Sintering and Hardness Behavior of Fe-Al2O3 Metal Matrix Nanocomposites Prepared by Powder Metallurgy

Om Parkash,A K Jha,Pallav Gupta,Devendra Kumar

doi:10.1155/2014/145973

Abstract

The present paper reports the investigations on sintering and hardness behavior of Fe-Al2O3 Metal Matrix Nanocomposites (MMNCs) prepared by Powder Metallurgy (P/M) route with varying concentration of Al2O3 (5–30 wt%). The MMNC specimens for the present investigations were synthesized by ball milling, followed by compaction and sintering in an inert atmosphere in the temperature range of 900–1100°C for 1–3 hours using Powder Metallurgy route. Phase and microstructures of the specimens were characterized by XRD and SEM. Reactive sintering takes place in these materials. During sintering nano iron aluminate (FeAl2O4) phase forms. Characterization was done by measuring density and hardness. Results have been discussed critically to illustrate the effect of various processing parameters on sintering and mechanical behavior. It is expected that the results of these investigations will be useful in developing Metal Matrix Nanocomposites (MMNCs) for typical industrial applications.

Highlights

During the last few decades Metal Matrix Nanocomposites (MMNCs) have assumed an important position in industries as these are being used successfully in a wide range of applications due to improvement in the structural, mechanical, and electrochemical properties, respectively [1]
Fe-Al2 O3 Metal Matrix Nanocomposites (MMNC) prepared by Powder Metallurgy has been reported in this paper
(i) Reactive sintering phenomena between iron and alumina leads to the formation of iron aluminate phase

Summary

Introduction

During the last few decades Metal Matrix Nanocomposites (MMNCs) have assumed an important position in industries as these are being used successfully in a wide range of applications due to improvement in the structural, mechanical, and electrochemical properties, respectively [1]. The stir casting and Powder Metallurgy (P/M) are two prominent routes which play a vital role in development of quality MMNC products with improved structural, mechanical, and electrical properties [2]. The compaction of powder particles and sintering conditions decide the properties of MMNC so formed. Chua et al has reported that, for Mg-SiC composite, use of smaller particles of SiC results in relatively higher elastic modulus and tensile strength in a large number of thermal shock cycles [9]. It has been reported by Rahimian et al. It is expected that the outcome of these experimental studies will be helpful in designing and developing Metal Matrix Nanocomposites for critical industrial applications

Experimental Work

Results and Discussion

Conclusions