Experimental Investigation of Tribological, Metallurgical and Mechanical Behavior of AZ31-Mg Reinforced Composite through Powder Metallurgy Process

Abstract

Nowadays, two important plans, namely lightweight materials and effective manufacturing process usage, takes a priority in sector of automotive and aerospace manufacturing industries during part production. For instance, 86% of their energy consumption is caused by having loads i.e. their weight and passengers for a passenger car. The objective of this research is to experimentally investigate the metallurgical, mechanical, and tribological behavior of 2, SiC and 2 reinforced AZ31 Magnesium metal matrix composite fabricated via powder metallurgy process. The experiment was designed using L9 orthogonal array for four-factor at three levels. Accordingly, the reinforcement composition (5, 10, 15 vol. %), milling time (2, 4, 6 hrs.), compaction pressure (50, 60, 70MPa), and sintering temperature (400,425,450o c) were considered as the factors with their levels. The density, porosity, hardness, and compression behavior were examined for the developed samples. The Taguchi-based grey relational analysis has been implemented to optimize the process parameters for obtaining better properties of manufactured samples. As a result, the optimum value was obtained as A1B1C3D2 using Grey relational grade. The results from the confirmation test revealed an improvement of 2.04 g/cm3 , 0.13, 131.89 HV, and 110.35 MPa for exp’tal density, porosity, hardness, and compression strength respectively relative to optimal level values. The uniform nature of particle distribution was observed through SEM micrograph under investigation during microscopy of the optimal sample. The average particle size of the optimal sample was also obtained around 809.14 nm. There was no Mg17Al12 phase detected in the XRD pattern. The wear test was carried out on the optimal sample using Pin on Disc apparatus. The improvement of the wear resistance performance at 10vol. % and 5vol. % SiC were revealed around 12.9% and 25.8%. Commonly, abrasive and mild types of wear were dominant as observed in SEM micrographs at various magnifications. The fracture mechanisms of the optimal sample resulting from the compression test were studied under SEM micrographs and it revealed that both ductile and brittle fractures occurred. Finally, the optimal sample of MMMCs has provided desirable mechanical and tribological properties to the desired areas of applications.