Structural, Fatigue Behavior, and Mechanical Properties of Zirconium Tungstate-Reinforced Casted A356 Aluminum Alloy

The aim of this study is to investigate the structure–property relationship of the zirconium tungstate-reinforced casted A356 aluminum alloy. The reinforcement ceramic used was zirconium tungstate of the negative thermal coefficient type, which assists in the weldment of crack growth and enhances the fatigue life. The specimens used in this study were casted by stir casting method and prepared according to Compact Tension standard E-399, and microstructural, fatigue behavior, and mechanical properties were investigated systematically. Microstructural analysis showed reduction in porosity by the addition of ZrW2O8 particles. Fatigue results depict the increase in the fatigue life of aluminum reinforced ceramic as compared to the casted base aluminum alloy. Brinell hardness of ZrW2O8 reinforced alloy samples increased 7% as compared to the base aluminum alloy hardness value. Tensile strength also significantly improved from 176 MPa for the base A356 alloy to 198 MPa for the ZrW2O8 reinforced composite. Furthermore, addition of ZrW2O8 ceramic powder increased the fatigue life more than 50% of the base alloy. These results suggest that the ZrW2O8 reinforced A356 composites may be potential candidates for aerospace industry, military, transportation and in structural sites.