Silicon Nitride as a Reinforcement for Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites to Enhance Microstructural, Mechanical and Tribological Behavior

Abstract

In recent years, aluminium and its hybrid composites receiving more attention due to its excellent property combinations like improved mechanical properties, better wear and high corrosion resistance, ease to process and probably reduced production cost etc.. Composite is made of two phases one is matrix and another one is reinforcement. The performance of composite highly depends on some key factors that decide overall performance and they are properties of constituent phases, reinforcement size, reinforcement distribution in the matrix and their interfacial interaction. Particle reinforced metal matrix composites (particulate metal matrix composites- PMMCs) are becoming more popular due to their low cost, easy to process and compatible to conventional processing techniques. Also they give isotropic properties. The most commonly used reinforcements are carbides, oxides and nitrides. A lot of research has taken place including carbide and oxide as a reinforcement particles for aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) and hybrid aluminium matrix composites (HAMCs) while there is a bit research lag in use of nitride as a reinforcement for development of AMCs and HAMCs. Recent competitive market demands the material having better combination of properties, cost effectiveness and eco-friendly nature. Present article focused on to study the microstructural features, physical properties, mechanical and tribological behavior of aluminium matrix composites when reinforced with silicon nitride particles (Si3N4). Potential area of applications has also been suggested on the basis of literature data. In this review a comprehensive study has done for current scientific development carried out in Al based Si3N4 composites as well as its future scope has also been discussed

Synergistic effect of graphene nanoplatelets and titanium dioxide nanopowder-reinforced aluminium nanohybrid composites on mechanical properties

“…Since reinforcement is a crucial parameter to obtain a definite set of properties, it should be chosen wisely. Several studies have already been conducted using oxides [6], carbides [7], nitrides [8], borides [9,10], sulphides [11], ceramic powders by various production methods. Some researchers have used agricultural [12,13] and industrial wastes [14,15] as well.…”

The Effect of Process Parameters on Quality Characteristics in the Drilling of Aluminium–Metal Matrix Composites

“…Si 3 N 4 is a metal nitride that provides excellent creep properties and tensile strength with a reduction in ductility when it is reinforced in appropriate proportion with Al 6061 endowed this combination for structural applications [3,4]. Previous studies have shown that Al 6061 reinforced with Si 3 N 4 enhances corrosion resistance, wear resistance and metallurgical stability at high temperatures making this composite suitable for high wear and thermal-resistant applications [5]. Stir casting is the liquid state fabrication technique found to be a reliable production method for Al-Si 3 N 4 MMC offers good mechanical and tribological properties [3][4][5][6][7].…”

“…Previous studies have shown that Al 6061 reinforced with Si 3 N 4 enhances corrosion resistance, wear resistance and metallurgical stability at high temperatures making this composite suitable for high wear and thermal-resistant applications [5]. Stir casting is the liquid state fabrication technique found to be a reliable production method for Al-Si 3 N 4 MMC offers good mechanical and tribological properties [3][4][5][6][7]. Stir casting produces outstanding characteristics in Al-Si 3 N 4 with regulated process conditions, and its low material density of 3.3 g/cm 3 and heat conductivity of 170-230 W/mk make it excellent for applications where weight is an issue [3,8].…”

Dry sliding wear behavior and its relation to microstructure of artificially aged Al-Si-Mg/TiB2 in situ composites

“…Aluminum metal matrix composites have numerous applications in the engineering, marine, automotive, and aerospace sectors. Oxides [2], borides [3], nitrides [4], and carbides [3] are the most frequently used reinforcements for application-specific MMC.…”