Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Aluminum Composites Reinforced with Ni Particulates and Interconnected Fe Mesh

In this study, pure aluminum reinforced with interconnected galvanized iron mesh and Ni particulates was synthesized using an innovative disintegrated melt deposition technique followed by hot extrusion. Microstructural characterization of composite samples showed uniform distribution of Ni and Al-Ni based intermetallic particulates in the matrix material, good interfacial integrity of aluminum matrix with iron mesh and Ni particulates and the presence of minimal porosity. Results of thermal mechanical analysis indicate a decrease in the average coefficient of thermal expansion of the aluminum matrix with the use of hybrid reinforcements. Mechanical characterization also revealed that the coupled use of galvanized iron mesh and Ni particulates lead to an improvement in the hardness, dynamic modulus, 0.2% yield strength and UTS but ductility was adversely affected. An attempt is made to correlate the use of hybrid reinforcements with the improved properties exhibited by the synthesized composites.