Investigation of ZrO2-Y2O3 Added Al Matrix Composites Produced by T/M Method

Abstract

In this study, 5% by weight copper powder was added to the aluminum powder and this powder mixture was used as the matrix component. As a reinforcement element, 5%, 10%, and 15% ZrO2-Y2O3 powder was mixed into the Al+ 5% Cu matrix component. The mixed powders were pressed unidirectional with 300MPa pressure to obtain powder metal samples. Pressed specimens were sintered at 500 ºC. Optical microstructure and SEM images of sintered samples were taken. EDS, XRD, and microhardness analyzes were performed. According to the results obtained, the highest microhardness value was measured in the sample with 15% ZrO2-Y2O3 powder sintered at 500 ºC. In the XRD examination, it was determined that ZrO2, AlCu, Cu3Al, Al3Y and Al2O3 compounds were also formed together with the Al main phase.