Abstract
Al2O3-ZrO2 with a high level of hardness and toughness is known as ceramic steel. Due to its unique properties it can be used as a reinforcement in fabrication of metal matrix composites. In this study, nanoparticles of Al2O3-10% ZrO2 with an average size of 80 nm were used to fabricate Al matrix composites containing 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt.% of the reinforcement. The fabrication route was stir casting at 850?C. There is no report about usage of this reinforcement in fabrication of composites in the literature. The microstructures of the as-cast composites were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Density measurement, hardness and tensile properties were carried out to identify the mechanical properties of the composites. The results revealed that with increasing the reinforcement content, density decreased while yield, ultimate tensile strength and compressive strength increased. Also, hardness increased by increasing the reinforcement content up to 1 wt.% Al2O3-10% ZrO2 but it decreased in the samples containing higher amounts of reinforcement.
Highlights
Composites containing discontinuous reinforcements especially particulate metal matrix composites have found commercial applications [1,2,3] because they can be fabricated economically by conventional techniques
The results revealed that with increasing the reinforcement content, density decreased while yield, ultimate tensile strength and compressive strength increased
Hardness increased by increasing the reinforcement content up to 1 wt.% Al2O3-10% ZrO2 but it decreased in the samples containing higher amounts of reinforcement
Summary
Composites containing discontinuous reinforcements especially particulate metal matrix composites have found commercial applications [1,2,3] because they can be fabricated economically by conventional techniques. AMCs are fabricated by incorporating ceramic particles like SiC, B4C, and Al2O3 with particle size of micron or nano-scale into Al-alloy matrix [5] Ultra fine particles such as nanoparticles noticeably reduce interparticle spacing resulting in increased mechanical properties. For each technique and matrix, it is important to find out the optimum size, reinforcement content and parameters of fabrication to minimize agglomeration [6] Factors such as different particle sizes, density, geometries, flow or the development of an electrical charge during mixing may lead to agglomeration [7]. Among various techniques to fabricate metal matrix composites reinforced with ceramic particles, stir casting is one of acceptable routes for commercial production This method needs delicate optimization of parameters. Specific tests were carried out to identify the effect of reinforcement content on the mechanical properties of the as-cast composites
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