Characteristics of alzrce-al₂o₃ nanocomposites produced by stir casting method as an alternative material for electrical applications

Aluminum alloy composite is one of the promising materials that has found in many applications, especially for electrical conductors materials. Many studies have pointed out that the alloying of aluminum with zirconium (Zr) and cerium (Ce) could increase mechanical properties while keeping aluminum’s electrical conductivity. Moreover, the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles into the metals could increase its strength and stiffness. In this study, aluminum alloyed with 0.15 wt% Zr and 0.13 wt% Ce was made as master alloy which will then be reinforced with Al2O3 particles with size less than 100 nm. The composite was manufactured using stir casting method. The molten metal matrix was blended with the reinforcement by stirring with rotational speed of 500 rpm at a temperature of 750 _C in an argon gas environment. Mechanical properties, microstructural observation and electrical conductivity were employed to characterize the composites produced. With the increasing of Al2O3 particle content, the tensile strength was increased up to 1 Vf%, while electrical conductivity is relatively stable with the addition of the content of alumina nano particles in the matrix. The electrical conductivity of the composite without Mg is 59% IACS whereas the composite with 3%wt Mg is 49% IACS.