Mechanical and wear properties of Al-Al3Mg2 nanocomposites prepared by mechanical milling and hot pressing

Abstract

β-Al3Mg2 intermetallic was used as a reinforcing agent to improve the mechanical properties of an aluminum matrix. Different amounts of Al3Mg2 nanoparticles (ranging from 0wt% to 20wt%) were milled with aluminum powders in a planetary ball mill for 10 h. Consolidation was conducted by uniaxial pressing at 400°C under a pressure of 600 MPa for 2 h. Microstructural characterization confirms the uniform distribution of Al3Mg2 nanoparticles within the matrix. The effects of nano-sized Al3Mg2 content on the wear and mechanical properties of the composites were also investigated. The results show that as the Al3Mg2 content increases to higher levels, the hardness, compressive strength, and wear resistance of the nanocomposites increase significantly, whereas the relative density and ductility decrease. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of worn surfaces reveals that a transition in wear mechanisms occurs from delamination to abrasive wear by the addition of Al3Mg2 nanoparticles to the matrix.