Studies on Tensile Fracture and Two Body Wear Behavior of Al/Si3N4–Al2O3 Nanocomposites Prepared by Powder Metallurgical Route

• Published in: Metallography, microstructure, and analysis microstructure, and analysis, 2022-08, Vol.11 (4), p.580-594
• Main Authors: Kothiyal, Pradeep, Joshi, Amit, Mer, K. K. S., Yogesha, K. K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alumina-Silicon nitride; Aluminum oxide; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composition; Ductile-brittle transition; Failure mechanisms; Failure modes; Fracture mechanics; Inhomogeneity; Materials Science; Metallic Materials; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Peer-Reviewed Paper; Powder metallurgy; Silicon nitride; Structural Materials; Surfaces and Interfaces; Tensile strength; Thin Films; Wear rate
• ISSN: 2192-9262; 2192-9270
• DOI: 10.1007/s13632-022-00875-6

The tensile fracture and two body wear behavior of [Al/Si 3 N 4 /Al 2 O 3 ] P nanocomposites were examined in the present investigation. The nanocomposites were prepared by using aluminum powder as matrix and Al 2 O 3 , Si 3 N 4 , and mixed composition of Al 2 O 3 and Si 3 N 4 reinforcing particles with varying compositions of 1%, 2%, and 3% each through powder metallurgical (PM) technique. Tensile characteristics and two body wear behavior of pure and fabricated samples were examined by performing tensile and dry sliding tests, and their results were correlated with microstructure, fracture, and worn surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy. Results revealed the improved tensile strength (203.38 MPa), hardness (56.6 HV), and lowest wear rate (1.14 × 10–6 mm 3 /N-m at 5 N) of pure Al reinforced with 2 wt.% Si 3 N 4 and Al 2 O 3 (M 2 ) attributing the agglomeration, cluster formation, and better diffusion of nanoparticles in the matrix material as compared to all other sample conditions where porosity, inhomogeneity, and improper bonding were observed. On revealing the SEM fractographs, the failure mode of M 2 sample transformed into ductile failure mechanism with respect to other compositions where brittle and mix-mode fracture was observed to be prominent fracture mechanism.