Role of SiC ceramic particles on the physical and mechanical properties of Al–4%Cu metal matrix composite fabricated via mechanical alloying

Abstract

In the present investigation, Al–Cu composites with SiC particulates were fabricated via mechanical alloying process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of milling time (8, 12, 16 and 32 h), particle size (30 nm and 15 µm) and volume fractions (5, 10 and 15 wt.%) of SiC particles on the metallurgical and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy equipped with X-ray diffraction method was used to investigate the microstructural evolution and morphological changes created during mechanical alloying. Microstructural study indicated that SiC particles were well distributed after the mechanical alloying process. A homogenous distribution of the particles was obtained by 15 wt.% of SiC particles in the aluminum matrix. The results revealed that the SiC particle size also affected the distribution and size of the powders in the matrix and it improved as particle size decreased from 15 µm to 30 nm. The study of mechanical properties clearly showed that a reduction in hardness of composite occurs which is attributed to positive effect of reinforcement particles in resistance to the movement of dislocations. Furthermore, it was found that the wear weight loss of Al–Cu/SiC composite decreases monotonically with increasing SiC content and more uniform particle size distribution. The excellent wear rate was primarily attributed to uniform distribution of the SiC particles.

Role of Mg2Si particles on mechanical, wear, and corrosion behaviors of friction stir welding of AA6061-T6 and Al-Mg2Si composite

“…This attribute enhances inter-material flow (around the tip of the pin tool), Mg 2 Si particle distribution, and consequently results in improved wear resistance (reduced friction coefficient) as compared to that of the TC sample. This finding agrees with the works of Paidar et al., 47 Eftekharinia et al., 50 Keneshloo et al., 51 and Moharrami et al. 52 that wear reduction was aided by refinement and even dispersion of reinforced particles.…”

Mechanical characterization and fractography of 100 micron sized silicon carbide particles reinforced Al6061 alloy composites

“…Al6061 alloy with 12 weight percentage SiC composite shows higher peak intensities than 6 wt.% of SiC particulates reinforced composites. Similar observations on XRD analysis were made by Keneshloo [21] in SiC/Al alloy composites.…”

Effects of Al2O3 nanoparticles volume fractions on microstructural and mechanical characteristics of friction stir welded nanocomposites

“…This was due to the vigorous stir action induced by the FSW tool, as a result, an adequate amount of heat and mechanical force was generated which is sufficient for the uniform dispersal of RPs in the wide area of nugget zone [21,26,27]. These findings are in better agreement with the studies conducted by Keneshloo et al [28] and Paidar et al [29] according to which the area/ volume fraction as well the size of the reinforcement particles are inversely proportional to each other.…”