Effect of Sintering Temperature and Magnesium Composition Fraction on the Properties of Al-Cu-Mg-microAL2O3 Composite Made by Powder Metallurgy

Abstract

Ideal physical and mechanical properties and lightweight materials are the main requirements in today's transportation and automotive industries. This research aims to determine variations in Mg composition and sintering temperature of aluminum matrix composites using moulds with a powder metallurgy process on the properties and microstructure of the composite. Magnesium particles with a size of 250 μm were added to the Al-Cu-Mg-matrix at different volume ratios (1%, 1.5%). The mixture of Al, Mg, and reinforcement (Cu, ) powder was mixed at 1,500 rpm for 2 hours for homogeneous dispersion. The mixed powder is compacted at 200 MPa and sintered at different temperatures (500°C, 550°C, 600°C) and then allowed to cool slowly in the furnace. Composite character research was then done by testing density using the Archimedes principle, porosity, microhardness, wear rate, SEM characterization, quantitative analysis and EDS mapping. The optimal composite condition is characterized by a relative density of 57.45%, the lowest porosity ratio measured at 7.48%, a microhardness level of 52.1 HV and the lowest wear rate of 0.58 /m in the Al-Cu-Alumina composite with the addition of 1.5% Mg and sintered at a temperature of 600°C. This composite character is supported by the results of microstructure observations using SEM-EDS. The use of micro-in the Al-Cu-Mg composite supports the optimization of physical and mechanical characteristics as a composite worthy of being considered as the material of choice for components of transportation and automotive modes.

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