Effect of ZnO Particles on Microstructure, Microhardness and Wear Behaviour of AA7068 Metal Matrix Composites Synthesized by Powder Metallurgy

Abstract:

AA7068/ZnO composites were synthesized by powder metallurgy technique with different weight percentages of ZnO (5%, 10%, and 15%) along with as sintered AA7068. A low pressure of 318 MPa was applied for compaction and sintered at a temperature of 560°C for one hour. Microstructural behavior was studied using optical microscopy. Vickers microhardness test was conducted to find out the microhardness. Using pin-on-disc wear-tester experiments were conducted with a velocity of 1.2 m/s over a sliding distance of 2.5 km of load 5 N. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was carried out to investigate the worn surface. Experimental results showed that the Vickers microhardness number have been increased to 66 by addition of 15% ZnO, which was double that of the matrix material. Wear experiments revealed improved wear resistance by the addition of ZnO particles. SEM analysis exposed that abrasion, delamination and oxidation were the predominant wear mechanisms for the matrix material and AA7068-5% ZnO composite and adhesion and oxidation for composites reinforced with 10% and 15% ZnO particles.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 979)
• Pages: 68-73
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.979.68
• Online since: March 2020
• Authors: K. John Joshua*, S.J. Vijay, P. Ramkumar, S. Mohanasundaram
• Keywords: Microhardness, Microstructure, Powder Metallurgy, Sintering

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