Study on the Properties of Al-Al2O3 Composite Using Synthesized Alumina from Sol Gel Technique

Alumina reinforced aluminum is one of metal matrix composite (MMC) systems that can maintain its properties although at high temperature. Among various processes to produce MMC, powder metallurgy is the best method because of its efficiency dispersion of fine alumina particles. In this study, alumina powders were synthesized through sol gel method which is known as one of the ideal method to produce good properties of powders. The performances of synthesized alumina powders were then observed through the fabrication of composite. The percentage of alumina (0wt%, 10wt%, 20wt% and 30wt %) and sintering temperature (500°C and 550°C) were varied in order to observed their effects on the produced composite. Result shows that by increasing the percentage of alumina and sintering temperature, mechanical properties were increased where 30wt% alumina and 550°C sintering temperature give the optimum results. Comparison study by using 30wt% alumina and 550°C sintering temperature on the composite using synthesize and commercial alumina shows similar/comparable properties of composite.