Effect of Cu Content and Alloying Time on Mechanical Alloyed Al-Cu-Mg-Zn&SiC Composites

Mechanical alloying of aluminum, copper, zinc, and magnesium metal powders and silicon carbide ceramic powder was performed in a high-energy ball mill working in Spex style at certain amounts and times. It has been tried to investigate the effect of the amount of Cu element and changing alloying time on alloying. The crystal size was calculated using the Scherrer equation, and lattice strain was calculated using the Hall equation with the data fitted with the Gaussian function obtained from the X-Ray Diffraction analysis of the alloyed powder mixtures. Microstructural analysis of samples with different amounts of Cu by weight and different alloying times was performed under a scanning electron microscope. The alloyed powders were sintered in a protective argon atmosphere. SEM Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy examinations of the sintered samples were made. Vickers microhardness tests of the samples were carried out. Finally, the compression tests were applied to the samples.

Automated summary

In this study, mechanical alloying experiments of aluminum, copper, zinc, magnesium metal powders, and silicon carbide ceramic powder were carried out using a high-energy ball mill. The effects of the amount of copper element and alloying time on alloying were investigated. The microstructural analysis and physical property tests provided insights into the crystal size, lattice strain, and other characteristics of the resulting alloys.