Microstructural and mechanical properties of al-reinforced with micro and nano al2o3 particles using stir-squeeze casting method

Abstract

Composites focused on aluminium metal matrix are popular composite material which offers better mechanical properties than monolithic metal. Experimental work was carried out on Scrap Aluminium Alloy Wheels (SAAW) with microsized Al2O3and nanosized Al2O3 particles as reinforcement material. The density, percentage of porosity, microstructural and mechanical properties were evaluated. An optical micrograph shows that reinforcing is evenly distributed within matrix grain boundaries. The mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength and compressive strength of the composite were significantly enhanced to 57 HRB, 209 MPa and 587 MPa respectively. The SAAW reinforced composites (S1) combined with 1 wt % nanosized Al2O3 particles and with 4% micro-sized Al2O3 particles exhibited the highest tensile, compressive and hardness properties compared to other composites.