Effect of Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄) Addition on the Mechanical and Tribological Performance of Al-Fe-Si Alloy (AA8011)

Abstract:

This research examines the effect of ceramic particulate of Si₃N₄ on the hardness, tensile, corrosion, and microstructure of reinforced AA8011 composites. The composites were developed by two steps stir casting process where both the particulates and the alloy matrix were preheated and melted respectively before mixing. 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% Si₃N₄ particulates compositions were varied to fabricate the composites. Vickers microhardness tester was employed to study the hardness, the universal testing machine was used to analyze the ultimate tensile strength, the tribological performances of the developed composites AA8011-Si₃N₄ were analyzed under dry sliding condition using Universal Tribometer. The results of the experiment clearly revealed the improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites compared to the primary Al-Fe-Si alloy with excellent strength mechanism recorded at 20% reinforcement. Composites with 20% Si₃N₄ was found to have a better wear resistance hence, lowest wear rate.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 982)
• Pages: 34-38
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.982.34
• Online since: March 2020
• Authors: Juwon Fayomi*, A.P.I. Popoola, O.M. Popoola, O.P. Oladijo
• Keywords: AA8011, Mechanical Properties, Metal Matrix Composites, Microstructure, Si₃N₄, Stir Casting

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