Mechanical Properties Of Aluminum Research Articles

Effect of reinforcement particle size on the corrosion and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered aluminium matrix composites.

In this study, the effects of different sizes of reinforcing particles on the corrosion behaviour and mechanical properties of aluminium (Al)-based composites produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS) are analysed. In the study, the effects of SPS parameters, including electrical power, applied pressure and sintering temperature, on the consolidation process and microstructure evolution of the composite are closely investigated. The results reveal a nuanced relationship between the sintering conditions and the properties of the particles, which in turn determine the sintering dynamics and the formation of the microstructural features. The evaluation of mechanical properties indicates a remarkable influence of particle size distribution on the hardness of the composites, showing an initial improvement with the introduction of nanoparticles, followed by a slight decrease as the balance between nano- and micron-sized Al2O3 particles shifts. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study demonstrates the influence of particle dimensions on the change of grain boundaries and the spatial arrangement of the composite matrix. Electrochemical experiments in a 0.1M NaCl solution show a consistent corrosion potential (Ecorr) across all samples, while the current densities associated with corrosion (icorr) show considerable variation. The presence of nano-sized Al2O3 particles was found to increase corrosion resistance, in contrast to the detrimental effects observed with larger microparticles. In particular, composites with a bimodal distribution of particle sizes showed a 3.5-fold increase in corrosion resistance compared to pure Al. The specific Al-2n8mAl2O3 composite that exhibited active electrochemical properties at elevated potentials without a defined passivation range emphasises the significant role of particle size. This study draws attention to bimodal microstructures as a promising route to achieving uniformity and improved corrosion resistance in Al matrix composites, while pointing to the need for further research to fully elucidate the operative mechanisms.

Fused Deposition Modelling Approach in Recycled Polypropylene/Aluminum Powder Composites for Sustainable Development

Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile and widely used thermoplastic polymer that has found its way into various aspects from packaging materials and consumer products to automotive components and industrial applications. However, this widespread use of polypropylene also presents a significant challenge in the disposal of polypropylene waste and its durability aspects. So, the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique arises as compiling outcomes for recycling discarded PP waste to create functional products. The properties of FDM components produced from recycled polypropylene (r-PP) are notably inferior to those of virgin PP FDM counterparts. Hence, it becomes imperative to comprehend the substantial alterations that r-PP undergoes during successive extrusion processes, including chain scission, alterations in viscosity, and reductions in breaking strength. The incorporation of additives has emerged as a promising solution to enhance the performance of r-PP. In this context, the present study explores the development of a novel composite material by blending r-PP with aluminum powder. The combination of these materials leverages the sustainability benefits of r-PP and the excellent thermal and mechanical properties of aluminum, making it a promising candidate for a wide range of applications. The tensile results show a significant increase in Young’s modulus for pre-heat treated composite specimen at 214 ℃ extrusion temperature. The SEM fractrographic analysis confirms the homogenized distribution after pre-heat treatments. XRD results analyzed the degree of crystallinity in the composite specimens.

Mechanical properties of aluminum /SiC bulk composites fabricated by aggregate accumulative press bonding and stir-casting process

Today, the emergence of composite structures can be considered a huge transformation on an industrial scale, especially in the transportation industry. Among all the structures made by the composite process, aluminum-based composites (AMMCs) are particularly popular both in the scientific and industrial fields. These structures are very light in weight and, at the same time, have significant strength. The ability to work with the machine in these structures is very high, and their plastic deformation is so high that they can be used in different industry sectors. Today, various methods are used to induce plastic deformation in aluminum-based composites (AMMCs). One of these methods is called aggregate accumulative press bonding (APB). The advantage of this method compared to other methods is that this method can create a homogeneous nanocomposite with ultra-fine grains. In the present study, the investigation of mechanical properties (MP's) of AA5083/5%SiC bulk composites fabricated via APB vs. pressing temperature (Temp) was conducted. All primary composite samples were fabricated via the stir-casting process (SCP). APB process was done on composite samples as a supplementary process. Finally, the effect of pressing Temp on the MP and microstructural properties (MSP) was investigated. The pressing Temp was varied between the ambient Temp's up to T = 300 °C. The MP were measured in this study by the Vickers micro-hardness (VMH) test, tensile test, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was realized that the pressing Temp has a prominent effect on the MS and MP of fabricated 400°C. Samples fabricated at the ambient Temp have low ductility and high strength while for samples fabricated at T = 300 °C, the elongation and toughness values were higher than others. The TS of samples after 2 steps of APB at T = 200°C is 1.31 times more than that of fabricated at T = 300°C. Elongation was reduced sharply to 1.8% after the two steps at the ambient Temp, while it was 21% for the annealed AA5083.

Evaluation of microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminium (Al6061)-carbon nanotube (CNT)/coconut shell ash (CSA) composites

Evaluation of microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminium (Al6061)-carbon nanotube (CNT)/coconut shell ash (CSA) composites

Enhancing Aluminum-Based Composite Manufacturing: Leveraging ZrB2 Reinforcement via Friction Stir Process

This study investigates the enhancement of aluminum-based composite manufacturing through the utilization of ZrB2 reinforcement via Friction Stir Process (FSP). Achieving a uniform distribution of ZrB2 particles is crucial for optimizing material properties. The addition of ZrB2 nanoparticles using FSP has led to notable improvements in various mechanical properties of aluminum. Tensile strength increased by 20.25%, hardness by 35.67%, fatigue strength by 23.67%, and wear resistance by 29.45%. These enhancements underscore the effectiveness of nanoparticle reinforcement in fortifying aluminum matrices against mechanical stresses and wear mechanisms. The results demonstrate the potential of FSP-based techniques in tailoring the mechanical properties of aluminum-based composites for diverse applications. This research contributes valuable insights into advanced manufacturing methods for developing high-performance materials with enhanced mechanical characteristics, facilitating the advancement of aluminum composite technologies for industries requiring superior strength, durability, and wear resistance.

Influence of SiO2 and nano graphene particles on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of A356 alloy metal composites

The current research focuses on investigating the microstructural and mechanical properties of aluminum (Al) metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with both silicon dioxide (SiO2) and nano-graphene particles. The composite material was produced using a novel two stage stir cast metallurgy approach. In this study, a constant reinforcement of 1 wt. % nanographene was maintained, while the SiO2 content was independently varied at levels of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt. %. Employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tool, microstructural analyses were conducted, revealing a uniform dispersion of ceramic silicon dioxide (SiO2) and graphene particles within the as-cast A356 MMCs. Mechanical testing, following the ASTM standards, was carried out on the composites, specifically assessing tensile strength, yield strength, and percentage elongation to evaluate the properties of the Al-based MMCs. The findings of this study indicate a significant enhancement in both tensile and yield strength values for the fabricated composites by 60.64% and 82.78% respectively. However, it is important to note that the percentage elongation decreases as the reinforcement content in the composite increases.

Strength-ductility synergy in a graphene oxide reinforced aluminum matrix composite made by friction stir processing

The present study examines the influence of carbonaceous reinforcement (graphene oxide, GO) on the microstructural and mechanical properties of aluminum (Al) matrix composite fabricated by single-pass friction stir processing (FSP). GO reinforcement is introduced to the metal matrix by adhesively attaching GO powder to the surface of pure Al plates. The presence of GO within the Al matrix is initially characterized using Raman spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry, followed by detailed analysis using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Due to dynamic recrystallization, significant grain refinement occurs in both FSP-treated Al alloys with and without GO conditions. However, the grains are more refined for FSP-GO condition, as the extent of dynamic recrystallization changed due to the dispersion of GO within the Al matrix. The presence of GO and its interaction with Al alloys during FSP develop superior mechanical properties (higher yield and tensile strength with greater ductility) compared to the BM and FSP-treated Al (FSP-only) conditions. The microhardness distribution shows the most hardened region on the advancing side of the stir zone, where the GO concentration is relatively high due to material flow occurring during FSP.

An Investigation on Corrosion Behaviour and Mechanical Properties of Aluminium in Diesel Palm Kernel Biodiesel and Ethanol Environments

An Investigation on Corrosion Behaviour and Mechanical Properties of Aluminium in Diesel Palm Kernel Biodiesel and Ethanol Environments

First-Principles Investigation of Point Defects on the Thermal Conductivity and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum at Room Temperature

The effects of point defects on the mechanical and thermal conductivity of aluminum at room temperature have been investigated based on the first-principles calculations combined with the Boltzmann equation and the Debye model. The calculated results showed the equilibrium lattice constants a0 of all REAl are larger than that of Al, and the defective formation energy Ef of all REAl is lower than that of VAl. Both a0 and Ef increase from Sc to La and then decrease linearly to Lu. The effects of solute atoms on the mechanical properties of the Al matrix were further calculated, and compared with Al, it is found that the REAl defects decrease the elastic constant Cij, Cauchy pressure C12–C44, bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, Young’s modulus E, B/G and Poisson’s ratio ν of Al, except for C44 of REAl (RE = La-Nd). With the increase of atomic number, the C11 and E of Al-containing REAl decrease from Sc to La and then slowly increase to Lu, whereas C12, C44, B, and G have little change. Meanwhile, the values of C12–C44 and B/G of Al-containing REAl increase from Sc to Ce, and it slightly change after Ce, while ν is nearly unchanged. All defects containing Al present nonuniform and ductility. Finally, the effects of rare earth (RE) atoms on the thermal conductivity (TC) of Al alloys have been investigated based on the first-principles calculations. The reduction of TC of Al alloys by RE solute atoms REAl is much greater than that by the L12 Al3RE phase with the same concentration of RE, which is in good agreement with the experiments. With the RE atomic number increasing, the total TC κ of the Al-RE solid solution decreases from Sc to La firstly and then increases linearly to Lu. Moreover, the decrement of TC Δκ of the Al matrix by early REAl (RE = La-Sm) is larger than that by VAl, while the later REAl (RE = Gd-Lu) shows the opposite influence.

Mechanical properties of aluminum through electronic- and atomic-scale simulations

Implementing the integrated computational materials engineering methodology in modeling plastic deformation processes and associated phenomena can provide a unique opportunity for a deeper study of material behavior at smaller scales and result in more precise and accurate predictions. This study presents a multiscale modeling framework linking two different length scales – namely, the electronic and the atomic scale – to investigate the mechanical properties of pure aluminum (Al) and to achieve the required parameters and information for higher scales. At the electronic scale, the elastic properties and interfacial energies for aluminum were garnered from density functional theory simulations to calibrate the modified embedded atom method (MEAM) potentials required for atomic simulations. The calculation for the generalized stacking fault energy resulted in an intrinsic stacking fault energy of 185.5 mJ/m2. Using the parameter calculated at the electronic scale as well as the MEAM potential parameters, the edge dislocation mobility of aluminum from molecular dynamics simulations was calculated at the atomic scale (nano). A drag coefficient of 7.3 × 10−5 Pa s was computed at 300 K. The dependency of the drag coefficient on the temperature was also studied, and the results showed that the velocity linearly depended on τ/T up to 0.4 MPa/K.

Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Properties on Al7075 with Hybrid Reinforcements

The study's main objective is to investigate the dry sliding wear and other mechanical properties of aluminium with newer dual particle reinforced hybrid composite compositions. The stir casting method was used to create the aluminium hybrid metal matrix composite, which was then tested to determine its hardness, wear and microscopic photographs of worn-out surfaces as a result of the wear test. Three alternative reinforcing ratios Sample 1 (1% B4C and 3% SiC), Sample 2 (1% B4C and 6% SiC), and Sample 3 (1% B4C and 9% SiC) were used to manufacture hybrid composites. In this study, samples made with three different ratios of reinforced composite material were tested for hardness and temperature wear. Results illustrated that sample 2's hardness and wear attributes (1% B4C and 6% SiC) are superior to those of the other samples in terms of both hardness and wear rate

Influence of Graphene and Silver Addition on Aluminum’s Thermal Conductivity and Mechanical Properties Produced by the Powder Metallurgy Technique

The high heat dissipation of high-power electronic equipment has become a major cause of damage, especially the central processing units (CPUs) of computers and other electronic devices. Accordingly, this research aims to improve the thermal conductivity as well as the mechanical properties of aluminum (Al) by mono and hybrid reinforcements of silver (Ag) and graphene (G) so that they can be used for heat dissipation. The structures of the prepared powders were investigated using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Furthermore, the sintered composites’ microstructure, density, thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity were investigated. The results showed that adding Ag percentages led to forming the Ag2Al phase while adding graphene decreased the crystallite of the milled powder. The SEM results showed that the samples had high densification, which was slightly reduced with increasing percentages of reinforcements. Importantly, Al’s thermal conductivity and mechanical properties were significantly improved due to the addition of Ag and G reinforcements with a slight decrease in electrical conductivity. The highest thermal conductivity was observed a 278.86 W/mK in the sample containing 5 vol.% of Ag and 2.5 vol.% of G, which was improved by about 20.6%. In contrast, the highest microhardness and Young’s modulus were 39.19 HV and 71.67 GPa, which resulted in an improvement of about 30.7 and 17.8% for the sample containing 2.5 vol.% of Ag and 5 vol.% of G when compared to the Al matrix. Based on these promising findings, it is possible to infer that the objective of this study was effectively attained and that the created composites are appropriate for such applications.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum: Graphene Composites Produced by Powder Metallurgical Method

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum: Graphene Composites Produced by Powder Metallurgical Method

Evaluation of mechanical properties for AL6061 based hybrid nano composites reinforced with Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and ZrO<sub>2</sub> particles

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are being progressively more known nowadays. The key point in this paper is to study the mechanical properties of aluminium 6061 alloy strengthened with Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and ZrO<sub>2</sub> and process is completed with the aid of stir casting system. The tensile and compressive test of the MMCs carried with the help of computerized UTM. The experimental results showing that the compressive and tensile strength increased with addition of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> as invariable of 2.5% along with a boost of 1, 2, 3 and 4% of ZrO<sub>2</sub>.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Alloy/Stainless Steel Dissimilar Ring Joint Welded by Inertia Friction Welding

In recent years, studying the weldability of a dissimilar metal hybrid structure, with the potential to make full use of their unique benefits, has been a research hotspot. In this article, inertia friction welding was utilized to join Φ130 forged ring of 2219 aluminum alloy with 304 stainless steel. Optical observation (OM), electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to examine the joint microstructure in depth. Depending on the research, a significant thermal–mechanical coupling effect occurs during welding, resulting in inadequate recrystallization on aluminum-side thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ) and forming zonal features. The crystal orientation and grain size of each TMAZ region reflect distinct differences. On the joint faying surface, the growth of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) is inhibited by a fast cooling rate and metallurgical bonding characteristics were found depending on the discontinuous distribution of IMCs. The average joint tensile strength can reach 161.3 MPa achieving 92.2% of 2219-O; fracture occurs on aluminum-side base metal presenting ductile fracture characteristics.

Interfacial characteristics and mechanical properties of aluminum / steel butt joints fabricated by a newly developed high-frequency electric cooperated arc welding-brazing process

3 mm thick Al-steel dissimilar metals were butt welded by a newly developed high frequency electric cooperated arc welding-brazing (HFAW-B) without grooves or shaping board. Microstructure characteristics and mechanical property of the joint were investigated and compared with that of the traditional single MIG joint. Results showed that sound joint with satisfactory weld appearance was achieved by the HFAW-B process under a low welding heat input (826 J/cm), while much higher heat input (1036 J/cm) was required for the traditional MIG process. The interfacial IMCs layer of the HFAW-B joint was homogeneous and thin (limited to 4.0 μm). In the traditional MIG joint, even with the same heat input, the maximum thickness of the IMCs layer exceeded 5.0 μm and massive Al-Fe brittle IMCs were found in the weld seam. When acceptable back weld appearance was obtained, a 20 μm IMCs layer was observed in the traditional MIG joint, which was extremely uneven and cracked after welding. Detailed analysis revealed that the uniform heating in thickness direction, preheating ahead of weld pool and differentiate heating of the HFAW-B process were beneficial to realize compatible regulation of interface characteristics and (back) weld appearance of Al/steel joint, i.e., to achieve not only a good weld appearance but also a thin compound layer under a low heat input. Benefitted from the sound weld appearance, thin interfacial IMCs layer and uniform stress distribution, the HFAW-B joint necked at Al side, and presented a tensile strength exceeded 90 % the strength of Al base metal.

Characterization of the Corrosion Resistance of Composite Peened Aluminum

Composite peening offers the opportunity to introduce ceramic blasting particles into metallic base material. By embedding Al2O3 particles, mechanical properties of aluminum can be improved. However, those surface modifications might negatively impact corrosion resistance and thus shorten the lifetime of components. This study analyzes corrosion properties of peened aluminum in chloride solution via immersion, scanning electron microscopy and polarization. The data of observed microstructures indicate that peening accelerates corrosion and that intergranular corrosion is the main force of degradation in contrast with pitting corrosion of monolithic aluminum.

Mechanical properties of aluminum bonded joints reinforced with functionalized boron nitride and boron carbide nanoparticles

In the presented study, the effect of hexagonal boron nitride and hexagonal boron carbide nanoparticles on the strength of adhesively bonded joints was investigated experimentally. Hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles were functionalized using 3-(aminopropyl) triethoxysilane to improve adhesion and increase the interaction between epoxy and nanoparticles. Similarly, h-B4C nanoparticles were functionalized by using 3-(glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane. New structural nano adhesives were produced by reinforcing the functionalized nanoparticles into epoxy at different proportions (0.5 wt.%, 1.0 wt.%, 2 wt.%, 3.0 wt.%, 4.0 wt.%, and 5.0 wt.%). Two different epoxies with different viscosity values (MGS-LR285 and Araldite 2011) were used as adhesives, and aluminum alloy (AA2024-T3) was chosen as an adherend. Tensile test was carried out to determine the failure load of the adhesive joints, and the fracture surface morphology was examined after the test Additionally, Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis was performed to observe the distribution of boron nanoparticles in the adhesives. The experimental results showed that the reinforcement of hexagonal boron nitride and boron carbide nanoparticles to the adhesives increased the joint strength substantially depending on the reinforcement ratio and viscosity of the adhesives. The maximum increase in failure loads was achieved by adding 1 wt.% functionalized boron nitride to high viscosity Araldite 2011 adhesive and 2 wt.% to low viscosity MGS-LR285 adhesive, and the ratio of increase in failure loads is 31% and 63%, respectively. Moreover, by adding 2 wt.% functionalized boron carbide nanoparticles to the Araldite 2011 and MGS-LR285 adhesives, the strength of the joints increased by about 27% and 70%, respectively.

Effect of graphite exfoliation through multipass friction stir processing on microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminium 7075‐silicon carbide‐graphite composites

AbstractIn this study, friction stir processing techniques has been utilized to fabricate graphite‐reinforced aluminium matrix composite. Silicon carbide will be mixed together with graphite flakes as reinforcement with the composition of hybrid ratio 60 : 40. The manipulated variable of this project is the number of passes used during friction stir processing (1, 2 and 3 passes). Three different number of passes are used to investigate its effect onto the reinforcement dispersion inside the aluminium metal matrix composites. Microstructural analysis has shown that with increasing number of passes, the distribution of reinforcement particles becomes more uniform and homogeneous. Nanoreinforcement particle dispersions are observed and analysed. Result shows that the size of agglomerations across the composite surface decreases as the number of passes increases. Further observation and analysis of on the particles has confirmed that graphite flakes have been successfully shear exfoliated into layers to cover more surface area. The overall mechanical properties have also observed significant increase with increasing number of passes. Sample with highest number of pass (3 pass run) managed to achieve maximum tensile strength and elongation percentage of 304.04 MPa and 2.54 %, respectively, which is the highest value among all the samples tested.

Fe-bearing phase formation, microstructure evolution, and mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si-Fe alloy fabricated by the twin-roll casting process

The composition and morphology of the Fe-bearing phase play a significant role in the mechanical properties of aluminum (Al) alloy sheets. In this work, we have studied the formation of Fe-bearing phases in an Al-0.53Mg-0.69Si-0.14Fe (wt%) alloy under the twin-roll casting (TRC) and the direct chill casting (DC) processes, respectively. We found that the π-AlFeMgSi phase was formed in the as-cast TRC sample, while the β-AlFeSi phase was formed in the as-cast DC sample. The differences in the formation of Fe-bearing phases are attributed to the promotion of the peritectic reaction to form the π-AlFeMgSi phase via the TRC process. Furthermore, after homogenization treatment at 550 °C and 2 h, the π-AlFeMgSi phase in the as-cast TRC sample completely decomposed into the fine β-AlFeSi phase, while it was insufficient to dissolve the β-AlFeSi phase in the as-cast DC sample. This is owing to the lower dissolution temperature of the π-AlFeMgSi phase compared to the β-AlFeSi phase. The decomposition of the π-AlFeMgSi phase expands the solid solubility and promotes the aging precipitation, resulting in higher yield strength of the TRC sample than that of the DC sample during the peak-aging treatment. Our work provides new insight into the development of high-performance AA6xxx series alloys based on the TRC process.