This document reviews the effect of adding Al2O3 nano-particles on the mechanical properties of aluminium-based alloys. It discusses how aluminium/Al2O3 nano-metal matrix composites can be produced using stir casting and powder metallurgy techniques. The mechanical properties like hardness, tensile strength and compressive strength of the composites increase with the addition of Al2O3 nano-particles up to 3-4% due to uniform dispersion and load transfer. However, agglomeration of particles occurs at higher loadings reducing the mechanical properties. The document concludes that addition of Al2O3 nano-particles up to 3% improves the mechanical properties of aluminium alloys.

1. IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE)
e-ISSN: 2278-1684,p-ISSN: 2320-334X, Volume 13, Issue 2 Ver. II (Mar. - Apr. 2016), PP 72-75
www.iosrjournals.org
DOI: 10.9790/1684-1302027275 www.iosrjournals.org 72 | Page
Effect ofAl2O3Nano-ParticleonMechanical Properties of
Aluminium Based Alloy: A Review
A.P. Utkarsh Prajapati1
, A.P. Jay H Patel2
, Ketul V Patel3
,Parthkumar P
Patel4
,Pujan P Bhatt5
, Sandipkumar O Varma6
1,2,3,4,5,6
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sigma Institute of Engineering (050), Vadodara-390019,
Gujarat, India.
Abstract:For cutting edge aviation and automobile applications aluminium nano metal framework composites
(NMMC's) are progressively turning out to be more appealing in light of the fact that their properties can be
improved through the expansion of chose reinforcements. Because of their great particular quality and
particular solidness at room or lifted temperatures particulate strengthened NMMC's have as of late discovered
exceptional interest. It is surely understood that the flexible properties of nano metal grid composites are
emphatically impacted by miniaturized scale auxiliary parameters of the support, for example, shape, size,
introduction, circulation and volume part. The primary target of this paper is to do an investigation of impact of
nano Al2O3 support on the mechanical properties of aluminium metal network particulate composite. The fluid
metallurgy strategy combined with powder metallurgy is utilized to manufacture the composites, in which the
reinforcements are filled the vortex made by mixing the liquid metal by method for mechanical two stage stirrer.
The composites so created are subjected to tensile and hardness tests.
Keywords: Aluminium Alloy, Al2O3 nan-particle, nanocomposite, powder metallurgy, stir casting
I. Introduction
Scientists have directed various studies to enhance the mechanical properties of aluminium. Enhanced
mechanical properties of aluminium should be possible by including alloying components into aluminium or
should be possible by including a strengthening material in aluminium as Al2O3, SiC, CNT and so forth.
The Al2O3 strengthened aluminium combinations network composites have been logically more
utilized as a part of the car, air ship and airplane business on account of their high quality to-weight proportion,
great castability and better tribological properties over the unreinforced compounds. A solid interface between
aluminium combination lattice and support stage essentially decides disappointment conduct of the composites.
Creation of Al/Al2O3 composite by means of powder metallurgy strategy from the blend of Al and Al2O3
powders ordinarily brings about feeble holding at interface because of the poor wettability between the two
stages.
Metal–matrix composites are most encouraging material in accomplishing upgraded mechanical
properties, for example, hardness, quality, wear resistance, weakness resistance and so on. Aluminium-network
composites (AMCs) fortified with little size particles are generally utilized for elite applications, for example, in
car, military, aviation in view of their enhanced physical and mechanical properties. Composite material is a
blend of two or more materials insoluble in each other, having properties which are better than any of the
segment materials separately.
Nano composites are a multi-stage material which has nanoparticles in its synthesis inside of its
structure, the measurement of fortifying particles extending from 1 nm to 100 nm.The nano particles have
created great interest among researchers due to their improved mechanical properties. As nano particles when
uniformly distributed, act as good barriers during propagation of cracks compared to micro sized particles, thus
NMMC are observed to be superior to micro MMCs [1, 2, 3]. The structure and the properties of these
composites are controlled by the sort and size of the support, way of holding and handling system. The high
thickness of separations and broad fine sub grains around Al2O3 particles are in charge of change in properties.
The sum, size and dispersion of fortifying particles in the metal framework assume key part in controlling the
general properties of composites.
Keeping in mind the end goal to accomplish high quality with NMMC, Akbari et al [4, 5] ball
processed Al and Cu particles with Al2O3nano particles at 1:1 proportion freely, which are later acquainted with
metal melt by blend throwing to get even dissemination. Additionally, Zeag et al [6] manufactured high quality
composites by blend throwing, when pellets containing ball processed powder of CNTs with Al and Zn powders
are included. Latest examination by Tahamtan et al [7] uncovers palletisation as the best method to disperse
nano support in metal melt contrasted with including basic 1:1 wt. % ball processed support.

2. Effect Of Al2O3Nano-Particle On Mechanical Properties Of Aluminium Based Alloy: A Review
DOI: 10.9790/1684-1302027275 www.iosrjournals.org 73 | Page
II. Literature Survey
The mechanical properties, for example, extreme elasticity and hardness of the cast aluminium Al2O3
particulate composites are altogether changed by shifting the measure of Al2O3 support [8]. The huge finishes of
the studies on aluminium/Al2O3 nano metal framework composites are as per the following:
Liquid metallurgy course combined with powder metallurgy method was effectively received in the
readiness of aluminium/Al2O3 NMMCs containing the support up to 2 wt.% with an augmentation of 0.5 wt.%.
 The micrograph study uncovers the uniform conveyance of Al2O3 particles in the grid.
 No lessening of Al2O3 fortification with mixes of lattice amalgam is seen amid blend throwing by XRD
plots.
 The elasticity and hardness estimations of the composite discovered expanding with expanded fortification
rate in the composites.
The appropriation of nano alumina particles in the aluminium lattice from 1.0 to 3.0, the support
particles are consistently disseminated in Al grid [fig. 2 to 4], with alumina content under 4.0 weight%. As the
alumina content further builds, the agglomeration of nano particulates happen as shown in fig. 5.[9].Hardness
and rigidity of aluminium compound (Al-Zr-Ce ) that strengthened with different rate of nanoparticles Al2O3 (0-
3 Vf%) was inspected and contrasted and framework amalgam. Aftereffects of the investigation demonstrate
that by expanding number of nanoparticles, elasticity of the composites was marginally expanded by adding of
Al2O3np up to 1 Vf% while pliability and hardness are generally no change by including of Al2O3 [10].The
castings made by including nano-sized dispersoids utilizing semi-strong course displayed higher quality and
malleability when contrasted and those arranged by fluid metallurgy defeat [11].The mixing speed significantly
affects the mechanical properties of the nano-scattered castings. Expanding mixing speed more than 1500 rpm
causes decrease in the elasticity. The compound blended with 1500 rpm displays the most astounding rigidity
and elongation% [11].
Experimental procedure / Stir-Casting Process:
Stir casting process can be done by stir casting machine as shown in fig.1. The process starts with
placing empty crucible in the muffle. At first heater temperature is set to 500°C and then it is gradually
increased up to 900°C. High temperature of the muffle helps to melt aluminium alloy quickly, reduces oxidation
level, enhance the wettability of the reinforcement particles in the matrix metal.
Aluminium alloy Al6061 issued as Matrix material. Required quantity of aluminium alloy is cut from
the raw material which is in the form of round bar. Aluminium alloy is cleaned to remove dust particles,
weighed and then poured in the crucible for melting. During melting nitrogen gas is used as inert gas to create
the inert atmosphere around the molten matrix. Powder of alumina (Al2O3) is used as reinforcement. 1% by
weight of pure magnesium powder is used as wetting agent. At a time total 700 gram of molten composite was
processed in the crucible. Required quantities of reinforcement powder and magnesium powder are weighed on
the weighing machine. Then it is thoroughly mixed with each other with the help of blending machine for 24
hour. This mixture is kept ready 1 day before the test has to carry out. Prior to conducting the test this mixture is
kept for heating in another heater. Reinforcements are heated for half hour and at temperature of 500°C.
When matrix was in the fully molten condition, Stirring is started after 2 minutes. Stirrer rpm is
gradually increased from 0 to 300 RPM with the help of speed controller. Temperature of the heater is set to
630°C which is below the melting temperature of the matrix. A uniform semisolid stage of the molten matrix
was achieved by stirring it at 630°C.Pouring of preheated reinforcements at the semisolid stage of the matrix
enhance the wettability of the reinforcement, reduces the particle settling at the bottom of the crucible.
Reinforcements are poured manually with the help of conical hopper. The flow rate of reinforcements measured
was 0.5 gram per second. Dispersion time was taken as 5 minutes. After stirring 5 minutes at semisolid stage
slurry was reheated and hold at a temperature 900°C to make sure slurry was fully liquid. Stirrer RPM was then
gradually lowered to the zero.
The stir casting apparatus is manually kept side and then molten composite slurry is poured in the
metallic mould. Mould is preheated at temperature 500°C before pouring of the molten slurry in the mould. This
makes sure that slurry is in molten condition throughout the pouring. While pouring the slurry in the mould the
flow of the slurry is kept uniform to avoid trapping of gas. Then it is quick quenched with the help of air to
reduce the settling time of the particles in the matrix.
Mechanical Tests:
I) Hardness:In hardness test, as a matter of first importance tests of 20 mm in diameter and 15 mm in thickness
can be cut into round and hollow segment from cast example. The examples can be cleaned metallogarphically
and the inverse appearances of the specimens can be made consummately parallel before hardness estimation.
Tests can be cleaned on the using so as to clean machine 400, 600, 800 coarseness emery paper. Hardness test
can be completed utilizing Digital Rockwell Hardness analyser. The solidified steel ball of 5 mm measurement

3. Effect Of Al2O3Nano-Particle On Mechanical Properties Of Aluminium Based Alloy: A Review
DOI: 10.9790/1684-1302027275 www.iosrjournals.org 74 | Page
was utilized as indenter. The hardness was taken at various focuses on the surface of the example, and after that
normal estimation of all was figured [9].
II) Tensile Strength:Pliable properties of the compound and composites can be broke down via completing test
on the mechanized general testing machine of 1000 KN load limit. Pliable tests can be completed with a
crosshead velocity of 1mm/min., which compares to ostensible strain rate of 0.001 every second. Elastic test
examples can be readied by E8 standard for the testing of materials keeping the L/D proportion =4 [9].
III) Compressive Strength:Pressure Specimens can be readied by D695 standard for the testing of materials
keeping the L/D ratio=1.5. Examples can be tube shaped with size 30 mm in distance across and 45 mm long.
Pliable test and pressure tests can be performed on modernized all inclusive testing machine of 1000 KN load
limit [9].
III. Figures
Fig. 1 : Stir Casting Machine
Fig. 2 : Aluminium Alloy + 1.0% of Al2O3Fig. 3: Aluminium Alloy + 2.0% of Al2O3
Fig. 4: Aluminium Alloy + 3.0% of Al2O3 Fig. 5: Aluminium Alloy + 4.0% of Al2O3

4. Effect Of Al2O3Nano-Particle On Mechanical Properties Of Aluminium Based Alloy: A Review
DOI: 10.9790/1684-1302027275 www.iosrjournals.org 75 | Page
IV. Conclusion
We had studied about the effect of nano particles over the mechanical properties of aluminium based
alloys. From this study we concluded:
 The mechanical properties of aluminium based alloy can be increase by adding Al2O3nano particles into it.
 The dissemination of nano alumina particles in the aluminium framework from 1.0 to 3.0, the fortification
particles are consistently dispersed in Al framework, with alumina content under 4.0 weight%. As the
alumina content further builds, the agglomeration of nano particulates happen. Agglomeration of nanoAl2O3
particles on the grain boundaries causes grain boundaryembrittlement, porosity, resulting in weaker
strength.
 The stirring speed significantly affects the mechanical properties of the nano-scattered castings. Expanding
stirring speed more than 1500 rpm causes decrease in the elasticity. The compound blended with 1500 rpm
displays the most astounding rigidity and elongation%.
References
[1]. M.K.Surappa, Aluminium Matrix composite: challenges & opportunities, In: Sadhana, 28:1-2(2003), 319-334.
[2]. Dinesh Kumar Koli, GeetaAgnihotri, Rajesh Purohit, Procedia Materials Science 6 (2014), 567-589.
[3]. BhargaviRebba, N.Ramanaiah, Studies on Mechanical Properties of 2024 Al-B4C Composites, Advanced Materials Manufacturing
&Characterization, 4 (2014) 42-46.
[4]. M.K.Akbari, H.R.Baharvandi, O.Mirzaee, Nano sized aluminium oxide reinforced commercial casting A356 alloy matrix:
Evaluation ofhardness, wear resistance and compressive strength focusing on particle distribution in aluminium matrix, J.
Composites part B, 52 (2013) 52 262-268.
[5]. M.K.Akbari, H.R.Baharvandi, O.Mirzaee, Fabrication of nano sized Al2O3 reinforced casting aluminium composites focusing on
preparationprocess of reinforcement powders and evaluation of its properties, J. Composites part B 55 (2013) 426-432.
[6]. X.Zeng, G.Zhou, Q.Xu, Y.XiongLucoJ.Wu, A new technique for dispersion of carbon nano tubes in metal melt, J. Mat. Sci. and
Engg. A527 (2010) 5335-5340.
[7]. S.Tahamtan, A.Halvee, M.Emamy, M.S.Zabihi, Fabrication of Al/A206-Al2O3nano/micro composites by combining ball milling
andstircasting technology, J. materials and design 49 (2013) 49: 347-359.
[8]. Effect of reinforcement of nano Al2O3 on mechanical properties of Al2024 NMMCs by: P. Rama MurtyRajua, S. Rajesha*, K. Sita
Rama Rajua, V. RamachandraRajub, JNTU Kakinada, Kakinada-533003, Andhra Pradesh, India.
[9]. Influence of Ultrasonic Assisted Stir Casting on Mechanical Properties of Al6061-nano Al2O3 Composites by: Dinesh Kumar
Kolia, GeetaAgnihotrib and Rajesh Purohitc, Dinesh Kumar Koli et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 2 (2015) 3017 – 3026.
[10]. Investigation on mechanical properties of AlZrCr- Al2O3 nano composites fabricated by stir casting by: Kirman M., Anne
ZulfiaSutopo and BambangSuharno, IOP Conf. Series: Material Science and Engineering 58 (2014) 012009.
[11]. Nano reinforced Cast Al-Si Alloys with Al2O3, TiO2 and ZrO2 Nanoparticles by: Iman S. El-Mahallawi, Ahmed YehiaShash and
Amer Eid Amer, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.
[12]. Reviews on the Influences of Alloying elements on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Alloys and
Aluminium Alloy Composites by: R. S. Rana, Rajesh Purohit, and S Das, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal-
462051, India.
[13]. Synthesis and characterization of titanium carbide particulate reinforced AA6082 aluminium alloy composites via friction stir
processing A. Thangarasu a,*, N. Muruganb, I. Dinaharan c, S.J. Vijay d, Tamilnadu, India.
[14]. The effect of Al2O3-nanoparticles as the reinforcement additive on the hot deformation behaviour of 7075 aluminium alloy by:
H.R. Ezatpour, A. Chaichi, S.A. Sajjadi, University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.