An Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Stir Casted  Hybrid Al Metal Matrix Composite Reinforced with Al2O3 and TiO2

Md. Imtiaj Hossain; Minhaz Ahmed; Tafsirul Hassan

doi:10.38032/jea.2025.01.001

Authors

Md. Imtiaj Hossain Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology, Chattogram-4349, Bangladesh
Minhaz Ahmed Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology, Chattogram-4349, Bangladesh
Tafsirul Hassan Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology, Chattogram-4349, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38032/jea.2025.01.001

Keywords:

Metal Matrix Composites, Aluminum, Stir Casting, Microstructure, Mechanical Properties

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of incorporating aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) into an aluminum matrix. The primary objectives of this research were to create composite materials with a high strength-to-weight ratio and to assess their mechanical properties. The experiment involved the homogenous dispersion of 99.9% pure aluminum powder with Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ reinforcements. Three samples were produced by the stir casting method, utilizing finely ground aluminum powder mixed with an equal proportion of Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ (2.5% Al₂O₃ + 2.5% TiO₂, 5% Al₂O₃ + 5% TiO₂, 7.5% Al₂O₃ + 7.5% TiO₂). The morphological distribution of reinforcements was determined through structural analysis utilizing a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Tests were undertaken to examine the mechanical qualities of hardness, tensile strength and impact strength. The addition of reinforcement to the aluminum matrix leads to a reduction in hardness. The highest tensile strength observed in the sample reinforced with a combination of 5% Al₂O₃ and 5% TiO₂. Conversely, the incorporation of reinforcements was observed to enhance the impact strength. The current hybrid aluminum metal matrix composite is considered valuable for diverse engineering applications that require a high strength-to-weight ratio.

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