MICROSTRUCTURE AND WEAR PROPERTIES OF ZIRCONIUM NANO METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

A356.1 Aluminium alloy reinforced with Nano-sized ZrO₂ particle are widely used for high performance applications such as automotive, military, aerospace, and electric  industries because of their improved physical and mechanical properties. In this research, Zirconium Oxide (ZrO₂) Nano particle were synthesized by Solution Combustion Synthesis process. Prepared Nano particles were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Nano sized Zirconium Particle were reinforced with A356.1 Aluminium alloy with varying Wt. % such as 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 via stir casting Technique at a constant stirring speed of 150 rpm. The composites were then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Wear tests were carried out at Varying Wt. % ratios with varying Conditions of Speed, Load and Time. The results reveal that the Nano Metal Matrix Composite (NMMC)’s containing 3.5 Wt.% reinforcement particle has improved wear  properties.