Effect of 3 and 5 wt. % of WO 3 particulates on the properties of Al5Mg5Zn metal matrix

In this research work 3 wt. % and 5 wt. % of tungsten oxide (WO3) particulates are reinforced the Al-5Mg-5Zn alloy. Two-step liquid stir casting processing route is used for the development of these particulate reinforced aluminium alloy metal matrix composites. The mechanical and the tribological properties such as Brinell hardness, impact toughness and dry sliding wear resistance of the as-cast Al-5Mg-5Zn alloy matrix and the prepared Al-5Mg-5Zn/WO3 particulate metal matrix composites are analysed according to ASTM standards. The worn-out surfaces of the test samples during the wear test of the developed compositions are also analysed by using optical microscopy to express the patterns of wear. The results show that the addition of WO3 particulates improved the hardness as well as dry sliding wear resistance of the Al-5Mg-5Zn alloy and these properties are also increased with the increase in the wt. % of WO3. The value of impact toughness decreases with the addition of WO3 particulates as well as increasing the wt. % of WO3 particulates.