Influence of nano-Si3N4(P) hybridization on the mechanical and quasi-static compression behaviour of AA6082-Metakaolin composites

Abstract

This work studies the mechanical and quasi-static compression behaviour of AA6082/Meta-kaolin composites hybridized with nano-silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) particles. Hybridization with nano-Si 3 N 4 particles was intended to improve the ductility of the composites. The composites were manufactured using an ultrasonication-assisted stir casting process. The weight fraction (wt.%) of Metakaolin was maintained as 7.5 wt.%, and the nano-Si 3 N 4 particles were added by varying their wt.% from 0.5 to 2.5 % at the increment of 0.5 %. A premixing technique was adopted to blend the Metakaolin and Si 3 N 4 reinforcements to improve their wettability and dispersion in the matrix. The tensile properties and microhardness of the composites improved with the incorporation of nano-Si 3 N 4 particles up to 1 wt.%. The compressive strength was higher for the AMC with 1.5 wt.% Si 3 N 4 . The workability of hybrid composites was studied by the cold upsetting process where the composites were subjected to quasi-static compression.