Mechanical and tribological performance of Al-Fe-SiC-Zr hybrid composites produced through powder metallurgy process

Abstract

In this work a ternary Al-Fe-SiC metal matrix composites were reinforced using Zr particles through powder metallurgy process. The Al matrix and the reinforcements were mixed in high energy ball mill at a speed of 250 rpm over a period of 5 h so as to develop a homogenously dispersed composite material. The composite powders are then pressed at 500 MPa using hydraulic press. The compressed composite green compacts are then sintered at 500 °C for 2 h and allowed to cool under furnace atmosphere. The densities, micro hardness and compressive strength of Al-Fe-SiC-Zr composites were investigated and reported. The composite materials were characterized using SEM, EDS and XRD. The density of Al-10Fe-10SiC-10Zr hybrid composites was found to be around 3.44 g cm−3. The Zr particles have influenced the micro hardness of the composite materials. The micro hardness of the Al-10Fe-10SiC-10Zr hybrid composites was found to be better compared to Al-10Fe and Al-10Fe-10SiC hybrid composites. The compressive strength of the Al-10Fe-10SiC-10Zr hybrid composites was around 205 MPa which is 44% higher than the Al-10Fe composite material. The porosity of the hybrid composites has reduced when compared to that of Al-10Fe and Al-10Fe-10SiC hybrid composites. The wear studies reveal that Al-10Fe-10SiC-10Zr bear out better wear resistance. The predominant wear mechanism was identified as adhesive wear followed by plastic deformation. This improved wear resistance was due to the formation of oxides layers such Al2O3, Fe2O3 and also due to the presence of AlFe3 and Al3Zr4 intermetallics.

Experimental investigation in enhancing the mechanical, wear and corrosion resistance properties of Al6061-SiC-NSA composites fabricated using stir casting process

“…The compressive strength of the Al-10Fe-10SiC-10Zr hybrid composites has increased with increase in SiC and Zr content and found to be around 205 MPa. The wear resistant properties also increased with increase in Zr Content [17].…”

“…From the image it is clear that there is oxide formation at the surface of the specimen. It is evident there is presence of MgO Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 which helps in improving the wear resistance of the composites [17].…”

The effect of the amount of Y2O3 doped to the MA6000 alloy produced by mechanical alloying method on wear behavior

“…From the SEM images of MA6000 and X% Y 2 O 3 reinforced superalloys, it was understood that delamination type wear mechanism was dominant in the samples applied with 10 N load. Raghav et al [49] reported that deleminations were effective in the wear of Al-Fe-SiC-Zr composites. Amanov [50] reported that an oxide and debris area formed between the rubbing surfaces.…”

Sustainable Development of Lightweight Recycled Aluminium Composites

“…In 2021, it was reported that 68 million tons of aluminium have been consumed globally, estimated to increase by 50% by 2030 [15]. Therefore, over the years, aluminium composites have been developed to improve their mechanical properties by using various fabrication methods [16] and processes [17] and types of reinforcements like ceramics [18], Rare Earths [19], recycled materials [20], non-metals [21], toxic wastes [22], etc. However, recycling aluminium chips has become a challenge in the current scenario.…”