Influence of Particle Loading on The Microstructure of Aluminum-Fe3O4.AgTe2 Composite

Abstract

Aluminum metal matrix composites (AMMC) are becoming viable materials for many applications in renewable energy and fuel security, entertainment, communications, machine tools, transportation, medical and pharmaceutical industries, and household appliances. In this study, Aluminum was reinforced with the Fe₃O₄.AgTe₂ through the recrystallization process, hence, AMMC was successfully developed. The aim was to locally develop new material with improved mechanical, and chemical properties that could be used as an absorber for solar thermal applications. The conventional Aluminum and composite were analyzed for morphological and chemical properties. Based on the obtained results, the microstructural analysis of the composite demonstrated an appreciable distribution of the reinforcement materials within the Aluminum matrix. The development of new phases was also revealed which is belief to have contributed immensely toward enhancing the strength and corrosion resistance of the composite. The conventional Aluminum sample are more corrosive in acidic solution than AMMC because the grain size of the AMMC materials being homogeneous; nevertheless, the grain size varied throughout the heating process, resulting in dislocation defects. Recrystallization creates homogenous grains when base materials are regularly intermixed during heating. It was observed that after the corrosion test in an acidic solution AMMC shows a positive outcome toward corrosion resistance (lower corrosion rate) which could enhance the thermal conductivity of the AMMC. It is therefore recommended that the composite can be used as solar thermal absorbers.