Characterization of mechanically alloyed and sintered zrc particulate reinforced al matrix composites

In this study, commercial ZrC powders were used as reinforcement particles in aluminum matrix. The effects of mechanical alloying duration (2, 4 and 8 h) and ZrC content (5 and 10 wt. %) on the microstructural and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The powder mixtures were milled in a high-energy ball mill under argon atmosphere and pressed into cylindrical performs with a diameter of 12.7 mm under 250 MPa pressure in order to achieve high green densities. Sintering experiments were conducted under controlled atmosphere at 650°C for 4 h, Compositional and morphological characterizations of mechanically alloyed powders and sintered samples were performed via XRD and SEM/EDS. Microhardness and density measurements of sintered samples were respectively measured by Vickers Microhardness Tester and Archimedes method.