The Effect of the Mixer Type and Ratio of Reinforcement Particle on the Mechanical Properties of NbC Reinforced Al Composite Material Produced Via Powder Metallurgy

摘要

Powder mixing affects the hardness, powder size and the distribution of the reinforcement material in the matrix material. In practice, there are different types of mixing to get a homogeneous distribution of reinforcement material in the matrix. In this study Ⅰ, Ⅴ and horizontal type of mixers were used to prepare Al based composite powder mixtures. NbC was used as the reinforcement materials in different ratios namely 5%, 10%, and 20% in weight. The powders were compacted in a single acting press up to 500 MPa pressure. These compacts were than sintered in a tube furnace under argon gas atmosphere for 1 hour at 600°C. Light and scanning electron microscopy examinations were done in order to characterize the microstructure of the composite materials. Micro hardness and 3 point bending test were carried out to determine mechanical properties.