A Study on the Mechanical Properties of Rare Earth-based Aluminium Composite

The present investigation signifies the effect of incorporation of lanthanum phosphate nanopowder at different weight ratios in aluminium matrix. The lanthanum phosphate reinforcements in the 50–80 nm size range are synthesized through a cost-effective sol–gel process, without any subsequent secondary process. The composite is fabricated by the ultrasonic-assisted stir casting process, a low cost and a less defective manufacturing process. Various mechanical properties, viz.ultimate tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength and hardness, are examined. From the study, it is concluded that MMC with 15 wt% the lanthanum phosphate leads to the best tensile, compression and flexural properties as well as hardness. Blending the reinforcement in the matrix is a challenging task, besides the selection of suitable stirring conditions which greatly reduces the agglomerations. The higher bonding force between the reinforcement and the matrix makes the reinforcement a suitable material in the aluminium matrix composite, and it is confirmed through density functional theory studies. The superior properties of the Al/LaPO4composite make it a suitable replacement material for aerospace and defence applications.