Effect of Post-Processing Annealing on Microstructure, Mechanical Behavior and Wear Characteristics of Semisolid Thermomechanically Processed Al–Zn–Mg/3 wt.% Al2O3 Composite

Abstract

In this research, the effect of annealing heat treatment on microstructure, mechanical properties and wear behavior of an Al–Zn–Mg/3 wt.% Al2O3 composite that was previously thermomechanically processed (TMPed) in its semisolid temperature range was investigated. The annealing treatment was conducted at 400 ˚C for 15, 30, 45 and 60 min, respectively. The results revealed that this treatment led to the better distribution of alumina reinforcement particles. Also, it was proved that no substantial grain growth occurred which shows the grain size stability of the TMPed composite. In addition, owing to the better distribution of reinforcements, the microhardness values of the composites improved while the compressive strength did not increase noticeably. The wear test results revealed that the wear mode in the non-annealed sample was adhesive whereas in the annealed sample, the abrasive wear was dominant.