Hardness and wear properties of Al4.5% Cu/Al3Mg2 nanocomposite prepared by mechanical alloying

Abstract

AlMg alloys close to β-Al 3Mg 2 intermetallic phase were processed by neutral gas coverage melting process of pure elemental Al and Mg with the composition of Al40 mass% Mg. Mechanical milling was applied in order to convert the pre-alloyed ingots to nanocrystalline or amorphous alloy. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) tests were carried out to investigate the formation of Al 3Mg 2 single phase nanoparticle. Having prepared the single phase intermetallic, it was added to the pre-alloyed matrix powder of Al4.5 mass% Cu, in different contents. The effect of the reinforcing agent on the microhardness and wear behavior of the nanocopmosites were studied thoroughly with the aid of press-sinter methodology and quantitative data recorders via pin-on-disk wear test. The results of microhardness tests revealed that the hardness of nanocomposites is significantly improved with increasing reinforcement content with in the matrix. The coexisted wear mechanisms, mainly delamination and abrasive, of the consolidated nanocopmosites were investigated through scanning electron microscopy. © 2012 The Japan Institute of Metals.