A Novel Composite with Nacreous Designed to Resist Wear and Corrosion

Abstract

This research explores new approaches in design and fabrication of novel composite materials in order to increase corrosion and wear resistance. By mimicking nature, nacreous particles from seashells were used as reinforcement in an aluminum matrix. Experimental approaches are used during investigation. A powder metallurgy process was developed to fabricate the nacreous-reinforced-aluminum matrix composites. Mechanical properties, corrosion and wear resistance were characterized through polarization technique, Vickers hardness and tribological tests. Experimental results showed that the corrosion resistance increases as the nacreous concentration increases. The hardness and wear resistance increased for up to 22% and 10% respectively due to the reinforcement effects of nacreous. With oxidation of aluminum during heat treatment, the mentioned properties were further improved for about 32 ~ 37%. This research is beneficial to develop novel material, which can be substituted the conventional composites.