Synthesis and Characterization of Silicon Nitride Reinforced Al–Mg–Zn Alloy Composites

In this work, aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with hard silicon nitride (Si3N4) particles have been performed experimentally. Squeeze casting technique was adopted to synthesis the novel AMMC for diferent weight fractions of Si3N4 (3, 6 and 9%). The AMMC is characterized for their tensile strength, micro-Vickers, density and porosity, compres- sive strength, impact, corrosion and wear resistance, as per ASTM standards. Observation shows that, with the inclusion of Si3N4 particle, the mechanical behaviour, corrosion and wear-resistant of synthesized composites was considerably improved. Scanning Electron microscope micrograph of worn surfaces displays the presence of grooves parallel to the sliding direction and some plastic deformations. The inclusion of Si3N4 shows deep grooving, that is associated with abrasive wear.