The effect of V2O5 addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-V2O5 composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

In this present study, 5, 10 and 15 wt% V2O5 were added to aluminum matrix and the microstructure and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered composites were investigated. The mixing process was conducted in ethanol media with high energy mixer mill and then the mixture was heated on the hot plate at 70°C. The sintering process was performed at the   400 and 450°C with vacuum condition and 10 and 30 MPa initial and final applied pressure, respectively. The XRD patterns showed interfacial product of Al3V and reduction-transition in oxygen content by increasing of sintering temperature. The mechanical properties investigation revealed highest bending strength of 141±11 MPa and Vickers hardness of 103±12 (VHN) for specimens with 15wt% of V2O5 and sintered at 450°C. The FESEM images showed almost uniform distribution of reinforcement and local melting area with different types of vanadium oxide.