Effect of zirconium diboride on microstructural and mechanical properties of AA2017 produced via liquid stir casting

ABSTRACT

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are excellent for a variety of applications due to their increased mechanical qualities. MMCs' ability to reduce structural weight and consequently fuel consumption is especially appealing for usage in the ground transportation and aviation sectors. In this study, AA2017 strengthened with Zirconium diboride (ZrB₂) was produced via stir-casting [SC] route. The reinforcement particle ZrB₂ was mixed in various weight percentages 0, 5, 10 and 15. According to ASTM standards, the cast samples underwent mechanical characterization such as micro hardness and tensile tests as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The SEM analysis witnessed the even dispersal of ZrB₂ particles with AA2017 matrix with lesser agglomerations. The mechanical testing’s results showed improved properties and it was achieved for AA2017-15wt.% ZrB₂ synthesized composites. Microhardness testing revealed an increase of around 101 VHN (40.28%) from the base as-casted alloy. Also the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) raised around 155 MPa (59.79%) from the as casted alloy.

Keywords:
AA2017; ZrB₂; SEM; Tensile; Microhardness