Comparison of Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Al-NanoAl2O3 with Al-MicroAl2O3 Composites Made by SPS Process

In this research, spark plasma sintering (SPS) was used as a new method in the fabrication of Al-Al2O3 composites. The effect of Al2O3 particle size (both nano and micron) and its amount on the relative density, hardness, resistance, corrosion and compressive strength in Al-Al2O3 composite were investigated. Evaluation and size characterization of nano particle was carried out by transmission electron microscope. The distribution of particles throughout sample, as well as the detection of the elements in the structure were studied by scanning electron microscopy equipped by corresponding energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis. According to the results, in the sample containing 3 wt% of nanoparticle of Al2O3, the mechanical properties of composite and corrosion resistance were improved due to uniform distribution of Al2O3 nanoparticles. However, by increasing weight percent or particle size of Al2O3 in composite, properties such as corrosion resistance and mechanical strength were considerably reduced. It can be attributed to the porosity and agglomeration of particle that were produced in composite.