Fabrication and Mechanical Behavior of Aluminum Matrix Composites Reinforced with Nano Alumina Particles

Abstract

In the present work, nano alumina (Al2O3) reinforced aluminum (Al) matrix composites with various alumina content (0-2.5wt.%) were fabricated by powder metallurgy method. This method occurs of mixing, ultrasonic dispersion, filtering, drying, pressing, and sintering processes. The effects of nano alumina amount on the Vickers hardness, apparent density, compressive strength, and microstructure of nano alumina reinforced aluminum matrix composites were investigated. The maximum apparent density (2.66 g/cm3), Vickers hardness (43±1 HV), and compressive strength (130±3 MPa) were determined at Al-2wt.%Al2O3 composite. After 2wt.% nano alumina content, the agglomeration was detected by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This agglomeration deteriorated the mechanical properties of nano alumina reinforced aluminum composites.