Synthesis and characterization of spark plasma sintered zirconia and ferrotitanium reinforced hybrid aluminium composite

Abstract This research reports on the microstructural characterization and nanomechanical evaluation of hybrid aluminium-based composite, fabricated by reinforcing pure aluminium matrix with zirconia (ZrO 2 ) ferrotitanium (TiFe) particles. The composites were consolidated using spark plasma sintering technique, properties reinforced examined compared samples same parameters. formation new phases in was ascertained X-ray diffraction while morphologies starting powders as-sintered specimens analysed optical scanning electron microscopes. Mechanical tests such as Vickers microhardness frictional coefficient determined to ascertain respective strength tribological performance. Nanoindentation test also carried out evaluate penetration depth, elastic modulus, work indentation, indentation creep. results from this study revealed that mixing admixed at sufficiently high temperature resulted which contributed improved mechanical performance composites. absence pinning effect loading unloading curves nanoindentation conducted confirmed homogeneous dispersion reinforcement Overall, sample 5% TiFe ZrO exhibited most properties, unreinforced recorded least