Characterization of Hot Extruded Hybrid Composites Al 2024 Metal Matrix Reinforced with TiO2 and ZrO2

Abstract

In this study, the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al 2024 powder, the prominent type of Al 2XXX series aluminum alloys widely used in the aerospace industry, and TiO2 and ZrO2 reinforcement elements used to improve material properties were investigated. Each reinforcement element is included in the material at the rate of 10%. For hybrid composite sample production, 10% hybrid composite material was procured by adding each reinforcing element equally. For each sample, powders were mixed in a 3D mixer to ensure an equal distribution of matrix powder and reinforcement elements in the samples. The samples were churned out by subjecting the two-stage them to a one-way hot press process. The furnace temperature was kept at 600 o C to preserve samples. Density and microstructure analyses were performed on the formed samples, and the results were evaluated. After all, the Archimedean density measurement method was used to obtain final densities, these samples were taken to bakelite for optical images, then scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Brinell hardness of the samples was measured. The cross-fracture strength test was completed to analyze each sample’s microstructural behavior. Finally, the theoretical radiation shielding properties of each sample were investigated. The Phy-X/PSD program was used to examine the radiation permeability properties. According to the test and analysis results, the effect of reinforcement elements on the material was determined. As a result, the highest hardness value measured was 97.5 HB at the 10% ZrO2 -reinforced MMCs. However, the relative density of the hybrid composite is better than ZrO2-reinforced MMCs. Thus, the best cross-fracture strength measured was 635 MPa in 10% hybrid MMCs. The radiation shielding parameters showed that the 10% ZrO2 -reinforced MMCs are best for shielding. Therefore, the second reasonable material for radiation shielding is hybrid reinforced materials. In the final decision, hybrid composite materials became prominent because the distinctive features of each material enhanced the samples.