Corrosion Behaviour of Al2024 Metal Matrix Composites Reinforced with Al2O3

In this study, Al2024 metal matrix composites reinforced with Al2O3 of 0.063 - 0.200 mm particle size varying from 0 to 6 weight percentage were fabricated by vortex method. The effect of the Al2O3 particle on Al2024's corrosion behaviour has been investigated. The distribution of particles in all metal matrix composites appears to be quite homogenous, according to the SEM study of the microstructures. Weight loss corrosion studies have been performed on both MMC and corresponding base alloys using 0.05N and 0.1N HCl as corrosive media. The composites have a less susceptibility to pitting and corrosion than the matrix alloy, potentially because of the passive Al2O3 layer found in the MMCs. Using the potentiodynamic polarization test, the effect of reinforcement on the corrosion characteristics of composites in 0.05N and 0.1N HCl media was examined. The weight loss method was used to conduct stress corrosion tests for varying acidic medium temperatures (30oC – 55oC), normalcy (0.025 N-0.1 N), and exposure times (10-60 min). The rate of corrosion of Al2024 alloy was found higher than the Al2O3 reinforced Al2024 alloy.