An investigation on microstructure and mechanical behaviour of aluminium hybrid metal matrix nanocomposite fabricated through electromagnetic stir casting process

Abstract

This study focuses on the microstructure characteristics and mechanical properties of unreinforced and reinforced ceramic materials titanium diboride (TiB2) and graphite (Gr). Aluminium hybrid metal matrix nanocomposites reinforced with varying weight percentage of nano TiB2 (0-12.5 wt. %) and nano Gr (4wt %) via electromagnetic stir casting process to produce hybrid nanocomposites samples. Identification of phases and microstructure analysis are performed through X-ray diffraction, Optical Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersion X-ray Spectrum. Mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile, compression and flexural strength were investigated on the prepared hybrid nanocomposites samples. Microstructure images of the samples reveals uniform dissemination of reinforced TiB2 and Gr nanoparticles in Aluminium base matrix and X-ray diffraction confirms the presence of reinforced particles TiB2 and Gr in Aluminium base matrix. Concluded from the consolidated samples, mechanical properties of the reinforced samples improved as compared to the matrix material.