Zirconium dioxide reinforced aluminum alloy: Microstructure and mechanical characteristics

Abstract Aluminum‐based composites reinforced with ceramics are intriguing subjects for both industry and research. Aluminum metal matrix composites (Al‐MMCs) are constantly ready to create new, unique property combinations that are appropriate for high‐performance applications. This work involves using a modified stir casting technique (semi‐solid‐state route) to prepare ZrO 2 /Al5052 composites. Aluminum alloy (Al5052) is melted in an electric furnace and then cooled slowly to a semi‐solid temperature. At this stage, pretreated ZrO 2 powders are added during the rotation of the stir to enhance the incorporation and distribution. Microstructure characterization of casted alloy and composites was executed by using optical microscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Tensile and microhardness tests examined the influence of zirconium dioxide on mechanical characteristics. Microstructure analysis and XRD patterns demonstrated the successful fabrication of Al‐MMCs with a uniform distribution of ZrO 2 particles. The results reveal that both strength and hardness enhanced as increasing the percentage of ZrO 2 particles. The maximum value for both hardness and tensile strength was accomplished in composites reinforced with 12% zirconium dioxide, which increased by 27.5% and 45.7%, respectively, over the base alloy.