R A Shakoor
Qatar University, Qatar
Title: Synthesis and characterization of Al-Si3N4 nanocomposites processed by microwave sintering process
Biography
Biography: R A Shakoor
Abstract
Significant advancement in the processing technology has enbaled to synthesize homogenous metal matrix nanocomposites having uniformly distributed nanoreinforcements. As a result, remarkable enhnacement in the properties of metal matrix nanocomposites has been claimed. In present work, Si3N4 nanoparticles reinforced aluminium matrix composites (Al/Si3N4) containing different volume fractions (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 vol.%) of Si3N4 were fabricated using microwave sintering process. The Powders of Al and Si3N4 with exact stoichiometry ratios were intimately mixed through high energy ball milling (200 rpm, 2 hours) and were consolidated at room temperature (450 MPa for 2 min). The compacted cylindrical billets (diameter-30mm) were then sintered (550°C) using microwave sintering approach. Thereafter, the developed Al-Si3N4 nanocomposites were extruded (350°C) into rods (diameter-8mm) and their physical, structural, thermal and mechanical properties were investigated. In addition, the effect of Si3N4 volume fraction on the properties of Al/Si3N4 nanocomposites was also studied.