Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Atuanya, C.U., Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Aigbodion, V.S., Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
The evaluation of the microstructure and properties of Al-Cu-Mg alloy/bean pod ash (BPA) nanoparticles synthesis by double layer feeding and stir casting method was investigated. The aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) were produced by varying the BPA nanoparticles from 1 to 4 wt%. The microstructure and phases of the composites produced were examined by SEM/EDS and XRD. Properties such as density, hardness, tensile strength and impact energy were evaluated. The results showed that good interfacial bonding was achieved between the alloy and the bean pod ash nanoparticles. The tensile strength and hardness values increased by 35% and 44.1% at 4 wt% BPA nanoparticles with appreciable impact energy. The mechanical properties of the as-cast aluminum nanoparticles (MMNCs) have been improved significantly even with a low weight percent of nano-sized BPAp. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Aluminum; Hardness; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Nanoparticles; Tensile strength; Al-Cu-Mg alloys; Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs); Aluminum nanoparticles; Hardness values; Interfacial bonding; Microstructure and properties; Nanoparticles synthesis; Stir casting method; Synthesis (chemical)
