Production and Microstructural Investigation of Al-ZrO2 Composite Produced by Direct Incorporation Technique

In this study, Al-ZrO2 composites were produced via Vortex method. ZrO2 particles with 1 micron average diameter (as reinforcement) and Al-356 (as metal matrix) were used for production of these composites. The molten composites were stirred for 13 minutes, and then cast into a metallic mold. The effects of ZrO2 volume percents and casting temperatures on microstructure of composites for q different states were investigated. The results revealed a homogenous distribution of ZrO2 particles within the metal matrix in all samples. Although, ZrO2 agglomerates were observed within the matrix, they were distributed homogenously.