Effect of Zircon Silicate Reinforcements on the Microstructure and Properties of as Cast Al-4.5Cu Matrix Particulate Composites Synthesized via Squeeze Cast Route

Abstract

The as-cast microstructure and properties of Al-4.5Cu/ZrSiO4 particulate composite synthesized via squeezed casting route was studied, varying the percentage ZrSiO4 in the range of 5-25wt%. The result obtained revealed that addition of ZrSiO4 reinforcements, increased the hardness value and apparent porosity by 107.65 and 34.23% respectively and decrease impact energy by 43.16 %. As the weight percent of ZrSiO4 increases in the matrix alloy, the yield and ultimate tensile strength increased by 156.52 and 155.81% up to a maximum of 15% ZrSiO4 addition respectively. The distribution of the brittle ZrSiO4 phase in the ductile matrix alloy led to increase strength and hardness values. These results had shown that, additions of ZrSiO4 particles to Al-4.5Cu matrix alloy improved properties.

Keywords

• ZrSiO4
• Al-4.5Cu
• reinforcement
• tensile strength and microstructure