Investigations on non-biodegradable zirconium dioxide reinforced aluminium alloy (AA6081) matrix composite developed by using powder metallurgy route

Abstract

Aluminium alloy (AA6081) composites reinforced with Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2) have been produced through Powder Metallurgy (PM). The ZrO2 particles have been included in the matrix based on the weight percentages to produce various compositions such as AA6081- 2 wt. % ZrO2, AA6081- 4 wt. % ZrO2, AA6081- 6 wt. % ZrO2 and AA6081- 8 wt. % ZrO2. The Crystallographic Structure of a material and Surface topology and composition analysis was conducted for the green and sintered composite samples. Theoretical density, green and sintered density of the samples has been reported. The wear rate (WR) of the AA6081- 8 wt. % ZrO2 composite was studied using Pin on disc (POD). Taguchi was applied to study the wear parameters (Load P; Sliding distance D; Sliding velocity V) and the systematic and statistical analysis was conducted by L9 array. The mechanical properties such as hardness, compressive strength (CS) and impact strength was enhanced for the inclusion of ZrO2 particles in the AA6081 matrix up to 8 wt. %. Wear studies of AA6081- 8 wt. % ZrO2 composite revealed that the P is the most dominant factor for WR. ANOVA analysis revealed that load is highly contributed parameter for the WR of the PM composite.