Synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite produced by microwave sintering

Abstract

The study focuses on the microstructural, phase transformation, and physical and mechanical aspects of aluminum/zinc oxide composite produced by a hybrid microwave sintering technique. In the present case, zinc oxide nanorods were synthesized through a cost-effective thermal decomposition method. The obtained zinc oxide nanorods’ length was in the range of 76–168 nm observed through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images and crystallinity nature was confirmed by the bright spot in the selected area electron diffraction pattern. Two different wt% (i.e. 0.5 and 2) of zinc oxide nanorods were utilized for the fabrication of the composite material. The diffraction pattern of the milled powder and energy dispersive spectroscopy results shows effective diffusion of zinc oxide nanorods in the aluminum. The elemental mapping of milled powder illustrates the uniform distribution of the reinforcement over matrix material. The micro-hardness results exhibit a higher hardness of 27.78% with a small fraction of 2 wt%. The nano-indentation results confirm the improvement in the nano-hardness by 32.21% with 2 wt% of zinc oxide with a marginal decrease in elastic modulus by 4.92%.

[Retracted] Evaluation of MWCNT Particles‐Reinforced Magnesium Composite for Mechanical and Catalytic Applications

“…Argon gas is supplied to the furnace during the sintering process. Figure 3 presents the sintering furnace, and Figure 4 illustrates the before and after sintering specimens [ 35 – 37 ].…”

Evaluation of susceptor-assisted microwave-sintering-produced Al-Y2O3 composite material's compression and reciprocating wear performance

“…The sintering setup consists of silicon carbide as susceptor material for the initial coupling between the microwave radiation. The susceptor quickly absorbs the microwave energy and converts it into heat which enhances the interaction of compacted part with the microwave [23,25,28]. For excellent microwave coupling and better heating capabilities, a silicon carbide (SiC) susceptor was used.…”

“…In a similar vein, Bhoi et al, used microwave aided hybrid sintering techniques to reinforce pure Al with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods. In terms of hardness and elastic modulus value, the presence of nanorods and microwave sintering produced promising results [23,24]. Following that, the same group used ZnO and Y 2 O 3 as hybrid reinforcement to improve aluminum's material response.…”

Influence of microwave sintering temperatures on mechanical and microstructural Behavior of Al/SiC/snail shell hybrid composite synthesized through powder metallurgy technique

“…In comparison to alloys, the use of composite materials has seen a significant uptick in recent years as a result of the inherent features of composites. 1,2 Composites containing aluminum as matrix material was commonly used to fabricate automobile pistons, rocker arms, and cylinder heads as it processes intrinsic properties such as durability, higher ductility and higher resistance to corrosion. 3 Incorporating ceramic reinforcements such as ZrC, SiC, B 4 C, ZrO 2 , TiO 2 , and Al 2 O 3 in the aluminum matrix makes the composite have higher brittleness and better anti-wear characteristics.…”