Study of mechanical properties and wear behavior of nano-ZrO2-hardened Al2024 matrix composites prepared by stir cast method

The Al2024 matrix composites reinforced by different weight percentages of nano-ZrO2 particles were prepared by stir-cast method. Physical and mechanical properties (microhardness, compressive test and elastic moduli) of the prepared composites samples were measured. Moreover, the effect of sliding distance and applied load on the wear behavior of all prepared samples was studied. The results showed that the relative density of the Al2024 matrix decreased with the increase ZrO2 nanoparticles content while the apparent porosity increased. Moreover, the microhardness, ultimate strength and Young's modulus of the composites were improved with increasing of ZrO2 content except fracture strain that reduced significantly. The wear rate decreased as the reinforcement content increased while it increased with the increase of the sliding distance and applied load. The microhardness, ultimate strength, bulk modulus of the composites containing 10 wt.% ZrO2 sample improved to approximately 31, 60 and 49%, respectively. For the same sample, the wear rate improved around 20.2 and 21.3 under applied loads 10 and 40 N, respectively.

Automated summary

The Al2024 matrix composites reinforced with nano-ZrO2 particles showed significant improvement in physical and mechanical properties. The addition of ZrO2 increased the microhardness, ultimate strength, and elastic moduli of the composites, while decreasing the fracture strain. The wear rate decreased with the increase of reinforcement content, but increased with the increase of sliding distance and applied load.