Assessment of Compressive Strength and Hardness of Al-Gr Composites Produced Using Liquid Homogenization Followed by Cold-Press and SPS

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

Hossein Pakdell Noghabi ¹

Seyed Abdolkarim Sajjadi ¹

Abolfazl Babakhani ²

¹ Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

² Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

10.22067/ma.v0i29.45466

Abstract

A relatively new method, homogenization in liquid phase, was used to produce aluminum-matrix composite reinforced by graphite particles. The graphite content was chosen from zero to 4.5wt.% in this study. Composite samples were produced using the mixed powder by two ways: spark plasma sintering and cold-press sintering under different pressure, temperature and time conditions. The specimens’ microstructure was investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To evaluate the mechanical properties of the samples, compression tests and hardness measurements were performed. According to the results, homogenization in liquid phase method caused significant improvements in the distribution of graphite particles in the matrix. Improved mechanical properties were obtained at 3wt.% graphite. According to the results, the compressive strength of Al-2.5wt.% Gr composite, obtained from this mixing process and cold-press sintering, was increased at least 113.8% compared to the pure aluminum. Moreover, SPS process increased the strength of Al-3wt.% Gr composite to about 206.2%, compared to pure aluminum.

Keywords

Aluminum-Matrix composite

Graphite

Liquid phase homogenization

SPS

Compressive Strength

Hardness

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