Effect of Nano-Al2O3 on Characteristics of Aluminium A356 Matrix Composite Produced by Stir Casting Route
Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMCs) made by A356 as matrix and nanoAl2O3 as reinforced are widely used for high performance application because of light weight and alumina has good performance at high temperature. In this study, the nanoAl2O3 used varied from 0.1 vf-% to 1.2 vf-%, which subsequently determined the optimum point. In addition, the magnesium with 10% are added as a wetting agent between aluminium and nanoAl2O3 as reinforced. Stir casting process is carried out for 2 minutes and 4 minutes for the degassing process using argon gasses then pouring molten metal in to the mold at 800°C. The effect of nanoAl2O3 on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the composites was investigated. The result showed that the tensile strength decreased with the addition of nanoAl2O3 but the hardness increased. Increasing of hardness mainly caused by grain refinement, and particle strengthening which act as obstacles to the motion of dislocations. Addition of nanoAl2O3 as reinforced also tend to form microporosity and agglomeration which would decrease the tensile strength of composites. The optimum strength was reached by 0.5 %Vf nanoAl2O3 with the value of 140 MPa and hardness of 46 BHN which was supported by low porosity level. Keyword : Al A356, Al2O3, nanoComposite, Stir Casting