention results in an exponential gain in performance when compared to state-of-the-art parts.

[0019] Additional advantages include lighter and stronger parts, as well as improved user ergonomics due to reduced mass. These advantages allow for increased factory capacity without CAPEX investment, as the furnace size remains the same, but the parts have been reduced in mass. This means less material is required to produce the same part, generating increased productivity. Finally, the reduced effort and energy expenditure in casting means lower carbon emissions, making the process more environmentally friendly and in line with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) best practices.

[0020] In a first object, the present invention presents a use of an iron alloy comprising a mass quantity of Niobium species as a vehicle component material.

[0021] In a second object, the present invention presents a method for modulating the mechanical properties of a metallic material comprising at least one step of incorporating a mass quantity of Niobium species, in which said mass quantity of Niobium species comprises a degree of amortization of at least 19%.

[0022] These and other objects of the invention will be immediately appreciated by those skilled in the art and will be described in detail below. Brief Description of the Figures

[0023] The following figures are presented:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a wheel hub using the iron alloy of the present invention in perspective, showing the front, right side and top views.

[0025] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the wheel hub using the iron alloy of the present invention in perspective, showing the rear, left side and top views.

[0026] Figure 3 shows a right side view of a first embodiment of the wheel hub using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a side view of a longitudinal section of a first embodiment of the wheel hub using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the wheel hub using the iron alloy of the present invention in perspective, showing the front, right side and top views.

[0029] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the wheel hub using the iron alloy of the present invention in perspective, showing the rear, left side and top views.

[0030] Figure 7 shows a right side view of a second embodiment of the wheel hub using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 8 shows a side view of a longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the wheel hub using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 9 shows four examples of brake spiders that are produced using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 11 shows a rear perspective view of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 12 shows a front view of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 13 shows the boundary conditions assigned for the analyses illustrated by figures 14 and 15, with the wheel hub in transparency and the bearing embedding with interference of 0.102 mm with the hub diameter and the embedding illustrated by a triangle in one of the through holes.

[0037] Figure 14 shows a computational structural analysis of the bearing embedding for the realization of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention, indicating the maximum principal stresses in MPa.

[0038] Figure 15 shows a computational structural analysis of the bearing embedding for the realization of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention, indicating the equivalent von Mises stresses in MPa.

[0039] Figure 16 shows a computational structural analysis of a torsion test for the implementation of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention, indicating the displacement in mm.

[0040] Figure 17 shows a computational structural analysis of a torsion test for the implementation of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention, indicating the maximum principal stresses in MPa.

[0041] Figure 18 shows a computational structural analysis of a torsion test for the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced. from the use of the iron alloy of the present invention, indicating the equivalent von Mises stresses in MPa.

[0042] Figure 19 shows a computational structural analysis of a bending test for the implementation of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention, indicating the displacement in mm.

[0043] Figure 20 shows a computational structural analysis of a bending test for the implementation of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention, indicating the maximum principal stresses in MPa.

[0044] Figure 21 shows the boundary conditions assigned for the analyses illustrated in figures 16 to 20, where the horizontal arrows illustrate the pre-stresses arranged in the drum bolts and the fittings indicated by triangles and positioned on the edges of the wheels.

[0045] Figure 22 shows a computational fatigue analysis for the embodiment of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention, indicating life cycles.

[0046] Figure 23 shows a tensile test graph for one embodiment of a test specimen corresponding to the rib of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 24 shows a tensile test graph for one embodiment of a test specimen corresponding to the recess of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 25 shows a tensile test graph for one embodiment of a test specimen corresponding to the flange of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 26 shows a tensile test graph for a second embodiment of a test specimen corresponding to the rib of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 27 shows a tensile test graph for a second embodiment of a test specimen corresponding to the recess of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 28 shows a tensile test graph for a second embodiment of a test specimen corresponding to the flange of the third embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention, this test specimen being re-sucked.

[0052] Figure 29 shows an image of metallographic analysis of a state-of-the-art cast iron (standard alloy 600 / 3), highlighting the distribution of nodules in the nodular cast iron.

[0053] Figure 30 shows a metallographic analysis image of a cast iron used in the present invention (600 / 3 alloy comprising Niobium nanoparticles), evidencing the improved distribution of nodules in the nodular cast iron with Niobium nanoparticles. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0054] Compared to prior art products, the present invention enables reduced shrinkage, improved particle homogenization in the melt, standardization of metal alloys (baseline), and / or the production of parts with complex geometries. The modulation of the metallic material provided by the present invention enables the production of parts with geometries that would not be feasible if made from conventional prior art alloys.

[0055] Additionally, the present invention makes it possible to modulate the mechanical properties of a metallic material, such as non-limiting, yield stress, tensile strength limit and / or stretching.

[0056] Finally, it is also worth highlighting the reduction in the weight of parts produced by the present invention, with the combination of the reduction in weight concomitant with improvements in the mechanical properties of the part with the use of the iron alloy of the present invention resulting in an exponential gain in performance when compared to state-of-the-art parts.

[0057] Additional advantages include lighter and stronger parts, as well as improved user ergonomics due to reduced mass. These advantages allow for increased factory capacity without CAPEX investment, as the furnace size remains the same, but the parts have been reduced in mass. This means less material is required to produce the same part, generating increased productivity. Finally, the reduced effort and energy expenditure in casting means lower carbon emissions, resulting in a more environmentally friendly process and in compliance with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) best practices.

[0058] In the context of the present invention, the term "iron alloy" should be understood in its broadest sense as a material containing iron as the main element, which may contain other elements or other iron-containing species. In a non-limiting embodiment, said iron alloy is a gray or nodular cast iron.

[0059] In the context of the present invention, the term "niobium species" should be understood in its broadest sense as any species containing the element niobium. The term "niobium species or niobium-containing material" encompasses various chemical entities containing niobium, including metallic niobium, niobium oxides, oxalates, hydrates, hydrides, carbides, or nitrides, niobium iron or niobium alloyed with other metals or transition metals, or combinations thereof. It also includes niobium pentoxide (Nb20s), NbO2, NbO, niobium oxalate, niobic acid, and FeNb. They may be microparticles, submicroparticles, or nanoparticles.

[0060] In the context of the present invention, the term "vehicle component" should be understood in its broadest sense as any component present in a vehicle. In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle component is a metal vehicle component. In a non-limiting embodiment, the metal vehicle component is a fastening part for other vehicle components. Alternatively or additionally, in a non-limiting embodiment, the metal vehicle component is one or more parts of the vehicle's drive system, preferably, but not limited to, associated with at least one axle of the vehicle.

[0061] In the context of the present invention, the term "component attachment part" should be understood in its broadest sense as any part that enables adequate attachment between one or more vehicle components. In a non-limiting embodiment, said part is for road or rail implements, and such parts must withstand severe loads, much greater than parts of small vehicles, such as automobiles.

[0062] In the context of the present invention, the term "one or more parts of the vehicle's movement system" should be understood in its broadest sense as any part that contributes to the movement of the vehicle and is associated with and / or includes the vehicle's axle and / or any components that interact with the axle or are positioned in its vicinity, including but not limited to: gears, bearings, suspension parts, brake system parts, wheel hub, drum, brake caliper, brake disc, brake spider, differential, gearbox, engine parts, mechanical transmission parts, among others.

[0063] In a first object, the present invention presents a use of an iron alloy comprising a mass quantity of Niobium species as a vehicle component material.

[0064] In one embodiment of use, the said Niobium species is composed of Nb20õ, NbO2, NbO, Niobium oxalate, niobic acid and FeNb.

[0065] In one embodiment of use, the referred Niobium species is a Nb20s nanoparticle.

[0066] In one embodiment of use, said mass amount of Niobium species preferably comprises a degree of amortization of at least 20%, more preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 39%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 45%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably a degree of amortization of at least 55%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 65%, and even more preferably a degree of crystallinity of at least 70%. In one embodiment, the degree of amortization is at least 71%, more preferably at least 72%, more preferably at least 73%. In a non-limiting embodiment, the degree of amortization is 74%.

[0067] In one embodiment of use, said mass amount of Niobium species comprises a degree of amortization of at least 19%, preferably a degree of amortization of at least 39%, preferably a degree of amortization of at least 59% and even more preferably a degree of amortization of at least 74%.

[0068] In one embodiment of use, said vehicle component is a metal vehicle component.

[0069] In one embodiment, the metal vehicle component is a component attachment. In one embodiment, the metal vehicle component is one or more parts of the vehicle's drivetrain.

[0070] In one embodiment of use, the part is a gear, bearing, suspension part, brake system part, wheel hub, drum, brake caliper, brake disc, brake spider, differential, gearbox, engine part, mechanical transmission part, among others.

[0071] In one embodiment of use, the brake system part is a wheel hub or brake spider.

[0072] In a second object, the present invention presents a method for modulating the mechanical properties of a metallic material comprising at least one step of incorporating a mass quantity of Niobium species, in which said mass quantity of Niobium species comprises a degree of amortization of at least 19%.

[0073] In one embodiment of the method, said mass amount of Niobium species preferably comprises a degree of amortization of at least 20%, more preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 39%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 45%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably a degree of amortization of at least 55%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 65%, and even more preferably a degree of crystallinity of at least 70%. In one embodiment, the degree of amortization is at least 71%, more preferably at least 72%, more preferably at least 73%. In a non-limiting embodiment, the degree of amortization is 74%.

[0074] In one embodiment of the method, said mass amount of Niobium species comprises a degree of amortization of at least 19%, preferably a degree of amortization of at least 39%, preferably a degree of amortization of at least 59%, and even more preferably a degree of amortization of at least 74%.

[0075] In one embodiment of the method, the referred mechanical properties are yield stress, tensile strength limit, elongation, among others.

[0076] The present invention also allows a concomitant gain in the mechanical properties of yield stress, tensile strength limit and elongation, with the concomitant increase in the three properties tested being particularly surprising, which is counterintuitive for a person skilled in the art.

[0077] In one embodiment of the method, said metallic material is an iron alloy. In one embodiment, said iron alloy is cast iron.

[0078] In one embodiment, said cast iron is a gray cast iron.

[0079] In one embodiment, said cast iron is a nodular cast iron.

[0080] In one embodiment of the method, said Niobium species is composed of Nb20s, NbC, NbO, Niobium oxalate, niobic acid and FeNb.

[0081] In one embodiment of the method, the referred Niobium species is an Nb20s nanoparticle.

[0082] The moment of incorporation and use of Niobium species (which may be in the form of a premix with other materials or the species itself) is important and depends on a series of factors, such as temperature, geometry of the part for dispersion, thermodynamic condition of the part (dependent on the geometry and feed of the cast iron - FoFo).

[0083] With the advances provided by the present invention, the production of the most diverse vehicle components is made possible, taking into account, for example: (1) Topological optimization, which seeks to reduce mass based on the new properties of the material; (2) Simulation of the casting process in the mold, so that there are no cold spots (i.e., places favorable to the formation of voids); (3) Mathematical modeling of the solution, to have the results of the material's response to the stimuli of the imputed mechanical forces; (4) Construction of the model and Casting; and (5) Validation on the bench and in real tests, according to the proposed application.

[0084] This allows you to choose the best time to incorporate niobium species—the process stage in which it occurs. This offers several advantages, such as eliminating the need for incorporating the species in the furnace stage, allowing it to be done just before pouring the molten metal into the mold. This significantly simplifies the process and allows for customization according to the specific needs of the part in question. eg, change the concentration of the material in certain regions of the part. Examples

[0085] The examples shown here are intended only to exemplify some of the various ways of carrying out the invention, however without limiting its scope. Example 1 - Niobium nanoparticle preparation process

[0086] A Labstar LS01 agitator ball mill (Netzsch) was fed with micrometric niobium pentoxide particles. This process involves high-energy wet grinding. The particle suspension was 17.7% m, consisting of approximately 3500 g of milli-Q water + 10 M NaOH and 750 g of the solid sample, which was prepared and stabilized in the mill's mixing tank at pH 9, titrated with 10 M NaOH. The grinding balls used were yttria-stabilized zirconia, 400 μm in diameter. The grinding chamber fill was 80% vol., and the suspension temperature was below 40 °C. The mill rotation speed was set at 3000 rpm, and grinding was carried out for 8 hours. To stabilize the suspension at pH 9, 10 M NaOH was added during grinding, and samples were taken periodically and particle sizes were measured.

[0087] In the present example, several embodiments of niobium pentoxide nanoparticle preparations were obtained, with purity greater than 99%. Commercial niobium pentoxide, with the particle size distribution described in Table 1, was pre-comminuted in a high-energy mill containing yttria-stabilized zirconia spheres with a diameter of 400 pm, in a liquid medium and the pH adjusted to 6.6. The mill rotation speed was 3500 rpm and the particle grinding was carried out at a temperature below 40 °C. Table 4 shows the particle size distribution (PSD) of incoming niobium pentoxide (commercial product) and outgoing niobium pentoxide from a pre-comminution step.

[0088] Table 1 - Input DTP (commercial product) and output DTP after pre-comminution.

[0089] The average specific surface area S (m 2 / g) of the particles after the pre-comminution step was 0.32 m 2 / g.

[0090] In one embodiment, the pre-crushed particles were then fed to a high-energy mill, applying conditions similar to those described above, but with 200 μm Zr spheres and milling for different times, until each nanoparticle preparation was obtained. Three different nanoparticle preparations were obtained, each with a defined particle size distribution as described in Table 2.

[0091] Table 2 - Particle size distribution of three different preparations (C, D and E) of Niobium pentoxide nanoparticles.

[0092] Further details on the process for obtaining nanoparticles can be found in patent application BR112023003019, held by the inventors of this application. The examples in this application use samples that were milled for 12 hours.

[0093] Without the desire to be tied to theory, it is understood that the samples subjected to 12 hours of grinding, which present a higher degree of amortization (74%), contribute to the surprising effects presented. Example 2 - Process for preparing cast iron alloys

[0094] Details on the process for producing cast iron alloys can be found in patent application BR102023011061-4, held by the inventors of this application. The examples in this application use samples that have undergone 12 hours of grinding. Example 3 - Example of implementation of the wheel hub comprising nanoparticles

[0095] A first embodiment of the cast iron composite wheel hub comprising Niobium pentoxide nanoparticles can be found in figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, with their specific characteristics shown in detail in said figures.

[0096] Among the advantages of the wheel hub using the iron alloy of the present invention, in addition to the improved physical properties resulting from the material of the developed alloy, we can highlight the reduction in weight compared to the wheel hubs of the state of the art, which results in several advantages for the vehicles to which they are applied.

[0097] In Brazil, commercially sold cast iron wheel hubs weigh over 30 kg. In the United States, commercially sold cast iron wheel hubs weigh over 18 kg. The wheel hub of the first embodiment using the iron alloy of the present invention weighs 14.3 kg.

[0098] The combination of weight reduction and improved mechanical properties of the part using the iron alloy of the present invention results in an exponential performance gain when compared to prior art wheel hubs. Such performance gains resulting from the present invention would be readily recognized by one skilled in the art. Example 4 - Example of implementation of the wheel hub comprising nanoparticles

[0099] A second embodiment of the cast iron composite wheel hub comprising Niobium pentoxide nanoparticles can be found in figures 5, 6, 7 and 8, with its specific characteristics shown in detail in said figures.

[0100] Among the advantages of the wheel hub using the iron alloy of the present invention, in addition to the improved physical properties resulting from the material of the developed alloy, we can highlight the reduction in weight compared to the wheel hubs of the state of the art, which results in several advantages for the vehicles to which they are applied.

[0101] In Brazil, commercially sold cast iron wheel hubs rotate around more than 30 kg. In the United States, commercially sold cast iron wheel hubs weigh around more than 18 kg. The wheel hub of the first embodiment using the iron alloy of the present invention weighs 14.5 kg.

[0102] The combination of weight reduction and improved mechanical properties of the part using the iron alloy of the present invention results in an exponential performance gain when compared to prior art wheel hubs. Such performance gains resulting from the present invention would be readily recognized by one skilled in the art. Example 5 - Example of implementation of the brake spider comprising nanoparticles

[0103] In a third embodiment, vehicle brake spiders are produced composed of cast iron comprising Niobium pentoxide nanoparticles as can be seen in figure 9, with their specific characteristics shown in detail in said figures.

[0104] Among the advantages of the brake spider using the iron alloy of the present invention, in addition to the improved physical properties resulting from the material of the developed alloy, we can highlight the reduction in weight compared to the brake spiders of the state of the art, which results in several advantages for the vehicles to which they are applied.

[0105] The combination of weight reduction and improved mechanical properties of the part using the iron alloy of the present invention results in an exponential performance gain when compared to prior art brake spiders. Such performance gains resulting from the present invention would be readily recognized by one skilled in the art. Example 6 - Example of implementation of the wheel hub comprising nanoparticles

[0106] A third embodiment of the cast iron composite wheel hub comprising Niobium pentoxide nanoparticles can be found in figures 10, 11 and 12 with its specific features shown in detail in the aforementioned figures.

[0107] Among the advantages of the wheel hub using the iron alloy of the present invention, in addition to the improved physical properties resulting from the material of the developed alloy, we can highlight the reduction in weight compared to the wheel hubs of the state of the art, which results in several advantages for the vehicles to which they are applied.

[0108] The combination of weight reduction and improved mechanical properties of the part using the iron alloy of the present invention results in an exponential performance gain when compared to prior art wheel hubs. Such performance gains resulting from the present invention would be readily recognized by one skilled in the art. Example 7 - Evaluation of mechanical properties

[0109] In order to prove the modulation capacity of the properties of the method of the present invention, tests were carried out on test specimens to evaluate gains in the yield strength, tensile strength limit and average elongation comparing a standard 600 / 3 alloy and a 600 / 3 alloy of the present invention comprising niobium pentoxide nanoparticles.

[0110] The results are summarized in Table 3 below:

[0111] Table 3 - comparison of mechanical properties of standard alloy without nano and with nano.

[0112] From the results illustrated in table 3, it would be possible for a person skilled in the art to recognize the surprising effects of using Niobium pentoxide nanoparticles according to the method of the present invention, with the concomitant increase in the three properties being particularly surprising. tested, which is counterintuitive for a person skilled in the art. Example 8 - Structural and Fatigue Analysis of a Wheel Hub

[0113] The objective of the analysis exemplified here is to evaluate the structural behavior of the wheel hub in example 6 when subjected to the respective loads and to provide minimum requirements for the material to be used in the wheel hub.

[0114] To represent the component assembly phase in a realistic way, non-linear simulations were carried out, giving greater fidelity to the preloads of the bolts and the interference of the bearings in the wheel hub.

[0115] Second-order elements were used in the wheel hub in all analyses presented here to correctly represent stresses and deformations.

[0116] The simplified geometries of the wheel and brake drum were considered for the correct representation of the rigidity in the wheel hub attachment.

[0117] Conventional screws were considered in the technique for modeling the fixations.

[0118] The shaft geometry was simplified. Its modeling was done using CBUSH type elements.

[0119] To connect the CBUSH elements to the rest of the geometry, interpolation elements (RBE3) were used.

[0120] The wheel hub components were modeled using steel and nodular cast iron (FOFO), with the modulus of elasticity assigned to the steel being 210 GPa and a density of 7850 kg / m 3 , while the modulus of elasticity attributed to FOFO is 174 GPa and density of 7200 kg / m 3 .

[0121] The wheels, screws and bearings were modeled in steel, while the wheel hub, drum and cover were modeled in FOFO.

[0122] For the bending test, a load of 35,809 N (8050 Ibf) was used, positioned at the end of the axle connected to the wheel hub. For the torsion test, a torque moment of 2.4x10 A 7 N.mm was positioned at the center of the inner surface of the lid.

[0123] As illustrated in figure 13 with the wheel hub of the third embodiment in transparency, the boundary conditions assigned for the bearing embedding analyses were an interference of 0.102 mm with the hub diameter and the embedding illustrated by a triangle in one of the through holes.

[0124] Thus, figure 14 illustrates the results obtained for maximum principal stresses in MPa, while figure 15 illustrates the equivalent von Mises stresses in MPa.

[0125] The boundary conditions assigned for the loading analyses (torsion and bending, illustrated in Figures 16 to 20) are illustrated in Figure 21 , where the horizontal arrows illustrate the prestresses arranged in the drum bolts and the crimps are indicated by triangles and positioned on the edges of the wheels. Each drum bolt received 250 kN of prestress, while the cover bolts received 100 kN of prestress. The bending load was applied on the Y-axis and the moment was applied on the X-axis.

[0126] Thus, in relation to torsional loading, figure 16 shows the results obtained for displacement in mm, while figure 17 shows the results obtained for maximum principal stresses in MPa, and figure 18 shows the results obtained for equivalent von Mises stresses in MPa.

[0127] For the bending load, figure 19 shows the results obtained for the displacement in mm, while figure 20 shows the results obtained indicating the maximum principal stresses in MPa.

[0128] Stress results from static loading are important for fatigue analysis.

[0129] After test iterations with properties that met the FEA failure criterion, the theoretical FOFO used was assigned a yield strength of 302 MPa and a rupture strength of 540 MPa. These data were used to generate a Haigh diagram and the SN curve, required for fatigue analysis.

[0130] As an influencing factor, a surface roughness of 200 pm was applied.

[0131] For average voltage correction, the Haigh Diagram is used.

[0132] The voltage gradient correction method is also used.

[0133] Thus, the computer program used produces the image illustrated in figure 22, indicating the life cycles of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention.

[0134] In a global context, the wheel hub meets the 1,000,000 cycles criterion across its entire body, so the above values ​​refer to minimum requirements and are derived from a material generator that uses the FKM standard and statistical data as a basis. The only areas that presented lower life cycles were the bores, but these results can be disregarded since the bolt modeling is simplified and the affected areas appear isolated and isolated. Example 9 - Tensile Strength Test at Room Temperature

[0135] For this example, two trios of wheel hub samples were prepared to determine the mechanical properties of pre-defined regions of the wheel hub.

[0136] Tensile tests were conducted at an ambient temperature of 21 S C, relative humidity of 60% and a speed of 1.5 mm / min. The test specimens are 10 mm in diameter.

[0137] The results of the tensile strength test are illustrated in the following table. It should be noted that sample 6 below represents a specimen with shrinkage, for comparison purposes: Table 4 - Tensile Test Results

[0138] Figure 23 shows a tensile test graph corresponding to sample 1 of Table 4, for an embodiment of a test specimen corresponding to the rib of the embodiment of the wheel hub produced using the iron alloy of the present invention illustrated by Figure 10.

[0139] Figure 24 shows a tensile test graph corresponding to sample 2 of Table 4, for an embodiment of a test specimen corresponding to the recess of the embodiment of the wheel hub of the present invention illustrated by Figure 10.

[0140] Figure 25 shows a tensile test graph corresponding to sample 3 of Table 4, for an embodiment of a test specimen corresponding to the flange of the wheel hub embodiment of the present invention illustrated by Figure 10.

[0141] Figure 26 shows a tensile test graph corresponding to sample 4 of Table 4, for a second embodiment of a test specimen corresponding to the rib of the wheel hub embodiment of the present invention illustrated by Figure 10.

[0142] Figure 27 shows a tensile test graph corresponding to sample 5 of Table 4, for a second embodiment of a test specimen corresponding to the recess of the wheel hub embodiment of the present invention illustrated by Figure 10.

[0143] Figure 28 shows a tensile test graph corresponding to sample 6 of Table 4, for a second embodiment of a test specimen corresponding to the flange of the embodiment of the wheel hub of the present invention illustrated by figure 10, this test specimen being with shrinkage.

[0144] Example 10 - Comparative metallographic analysis of cast irons nodular

[0145] Images were also obtained by metallographic analysis of the alloys tested in the present invention.

[0146] Figure 29 shows an image of metallographic analysis of a state-of-the-art cast iron (standard alloy 600 / 3), highlighting the distribution of nodules in the nodular cast iron.

[0147] Figure 30 shows a metallographic analysis image of a cast iron of the present invention (600 / 3 alloy comprising Niobium nanoparticles), evidencing the improved distribution of nodules in the nodular cast iron with Niobium nanoparticles.

[0148] From the images mentioned above, it is possible to observe an improvement in the number of nodules, i.e., 157 nodules / mm 2 for 219 nodules / mm 2 (central region). Additionally, it is possible to observe a substantially more uniform dispersion of nodules throughout the ductile iron matrix and, furthermore, a substantially more uniform distribution of nodule sizes.

[0149] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is understood that the substantially more uniform distribution (dispersion of nodules and distribution of their sizes) contributes to the increases in the mechanical properties tested.

[0150] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the knowledge presented herein and will be able to reproduce the invention in the presented embodiments and in other variants and alternatives, covered by the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims 1. Use of iron alloy comprising a mass quantity of Niobium species characterized by being as a vehicle component material.

2. Use according to claim 1, characterized in that said Niobium species is composed of Nb20s, NbC, NbO, Niobium oxalate, niobic acid and FeNb.

3. Use according to claim 2, characterized in that said Niobium species is a Nb20s nanoparticle.

4. Use according to claim 1, characterized in that said mass quantity of Niobium species comprises a degree of amortization of at least 19%, preferably a degree of amortization of at least 39%, preferably a degree of amortization of at least 59% and even more preferably a degree of amortization of at least 74%.

5. Use according to claim 1, characterized in that said vehicle component is a metal vehicle component.

6. Use according to claim 5, characterized in that the metal vehicle component is a component fixing part or one or more parts of the vehicle's movement system.

7. Use according to claim 6, characterized in that the part is a gear, bearing, suspension part, brake system part, wheel hub, drum, brake caliper, brake disc, brake spider, differential, gearbox, engine part or mechanical transmission part.

8. Use according to claim 7, characterized in that part of the brake system is a wheel hub or brake spider.

9. Method for modulating the mechanical properties of a metallic material characterized by comprising at least one step of incorporating a mass quantity of Niobium species, in which said mass quantity of Niobium species comprises a degree of amortization of at least 19%.

10. Method according to claim 9 characterized by said mechanical properties are yield stress, tensile strength limit and / or elongation.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that said metallic material is an iron alloy.

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