Investigation Ni and Si Nano-addition effect on the microstructure and hardness of aluminum bronze

Abstract

This work deals with the stir casting technique for strengthening the Aluminium bronze alloy utilizing the nanoparticles of Ni and Si to enhance the mechanical properties and microstructure of these alloys. This alloy is reinforced by nanoparticles of Ni and Si with different percentages of (0.6, 1.1, 1.5, and 3 wt%). Here, based on the magnetic field and mechanical stirring of the induction furnace, the stir casting techniquewas used. The samples were tested to investigate the mechanical properties of the hardness test. To study the influence of Ni and Si nanoparticles on the microstructure of cast specimens the Optical Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope was used. The results showed that cast alloy microstructure is consisting of a α-phase with fine dendritic structure and agglomerations. The examinations explain that the specimens contain the copper matrix, Ni-rich phase, and no indication of Si. The change in values of hardness is shown to 210.1 HV after adding of 3%wt Ni and Si nanoparticles. This is because the resulting of the strengthening and strain hardening.