Characterization studies on nano aluminium composite reinforced with montmorillonite nanoclay and titanium carbide

• Published in: Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design Experiments and Design, 2024-07, Vol.7 (3), p.2839-2859
• Main Authors: Srinivasan, D., Senthilkumar, N., Ganesh, M., Perumal, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Engineering; Mathematical Applications in the Physical Sciences; Mechanical Engineering; Numerical and Computational Physics; Original Paper; Simulation; Solid Mechanics
• ISSN: 2520-8160; 2520-8179
• DOI: 10.1007/s41939-024-00374-x

This study used ultrasonic aided stir casting to cast composite with aluminum alloy, and the prepared composite materials were characterized by mechanical and microstructural analysis. In this study, micron-sized ceramic particle titanium carbide (TiC) in distinct ratios (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 wt.%) along with 1 wt.% of montmorillonite nanoclay (MN) were reinforced into the matrix of AA1100 alloy. Microstructural analysis shows that the MN and TiC particles are evenly distributed inside the matrix of AA1100, as seen from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Higher porosity is achieved for AA1100 + 1wt.%MN + 18wt.%TiC, which is 43.33% higher than the AA1100 + 1wt.%MN + 15wt.%TiC composite. When compared to the base alloy, the micro-hardness, ultimate tensile strength, flexural and impact strength of the aluminum MMCs increased dramatically with an increase in TiC percentage until 15wt.% of TiC, whereas 18wt.% TiC addition lowers the tensile, flexural, and impact strength by 2.97, 3.54, and 10.33%, respectively, than the addition of 15wt.%TiC. The wear rate of the composite is reduced with the inclusion of solid lubricant MN. With the addition of MN with 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 wt% TiC, the composite shows a further reduction in wear rate of 41.66, 50, 53.57, 55.95, and 59.52%, respectively, compared to the base alloy. The i corr of AA1100 + 1wt.%MN + 15wt.%TiC composite is four times lower than the base alloy, revealing superior corrosion resistance compared to other composites and base alloy. Orowan strengthening mechanism and abrasion and adhesive type wear mechanism are identified as predominant mechanisms.