Production and Characterization of an Aluminum Based Nanocomposite Reinforced With Particles from the Al-Zr System by Means of Mechanical Alloying Process

In this study, an aluminum matrix nanocomposite reinforced with oxide nanoparticles as well as intermetallic particles in the Al-Zr system was produced and optimized through mechanical milling. Results revealed that even long milling times of the powder mixture would not lead to the production of intermetallic phases in the Al-Zr system. This is while Al3Zr and Al2O3 phases form during subsequent heat treatment after milling by the implementation of the relevant reactions between the powder mixture components. After cold pressing and sintering, the hardness increased to 98 HV due to the presence of Al3Zr and Al2O3 phases. In addition, the wear resistance of the bulk samples decreased significantly.