Microstructure examination and tensile properties of Al-20%Mg2Si-XZRO2 hybrid composites

Abstract

Due to the unique properties of aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites (Al hybrid MMC) such as physical, mechanical, and tribological properties, these materials recently achieved considerable attention particularly in automotive and aerospace applications. These unique properties are the result of the presence of two or more reinforcement particles in the composite matrix. In the present study, various concentrations of Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) particles were introduced to the Al-Mg2Si composite via stir casting technique. The influence of various concentrations of ZrO2 on the structural and tensile properties of the Al-Mg2Si composite was examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and tensile tests, respectively. The findings showed that the introduction of ZrO2 to Al-Mg2Si decreased the average mean size of primary Mg2Si particulates. Adding ZrO2 particles up to 10 wt.% had a decent distribution in the Al-Mg2Si matrix; however, increasing the ZrO2 content to 15 % led to agglomeration of ZrO2 particles. Furthermore, tensile results demonstrated that Al-Mg2Si composite with 10% ZrO2 addition demonstrated the highest Ultimate Tensile Strength, UTS (75.35 MPa) and elongation, El % (0.69 %) compared to other fabricated composites. Hybrid composite fracture surface with 10% ZrO2 revealed a more ductile fracture mode compared to other fabricated composites. This study can be beneficial to tailor new composites with refine structure and high mechanical properties.