Author:
Khalifa M,Anas O,Shamekh M,Osman M
Abstract
Abstract
In this study, Aluminum metal matrix composites (AMMCs) were produced through stir casting technique, using in situ intermetallic compounds as reinforcement. The in situ synthesis of these reinforcement phases involved the addition of stainless-steel particles (type 316L) at various weight percentages of 5, 10, and 15 wt. %. The impact of varying the amount of stainless particles added on the hardness and microstructure of the resulting AMMCs was examined. X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis reveal the formation of two types of intermetallic compounds: iron aluminide intermetallic compounds in irregular plate and needle-like morphologies and another one with higher percentage of Cr in a hexagonal-plate like morphology. Microstructural characterization shows a reputable distribution of the newly formed intermetallic phases. The findings indicate that the hardness of the composites improves as the stainless particles content increases. Hardness of the AMMC fabricated by adding 15 wt.% stainless steel was tripled compared with that of pure aluminium.