Characterization of microstructure and properties of Al–Al3Zr–Al2O3 composite

Aluminium-based metal matrix composite strengthened by in situ Al2O3 and Al3Zr particles were synthesized by powder metallurgy route. Phase analysis by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the reaction between Al and ZrO2 produced Al2O3 and Al3Zr phases in the sintered composites. The hardness of the composite is a strong function of sintering temperature as well as the volume fraction of reinforcements. The dry sliding wear test results clearly indicated that increasing the volume fraction of zirconia particles in the composite improved the wear resistance. Microcutting, ploughing, delamination and oxidation were the main mechanisms of wear.