Study of aluminum based functionally graded materials with reinforced alumina nano-particles using centrifuge casting techniqe

Functionally graded materials play a majors important role in engineering and other applications. One of the fabrication methods for functionally graded materials (FGMs) is centrifuge casting technique. This study represents a new concept of refining and enhancing properties of cast, aluminum alloys by adding nano-particles using centrifuge technique. In this work, the effect of adding alumina (Al2O3) to Al as a base metal was investigated. Alumina nano-powders were stirred in the Al matrix with different weight percentage ratios from 1g to 3g and keeping constant stirring speed as 1500rpm at 850°C and constant stirring time of one minute thirty seconds. The cast microstructure exhibits change of grains from dendritic to spherical shape. The fracture surface showed the presence of nano-particles at the interdendritic space which is confirmed by EDAX analysis. The results of this study shows the mechanical properties of the casting were improved compared to that of the materials without nano-particles.