Effect of 10Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite particle amount and sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/(10Ce-TZP/Al2O3) nanocomposites

A zirconia/alumina nanocomposite stabilized with cerium oxide (Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite) can be a good substitute as reinforcement in metal matrix composites. In the present study, the effect of the amount of 10Ce-TZP/Al2O3 particles on the microstructure and properties of Al/(10Ce-TZP/Al2O3) nanocomposites was investigated. For this purpose, aluminum powders with average size of 30 μm were ball-milled with 10Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite powders (synthesized by aqueous combustion) in varying amounts of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt.%. Cylindrical-shape samples were prepared by pressing the powders at 600 MPa for 60 min while heating at 400–450 °C. The specimens were then characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) in addition to different physical and mechanical testing methods in order to establish the optimal processing conditions. The highest compression strength was obtained in the composite with 7 wt.% (10Ce-TZP/Al2O3) sintered at 450 °C.