Development and Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Al/Ilmenite Nanocomposite
In the present investigation, microstructure and mechanical properties of nanocomposites fabricated via stir casting were evaluated. The composites were based on Al (99.7) reinforced with ilmenite nanoparticles. The characterization of the nanoparticles and nanocomposites was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) facilities. Microstructure of specimens show that reasonable distribution of FeTiO3 nanoparticles in the matrix, secondary phase FeAl3 observed in the microstructure. Ultimate tensile strength and compression tests were carried out in order to identify the mechanical properties. The hardness of the composites is enhanced with the addition of nanoparticles. The optimum value for ultimate tensile and compression strength are obtained with the addition of 3 % ilmenite nanoparticles. Ductile fracture in tensile fractured samples was observed by fractrography examination.