Contribution of Silicon Nitride and Ultrasonic Aided Stir Cast Processing on Functional Properties of Aluminium Alloy Composites
摘要
Aluminium alloy composites are promising for automotive applications due to their significant properties, including lightweight, enhanced strength, and improved corrosion resistance. However, it found that consequences such as porosity, uneven particle distribution, and agglomerated structure reduce the mechanical behaviour of composites. This research addresses a research gap and enriches the overall properties of the aluminium alloy (AA2024) composite, integrated with 10 wt% fly ash and 3–9 wt% silicon nitride nanoparticles, via the stir-casting method with ultrasonic treatment, thereby achieving a uniform distribution of reinforcements and minimizing agglomeration. The results showed significant improvements in mechanical properties due to the hybrid reinforcement system. Sample 4, made of Al2024 with 10 wt% fly ash and 6 wt% Si₃N₄, demonstrated optimal performance, achieving a yield strength of 378 MPa, a tensile strength of 546 MPa, and a microhardness of 98.7 HV. Ultrasonic processing effectively reduced porosity to 2.3% and ensured a uniform distribution of particles throughout the matrix. Fractography analysis revealed a mix of failure mechanisms, along with enhanced energy absorption capabilities.