Effects of Morphological Characteristics of Alumina Particles and Interfacial Bonding Strength on Wear Behavior of Nano/Micro-alumina Particulates Reinforced Al/A206 Matrix Composites

Abstract

Matrix/reinforcement interface has a critical role in determining the properties of metal matrix composites (MMCs). Properties of matrix/reinforcement interface depend on the fabrication method. The main problem in the fabrication of MMCs is wettability between reinforcing particles and molten alloy. Al206/5 vol% aluminap cast composites were fabricated by the addition of reinforcing particles into molten Al alloy, semi-solid and liquid states, in two different forms: (1) as-received alumina (nano/micro) particles and (2) pre-synthesized composite reinforcement prepared via ball milling of alumina (nano/micro) with Al and Mg powders (master metal matrix composite). The effects of powder addition techniques, alumina/matrix interfacial bonding strength, and morphological characteristics of alumina particles on wear behavior were investigated. A new combination parameter, called alumina particle appearance (APA) index, was introduced. APA index approximates the collective effects of morphological characteristics of alumina particles on wear behavior. It is suggested that samples with lower APA index have superior wear properties. Microscopic examinations of the composite and matrix alloy and alumina/matrix interface were studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that wear resistance was increased in the composites fabricated by the addition of pre-synthesized reinforcing particles into molten alloy in the semi-solid state. Improvement in wear resistance is attributed to higher bonding strength of matrix/reinforcement as well lower APA index compared to those prepared via as-received alumina particles.