Wear properties of rheo-squeeze cast aluminum matrix reinforced with nano particulates

Abstract

There are many approaches to fabricate nanoparticles reinforced aluminum matrix composites. However, uniform distribution of nanoparticle within aluminum matrix remains a difficult challenge. In this study, a novel method is used by taking the advantages from squeeze casting of semi-solid aluminum slurry combined with electromagnetic field to refine the microstructure of the primary Al and eutectic Si phase, plus to obtain uniform distribution nano alumina particles in the aluminum matrix. It is noted that electromagnetic field plays an important role in the formation of non-dendritic primary α-Al particles and a great microstructure refinement occurs as a consequence of the pressure application. It can be seen that the increase in electromagnetic field causes smaller and rounder primary α-Al particles. A comparative study on abrasive wear behavior of nano Al₂O₃ reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite has been carried out in the present investigation. The mass loss of the pin was used to study the effect of Al₂O₃ addition on the wear resistance of the composite materials.