Influence of Two-Stage Stir Casting Process on Mechanical Characterization and Wear Behavior of AA2014-ZrO2 Nano-composites

In the current research work synthesis, characterization, mechanical and wear behavior of 2, 4 and 6 wt% of nano-ZrO2 particulate-reinforced AA2014 alloy composites have been investigated. The matrix phase of AA2014 alloy containing nano-ZrO2 particulates composites was geared up by two-stage melt stir system. After the preparation, the organized composites were studied by SEM and EDS for analyzing the microstructures and chemical elements. Further, mechanical characterization and wear studies of as-cast AA2014 alloy and AA2014-nano-ZrO2 composites were studied. From the investigation, it was observed that the tensile behavior of composites was enhanced due to addition of nano-sized ZrO2 particles in the AA2014 alloy matrix. In nano-ZrO2-reinforced composites, the percentage elongation decreased. Further, the wear loss increased with respect to the load for all the prepared materials. To study the fractography and different wear mechanisms for various test conditions of different compositions, tensile fractured surfaces and the worn surfaces were observed by SEM.