The effect of borax addition to aluminum alloy produced by powder metallurgy on mechanical and thermophysical properties

Abstract

Purpose Lightweight, durable and economical materials production has gained considerable importance according to the needs of developing technology. The purpose of this paper is to develop an new aluminum alloy by powder metalurgy. Design/methodology/approach Powder metallurgy, which provides controllably on desired end product, method was applied. Aluminum alloy was created with Al, Zn, Mg, Cu powders and 1.5% Na2[B4O5(OH)4].8H2O added. It was pressed under high pressure and sintered at 600 °C under N2 gas atmosphere. Density, hardness behaviors and thermal properties were determined. Surfaces and crystal structures of samples were characterized. Findings The addition of borax made easier grains coming to together, acting as binders and the AlB2 crystal phase was formed. It was also observed that MgZn2, Al2CuMg phases were formed. In this way, the pores between the particles of the material were reduced from 35% to 5% total porosity and the hardness of the material was increased 29 N/mm2 to 45 N/mm2 (Brinell Hardness, HB). The surface properties improved and the hydrophobicity of the surface (from 63° to 102° contact angle with borax) increased. Thus, the heat transfer among atoms get easier and the borax addition decreased specific heat capacity and enthalpy of aluminum–borax samples. This situation was also simulated with the heat transfer module of COMSOL. As result, the energy required reduced. In the other word, sintering process occurred at low temperature and more efficient. Originality/value New aluminum alloy has been created from different amounts of Zn, Mg, Cu elemental powders. In addition to literature, relationship of borax and aluminum and other alloying elements on the mechanical, thermophysical and surface properties of new obtained aluminum alloy has been investigated.