Title: Microstructural and mechanical properties of Al-Al₂O₃ composites focus on experimental techniques

Authors: Salman Nourouzi; Esmaeil Damavandi; Sayed Mahmood Rabiee

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Babol University of Technology, Babol, 0098, Iran ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Babol University of Technology, Babol, 0098, Iran ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Babol University of Technology, Babol, 0098, Iran

Abstract: In the present study, Al-Al₂O₃ composites were prepared. Since temperature and time in casting process are two important parameters, in this investigation a method was used to reduce the harmful effects these factors. In addition, in order to study the wettability and distribution of the reinforcement particle, Al₂O₃ particles were injected into the melt in four different forms, i.e., untreated Al₂O₃ particles, heat-treated Al₂O₃ particles, milled particulate Cu-Al₂O₃ and Al-Al₂O₃ composite powder. Microstructural features of the matrix and distribution of Al₂O₃ particles within it, were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. In addition, the variations of hardness, impact energy, yield strength and wear resistance were measured. Results revealed that the maximum values of hardness, yield strength and impact energy are observed for Al₂O₃-Al reinforced sample with values of 78.7 BHN, 142 MPa and 8.2 J, respectively.

Keywords: ball milling; mechanical properties; microstructure; aluminium composites; heat treatment; aluminium oxide; wettability; reinforcement particle distribution; hardness; impact energy; yield strength; wear resistance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2016.080701

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2016 Vol.11 No.5, pp.383 - 398

Received: 26 May 2016
Accepted: 24 Jun 2016
Published online: 04 Dec 2016 *

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