Microstructure and properties of aluminium matrix hybrid nanocomposite

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aluminium metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) reinforced with particulate have been in the limelight recently due to their improved tribological and mechanical properties such as stiffness, strength, impact resistance, wear resistance, etc. It is well known that carbon nanotube and silicon carbide nanomaterials are widely used as reinforcements in various types of metal or alloy matrix materials. However, hybrid metal matrix nanocomposites reinforced with more than one type nanomaterials are rarely reported in the literature. In this work, a novel aluminium matrix hybrid nanocomposite with carbon nanotube and nano SiC has been fabricated. Properties of hybrid nanocomposites are compared with nanocomposites reinforced with individual reinforcements. Vicker’s micro-hardness property of specimens was tested at 100 gmf load applied at 10 s dwell time. The hardness and compressive strength have increased 111% and 58%, respectively with the reinforcement of nanoparticles in the metal matrix. Dry wear property of specimens was carried out at 35, 40 and 45 N load with variable speeds viz. 500, 550 and 600 rpm. Wear resistance increases as the carbon reinforcement increases in the metal matrix. The wear mechanism of nanocomposite materials has been evaluated by using scanning electron microscopic analysis.