Skip to main content
Log in

Zinc-aluminum (ZA-27)-based metal matrix composites: a review article of synthesis, reinforcement, microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion characteristics

  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE
  • Published:
The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

During the past few decades, zinc-aluminum family of alloys has increasingly been used as a result of the good combinations of their mechanical, physical, tribological, and low production costs. However, among the zinc-aluminum family, ZA-27 alloy has the highest strength, low density, excellent bearings, and wear properties. In order to improve these good properties possessed by this alloy, ZA-27-based composites became a new generation of metal matrix composites that possess the potentials of meeting the recent needs of advanced engineering in bearing and bushing applications. The optimum display of behaviors of this material is a function of the processing parameters and reinforcing phases. This review article attempts to review the recent developments on synthesis, combination of reinforcing materials used in processing of ZA-27-matrix-based composites and how it influences the microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion behavior of the composites. This review also summarizes previous works done by several researchers on ZA-27-based composites in achieving optimum mechanical and wear performance in these composites.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Tjong SC, Ma ZY (2000) Microstructural and mechanical characteristics of in situ MMCs. Mater Sci Eng 29:49–113

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Tjong SC (2014) Processing and deformation characteristics of metals reinforced with ceramic nanoparticles. In: Tjong SC (ed) Nanocrystalline materials, 2nd edn. Elsevier, Oxford, pp 269–304

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  3. Rino JJ, Chandramohan D, Sucitharan KS, Jebin VD (2012) An overview on development of Al-MMCs with hybrid reinforcement. IJSR India online ISSN: 2139–7064

  4. Aldas K, Mat MD (2005) Experimental and theoretical analysis of particle distribution in particulate metal matrix composites. J Mater Process Technol 160(3):289–295

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Mei Z, Zhu YH, Lee WB, Yue TM, Pang GKH (2006) Microstructure investigation of a SiC whisker reinforced eutectoid zinc alloy matrix composite. Compos Part A 37:1345–1350

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Casati R, Vedani M (2014) Metal matrix composites reinforced by nano-particles—a review. Metals 4(1):65–83

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Alaneme KK, Olubambi PA (2013) Corrosion and wear behavior of rice husk ash-alumina reinforced Al-Mg-Si alloy matrix hybrid composites. J Mater Res Technol 2(2):188–194

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Thandalam SK, Ramanathan S, Sundarrajan S (2015) Synthesis, microstructural and mechanical properties of ex situ zircon particles (ZrSiO4) reinforced MMCs: a review. J Mater Res Technol 4(3):333–347

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Clyne TW (2001) Metal matrix composites: matrices and processing. Encycl Mater Sci Technol:8–12

  10. Sharma SC, Girish BM, Somashekar DR, Satish BM, Kamath R (1999) Sliding wear behavior of zircon particles reinforced ZA-27 alloy composite materials. Wear 224:89–94

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Kumar S, Sharma V, Panwar RS, Pandey OP (2012) Wear behavior of dual particle size (DPS) zircon sand reinforced aluminum alloy. Tribol Lett 47:231–251

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Sharma A, Das S (2009) Study of age hardening behavior of Al–4.5 wt% Cu/zircon sand composite in different quenching media – a comparative study. Mater Des 30:3900–3903

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Sucitharan KS, Kumar PS, Shivalingappa D, Rino JJ (2013) Wear behavior of Al 6063–zircon sand metal matrix composite. IOSR J Eng (IOSRJEN) 3:24–28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Li BJ, Chao CJ (1996) Mechanical properties and 95°C aging characteristics of zircon-reinforced Zn–4Al–3Cu alloy. Metall Mater Trans A 27A:809–818

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Ejiofor JU, Okorie BA, Reddy RG (1997) Powder processing and properties of zircon-reinforced Al–13.5 Si–2.5 Mg alloy composites. J Mater Eng Perform 6:326–334

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Abdizadeh H, Ashuri M, Moghadam PT, Nouribahadory A, Baharvandi HR (1997) Improvement in physical and mechanical properties of aluminum/zircon composites fabricated by powder metallurgy method. Mater Des 32:4417–4423

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Chen Y, Chung DDL (1994) Silicon–aluminium network composites fabricated by liquid metal infiltration. J Mater Sci 29:6069–6075

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Babic M, Mitrovic R, Ninkovic R (2009) Tribological potential of zinc aluminum alloys improvement. Tribol in Industry 31(1–2):15–28

    Google Scholar 

  19. Bobić B, Vencl A, Babić M, Mitrović S, Bobić I (2014) The influence of corrosion on the microstructure of thermally treated ZA27/SiCp composites. Tribol in Industry 36(1):33–39

    Google Scholar 

  20. Prasannakumar M, Sadashivappa K, Prabhukumar GP, Basavarajappa S (2006) Dry sliding wear behaviour of garnet particles reinforced zinc-aluminum alloy metal matrix composites. Mater Sci (Medžiagotyra) 12(3):209–213

    Google Scholar 

  21. Rohatgi PK (1992) Cast metal matrix composites, ASM Handbook Castings. ASM International, Geauga County

    Google Scholar 

  22. Sharma SC, Satish BM, Girish BM, Kamath R, Asanuma H (1998) Dry sliding wear of short glass fiber reinforced zinc-aluminum composites. Tribol Int 31(4):183–188

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Bobic B, Mitrovic S, Bobic M, Bobic I (2009) Corrosion of aluminum and zinc-aluminium alloys based metal matrix composites. Tribol in Industry 31(3–4):44–52

    Google Scholar 

  24. Babic M, Slobodan M, Dzunic D, Jeremic B, Ilija B (2010) Tribological behavior of composites based on ZA-27 alloy reinforced with graphite particles. Tribol Lett 37:401–410

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Hashim J, Looney L, Hashmi MSJ (2002) Particle distribution in cast metal matrix composites-Part I. J Mater Process Technol 123(2):251–257

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Hihara LH (2005) Corrosion of metal-matrix composites. In: ASM Handbook vol 13 B, Corrosion: Materials, ASM International 526–542

  27. Alaneme KK, Akintunde IB, Olubambi PA, Adewale TM (2013) Fabrication characteristics and mechanical behavior of rice husk ash –alumina reinforced Al-Mg-Si alloy matrix hybrid composites. J Mater Res Technol 2(1):60–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Aigbodion VS (2012) Development of Al-Si-Fe/rice husk ash particulate composite synthesis by double stir casting method. Usak Univer J of Mater Sci 2:187–197

    Google Scholar 

  29. Madakson PB, Yawas DS, Apasi A (2012) Characterization of coconut shell ash for potential utilization in metal matrix composites for automotive applications. IJEST 4:1190–1198

    Google Scholar 

  30. Ramesh M, Karthikeyan T, Kumarave A (2014) Effect of reinforcement of natural residue (quarry dust) to enhance the properties of aluminum metal matrix composites. J Ind Pollut Control 30(1):109–116

    Google Scholar 

  31. Fatile BO, Idu FU, Sanya OT (2015) Fabrication characteristics and mechanical behavior of fly ash-alumina reinforced Zn-27Al alloy matrix hybrid composite using stir-casting technique. Int J of Chem, Molecular, Nuclear, Mater and Metall Eng 9(10):1037–1104

    Google Scholar 

  32. Folorunso DO, Owoeye SS Influence of quarry dust-silicon carbide weight percentage on the mechanical properties and tribological behavior of stir cast ZA 27 alloy based hybrid composites. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksues.2017.07.003

  33. Surappa MK (2003) Aluminium matrix composites: challenges and opportunities. Sadhana 28(1–2):319–334

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Miracle DB (2005) Metal matrix composites – from science to technological significance. Compos Sci Technol 65(15–16):2526–2540

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Bozic D, Stasic J, Rajkovic V (2011) Microstructure and mechanical properties of ZA-27/Al2O3 composites obtained by powder metallurgy process. Sci Sinter 43:63–70

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Zoltán K, Csaba B, Katalin B, Attila P, János L, Ayaj D (2014) Hybrid aluminium matrix composites prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Hybride Alum Matrix Compos Spark Plasma Sinter Sect B – Res Pap Eur Chem Bull 3(3):247–250

    Google Scholar 

  37. Akhlaghi F, Zare-Bidaki A (2009) Influence of graphite content on the dry sliding and oil impregnated sliding wear behavior of Al 2024–graphite composites produced by in situ powder metallurgy method. Wear 266(1–2):37–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Morsi K, Esawi AMK, Lanka S, Sayed A, Taher M (2010) Spark plasma extrusion (SPE) of ball-milled aluminum and carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum composite powders. Compos Part Appl Sci Manuf 41(2):322–326

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Saheb N, Iqbal Z, Khalil A, Hakeem AS, Al Aqeeli N, Laoui T et al (2012) Spark plasma sintering of metals and metal matrix nanocomposites: a review. J Nanomater 2012:e983470

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Abbasipour B, Niroumand B, Vaghefi SMM (2010) Compocasting of A356-CNT alloy composite. Trans Nonferrous Metals Soc China 20:1561–1566

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Rohatgi P (1991) Cast aluminum-matrix composites for automotive applications. J Manag 43(4):10–15

    Google Scholar 

  42. Ravi KR, Sreekumar VM, Pillai RM, Mahato C, Amaranathan KR, Arul kumar R, Pai BC (2007) Optimization of mixing parameters through a water model for metal matrix composites synthesis. Mater Des 28(3):871–881

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Singla M, Dwivedi DD, Singh L, Chawla V (2009) Development of aluminium based silicon carbide particulate metal matrix composite. J Miner Mater Charact Eng 8(6):455

    Google Scholar 

  44. Hashim J, Looney L, Hashmi MSJ (1999) Metal matrix composites: production by the stir casting method. J Mater Process Technol 92–93:1–7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Hashim J (2001) The production of cast metal matrix composite by a modified stir casting method. J Teknol [Internet]; 35(1)[cited 2015Apr 7], available from: http://www.jurnalteknologi.utm.my/index.php/jurnalteknologi/article/view/588

  46. Kalaiselvan K, Murugan N, Parameswaran S (2011) Production and characterization of AA6061-B4C stir cast composite. Mater Des 32(7):4004–4009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Pai BC, Ramani G, Pillai RM, Satyanarayana KG (1995) Role of magnesium in cast aluminium alloy matrix composites. J Mater Sci 30(8):1903–1911

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Alaneme KK (2013) Mechanical behaviour of cold deformed and solution heat-treated alumina reinforced AA 6063 metal matrix composites. West Indian J Eng 35(2):31–35

    Google Scholar 

  49. Alaneme KK, Adeoye KO, Oke SK (2016) Mechanical and wear behavior of steel chips reinforced Zn27Al composites. LEJPT 29:1–16

    Google Scholar 

  50. Mohammed A, Mohammed TH, Majd D Corrosion investigation of ZA-27 reinforced with alumina and fly ash. Part Sci Technol. https://doi.org/10.1080/02726351.2016.1165321

  51. Khan HK, Nasrul Haque MD, Kazi MDS (2011) Processing and characterization of SiCP reinforced Zinc-Aluminum metal matrix composites as bearing materials. Proc of Inter Conf on Mech Eng; 11-RT-046.

  52. Das DK, Mishra PC, Signh S, Pattanaik S (2014) Fabrication and heat treatment of ceramic-reinforced aluminum matrix composites- a review. Int J Mech Mater Eng 9(1):1–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Shanta S, Krishna M, Jayagopal U (2001) A study on damping behavior of aluminite particulate reinforced ZA-27 alloy metal matrix composites. J Alloys Compd 346:268–274

    Google Scholar 

  54. Miloradovic N, Stojanovic B (2013) Tribological behavior of ZA-27/10SiC/Gr hybrid composite. J of Balkan Tribol Assoc 2013 9(1):97–105

    Google Scholar 

  55. Bobic B, Bobic I, Vencl A, Babic M, Mitrovic S (2016) Corrosion behavior of compocasted ZA-27/SiCp composites in NaCl solution. Tribol in Ind 38(1):115–120

    Google Scholar 

  56. Ranganath G, Sharma SC, Krishna M (2001) Dry sliding wear of garnet reinforced zinc/aluminium metal matrix composites. Wear 251:1408–1413

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. BhaskarRaju SA, Hemanth KC, Jayasimha SLN (2017) Mechanical characterization of ZA-27 reinforced with SiCp MMCs. Proc Of Int Conf on Current Trends in Eng Sci and Tech :228–232

  58. Marco Z, Carlos ES, Alicia EA (2015) Investigation of alumina reinforced zinc-Al matrix composites. Procedia Mat Sci 8:424–433

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Chen T, Yuan C, Fu M, Ma Y, Li Y, Hao Y (2009) Friction and wear properties of casting in-situ silicon particle reinforced ZA27 composites. China Foundry 6(1):1–8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Seah KHW, Sharma SC, Girish BM (1995) Mechanical properties of cast ZA27/graphite particulate composites. Mater Des 16(5):271–275

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Sharma SC, Seah KHW, Satish BM, Girish BM (1996) Effect of short glass fibers on the mechanical properties of cast ZA-27 alloy composites. Mater Des 17(6):245–250

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Ajith GJ, Ramesh SD, Prashanth MV, Sandeep S (2016) Study on tribological behavior of ZA-27/Al2O3/Gr metal matrix composite. Int J on Emerging Tech 7(2):117–122

    Google Scholar 

  63. Mitrovic S, Babic M, Miloradovic M, Bobic I, Stojanovic B, Dzunic D, Pantic M (2014) Wear characteristics of hybrid composites based on ZA27 alloy reinforced with SiCp and graphite paticles. Tribol in Ind 36(2):204–210

    Google Scholar 

  64. Kiran TS, Prasanna Kumar M, Basavarajappa S, Vishwanatha BM (2013) Mechanical properties of as-cast ZA-27/Gr/SiCp hybrid composite for the application of journal bearing. J of Eng Sci and Technol 8(5):557–565

    Google Scholar 

  65. Alaneme KK, Fatile BO, Borode JO (2014) Mechanical and corrosion behavior of Zn27Al based composite reinforced with groundnut shell ash and silicon carbide. Tribol in Ind 36(2):195–203

    Google Scholar 

  66. Alaneme KK, Adama SI, Oke SR (2014) Mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Zn-227Al based composite reinforced with silicon carbide and bamboo leaf ash. LEJPT 25:58–71

    Google Scholar 

  67. Alaneme KK, Olusola JA (2017) Microstructure and mechanical behavior of stir-cast Zn-227Al based composite reinforced with rice husk ash, silicon carbide and graphite. J of King Saud Univer-Eng Sci 29(2):172–177

    Google Scholar 

  68. Auras R, Schvezov C (2004) Wear behavior, microstructure, and dimensional stability of as-cast Zn-Al/SiCp MMCs alloy. Metall Mater Trans A 35:1579–1590

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. Bobic B, Mitrovic S, Bbaic M, Vencl A, Bobic I (2011) Corrosion behavior of the as-cast and heat treated ZA27 alloy. Tribol in Ind 33(2):87–93

    Google Scholar 

  70. Dalmis R, Cuvalci H, Canakci A, Guler O (2016) Investigation of graphite nano particle addition on the physical and mechanical properties of ZA-27 composites. Adv Compos Lett 25(2):37–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  71. Porter FC (1994) In: Schweitzer PA (ed) Corrosion resistance of zinc and zinc alloys. Marcell Dekker, New York

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  72. Barnhurst RJ, Belisle S (1992) Corrosion properties of Zamak and ZA alloys, Noranada Report

  73. Shreir LL, Jarman RA, Burstein GT (2000) Corrosion, 3rd edn. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  74. Seah KWH, Sharma SC, Girish BM (1997) Corrosion characteristics of cast ZA 27 alloy reinforced with graphite particles. Corros Sci 39(1):1–7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  75. Sharma SC, Somashekar DR, Satish BM (2001) Effects of zircon particles on the corrosion behavior of zircon particles/ZA27 alloy composites. J Mater Process Technol 118:1–3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  76. Sharma SC, Seah KWH, Satish BM, Girish BM (1997) Corrosion behavior of ZA-27 alloy reinforced with glass fibers. Corros Sci 39(12):2143–2150

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Seun Samuel Owoeye.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Owoeye, S.S., Folorunso, D.O., Oji, B. et al. Zinc-aluminum (ZA-27)-based metal matrix composites: a review article of synthesis, reinforcement, microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion characteristics. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 100, 373–380 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-018-2760-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-018-2760-9

Keywords

Navigation