Synthesizing a Metal Matrix Composite (Al-Al2O3) from Aluminium (AA1237) Reinforced with Alumina (Al2O3) Particulates

Abstract

Developing new materials with sophisticated material properties has been one of man's greatest achievement in recent times. Composite has been helping the aerospace, automobile and marine industries where weight shedding is an added advantage. New materials like carbon fibres and carbon nanotubes are now being used extensively in the manufacture of certain vehicles parts and components. This research project dealt with the synthesis of a metal matrix composite using aluminium (AA1237) as the base matrix and reinforcing it with alumina particulate (5% and 10%); a ceramic material of both 80nm and 500nm sizes. The composites were developed using the stir casting method and the casted samples were prepared and subjected to various material testing. For hardness test, the specimen C1 (reinforced with 10% of alumina 80nm) has the highest value with 14.9HB, for electrical test, it was seen that an increase in the amount of reinforcement further reduces the electrical properties such as conductivity. Other tests that could not be carried were predicted using the Rule of Mixture concept.