Microstructural and Tensile Characterisation of Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> Reinforced Al2219 Alloy Composites

The current exploration focuses on the preparation of Al2219 with micron-sized Si3N4 composite using a liquid metallurgy technique. Al2219 alloy was used to make composites with 3 and 6 wt. % of Si3N4. Microstructural analysis was performed on the produced composites using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Under the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) guidelines, measurements of ultimate and yield strength, hardness and ductility were carried out. Micrographs taken using a SEM showed that the boron carbide particles were evenly dispersed throughout the Al2219. Al2219 alloy’s hardness and tensile properties were improved by adding Si3N4 particles. Further, Al2219 with 3 and 6 wt.% of Si3N4 composites showed lesser ductility in comparison with Al2219 material. Thus, developed composites exhibit higher tensile properties than Al alloy, hence these composites are proposed to be used in automotive applications.