Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of Al2O3 content and milling time on microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum metal matrix composites

  • Technical Article
  • Published:
Experimental Techniques Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this study, aluminum metal matrix composites (Al-MMCs) reinforced with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) (5, 10, 15 wt%) were produced using the powder metallurgy (PM) process. Mixed powders were ball-milled in a vertical high-energy attritor for various durations (1, 2, 3 and 4 h). Milled powders were compacted under 800 MPa pressure to produce standard transverse rupture block specimens of dimensions 6.35 × 12.70 × 31.70 mm. Block specimens were then sintered in a tube furnace at a constant temperature of 650°C for 4 h under argon atmosphere. The hardness and transverse rupture strength of the experimentally produced composites were determined. The microstructures were investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). More homogeneous dispersion of Al2O3 in the Al matrix, and hence improved mechanical properties of the composites, was achieved with increased milling time. The best mechanical properties were produced after 3-h milling, because of the homogeneous distribution of the reinforcing materials.

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

Access this article

Log in via an institution

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

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ramesh, B., and Senthilvelan, T., “Formability Characteristics of Aluminium Based Composites-A Review,” International Journal of Engineering and Technology 2(1):1–6 (2010).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Adamiak, M., “Selected Parameters Aluminium Alloy Base Composites Reinforced With Intermetallic Particles,” Journal of Achievement in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering 14(1–2):43–47 (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  3. Cao, G.H., Wu, S.Q., Liu, J.M., and Liu, Z.G., “Wear-Resistance Mechanism of an Al-12Si Alloy Reinforced With Aluminosilicate Short Fibers,” Tribology 32:721–724 (1999).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Gingu, O., Mangra, M., and Orban, R.L., “In-situ Production of Al/SiCp Composite by Laser Deposition Technology,” Journal of Materials Processing Technology 89–90:187–190 (1999).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Besterci, M., “Preparation, Microstructure and Properties of Al–Al4C3 System Produced by Mechanical Alloying,” Materials & Design 27:416–421 (2006).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Ge, D., and Gu, M., “Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Reinforced Aluminium Based Composites,” Materials Letters 49:334–339 (2001).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Arık, H., Turker, M., and Saritas, S., “Investigation of Mechanical Properties of in situ Al4C3 Reinforced Aluminium Based Composites by Mechanical Alloying Technique,” PMWCE 543-549:Kyoto-Japan (2000).

  8. İbrahim, I.A., Mohamed, F.A., and Lavernia, E.J., “Particulate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites-a Review,” Journal of Materials Science 26:1137–1156 (1991).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Lu, Y.X., Meng, X.M., Lee, C.S., Li, R.K.Y., Huang, C.G., and Lai, J.K.L., “Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of a SiC Particles Reinforced Al-5Cu Composite Under Dynamic Loading,” Journal of Materials Processing Technology 94:175–178 (1999).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Bronsveld, P.M., Bruinsma, P., De Hosson, J.Th.M., Sargent, M.A., Alsem, W.H.M., “Microstructural Analysis of Hot Isostatically Pressed Al-SiC,” Materials Science and Engineering A135:77–81 (1991).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Kok, M., “Production and Mechanical Properties of Al2O3Particle-Reinforced 2024 Aluminium Alloy Composites,” Journal of Materials Processing Technology 161(3):381–387 (2005).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Shorowordi, K.M., Laoui, T., Haseeb, A.S.M.A., Celis, J.P., and Froyen, L., “Microstructure and Interface Characteristics of B4C, SiC and Al2O3 Reinforced Al Matrix Composites: Comparative Study,” Journal of Materials Processing Technology 142(3):738–743 (2003).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Surappa, M.K., “Aluminium Matrix Composites: Challenges and Opportunities,” Sadhana 28(1-2):319–334 (2003).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Kaczmar, J.W., Pietrzak, K., and Wiosinski, W., “The Production and Application of Metal Matrix Composite Materials,” Journal of Materials Processing Technology 106(1–3):58–67 (2000).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Włodarczyk-Fligier, A., Dobrzański,L.A., Kremzer, M., and Adamiak, M., “Manufacturing of Aluminium Based Composite Materials Reinforced by Al2O3 Particles,” Journal of Achievement in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering 27(1):99–102 (2008).

    Google Scholar 

  16. Ogel, B., and Gurbuz, R., “Microstructural Characterization and Tensile Properties of Hot Pressed Al-SiC Composites Prepared From Pure Al and Cu Powders,” Materials Science & Engineering A 301:213–220 (2001).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Arık, H., “Production and Characterization of In situ Al4C3 Reinforced Aluminium-Based Composite Produced by Mechanical Alloying Technique,” Materials & Design 25:31–40 (2004).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Torralba, J.M., Costa da, C.E., and Velasco, F., “P/M Aluminium Matrix Composites: An Overview,” Journal of Materials Processing Technology 133(1–2):203–206 (2003).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Zhang, D.L., “Processing of Transverse Rupture Strength Advanced Materials Using High-Energy Mechanical Milling,” Progress in Materials Science 49:537–560 (2004).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Tweed, J.H., “Manufacture of 2014 Aluminium Reinforced With SiC Particulate by Vacuum Hot Pressing,” Materials Science and Engineering A135:73–76 (1991).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Mahboob, H., Sajjadi, S.A., and Zebarjad, S.M., “Synthesis of Al-Al2O3 Nano-Composite by Mechanical Alloying and Evaluation of the Effect of Ball Milling Mime on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties,” ICMN’08, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, pp. 240–245 (May 2008).

  22. Zebarjad, S.M., and Sajjadi, S.A., “Microstructure Evaluation of Al–Al2O3 Composite Produced by Mechanical Alloying Method,” Materials & Design 27(8):684–688 (2006).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), “ASTM B 312. Standard Test Method for Green Strength for Compacted Metal Powder Specimens ASTM,” 02.05; 80–91 (1996).

  24. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), ASTM E 384. “Standard Test Method for Knoop and Vickers Hardness of Materials ASTM,” 03.01; 1570–1612 (2010).

  25. Fogagnolo, J.B., Velasco, F., Robert, M.H., and Torralba, J.M., “Effect of Mechanical Alloying on the Morphology, Microstructure and Properties of Aluminium Matrix Composite Powders,” Materials Science and Engineering A135:131–143 (2003).

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Metal Technology, Industrial Vocational School of Keşan, Edirne, Turkey

    V. S. Ekinci

  2. Department of Machine and Metal Technologies, Vocational High School of Akdagmadeni, Bozok University, 66300, Yozgat, Turkey

    C. Bağci

  3. Department of Metallurgy, Faculty of Technical Education, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey

    H. Arik

Authors
  1. V. S. Ekinci
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. C. Bağci
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. H. Arik
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. Bağci.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ekinci, V.S., Bağci, C. & Arik, H. Effect of Al2O3 content and milling time on microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum metal matrix composites. Exp Tech 38, 66–73 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1567.2011.00790.x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1567.2011.00790.x

Keywords

Search

Navigation