Physical, Mechanical and Morphological Characterization of A356/Si3N4 Nanoparticles Stir Casting Composites.

A356 alloy based composites are extensively used in different component industries like components of automobile parts owing to pronounced strength to weight ratio. In the current paper, A356/Si3N4 nanocomposites are fabricated by means of stir casting by varying Si3N4 reinforcement nanoparticles. Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) nanoparticle is intermixed to Al powder mechanically to develop their wettability among the particles of A356/Si3N4 nanocomposites. The Si3N4 nanoparticle is integrated by altering weight percentage. The electomechanical stirring process to produce the vortex is taken up to spread Si3N4 nanoparticles in the liquefied matrix dispensed into a permanent mould. Morphological investigation of the composite specimen is accomplished by TEM. Based on the study, it can be acquired that the strengthening by Si3N4 nanoparticles promotes the strength and hardness of the fabricated nanocomposites. The maximum tensile strength is depicted to be 319 MPa for A356/5%Si3N4 nanocomposites whereas hardness is increased from 43 HBN to 86 HBN. The physical properties such as density and porosity are also increased due to the presence of Si3N4 nanoparticles. The maximum porosity of 1.12% was predicted at 5 wt. % of Si3N4. The TEM examination discloses the presence of Si3N4 nanoparticles in the fabricated composites. Additionally, the current research guidance has ability to afford a monitor to the industrialized preparation of A356/Si3N4 nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]