Browsing by Author "Azzam, B."

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Improved mechanical and tribological properties of A356 reinforced by MWCNTs
(Taylor & Francis, 2018) El Shalakany, Abou Bakr; M. Kamel, Bahaa; Khattab, A.; Osman, T. A.; Azzam, B.; Zaki, M.
The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) content on microstructure and dry sliding wear behavior of hypo-eutectic A356Al–Si alloy Metal Matrix Nano-Composites (MMNCs). Composites containing 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 wt.% MWCNTs were prepared by rheocasting technique followed by squeeze casting. Characterization of nanocomposites was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), dry sliding wear tests were performed in a pin-on-disk wear tester against a steel disk at various speeds and normal loads. Results revealed that a decrease in both wear rate and friction coefficient of the nanocomposites considerably with the increase of MWCNT’s content. The formation of the hard compact transfer layer on the pin surface nanocomposites assisted in increasing the wear resistance of these materials. It is that the transfer layer which was formed under an applied load of 20 N can act as a protective layer and help in reducing the wear rate. The results indicate the nano composites could be used in light-weight applications where moderate strength and wear properties are needed.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of MWCNTs Reinforced A356 Aluminum Alloys Cast Nanocomposites Fabricated by Using a Combination of Rheocasting and Squeeze Casting Techniques
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2014) Elshalakany, Abou Bakr; Osman, T. A.; Khattab, A.; Azzam, B.; Zaki, M.
A356 hypoeutectic aluminum-silicon alloys matrix composites reinforced by different contents of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated using a combination of rheocasting and squeeze casting techniques. A novel approach by adding MWCNTs into A356 aluminum alloy matrix with CNTs has been performed. This method is significant in debundling and preventing flotation of the CNTs within the molten alloy. The microstructures of nanocomposites and the interface between the aluminum alloy matrix and the MWCNTs were examined by using an optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). This method remarkably facilitated a uniform dispersion of nanotubes within A356 aluminum alloy matrix as well as a refinement of grain size. In addition, the effects of weight fraction (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 wt%) of the CNT-blended matrix on mechanical properties were evaluated. The results have indicated that a significant improvement in ultimate tensile strength and elongation percentage of nanocomposite occurred at the optimal amount of 1.5 wt% MWCNTs which represents an increase in their values by a ratio of about 50% and 280%, respectively, compared to their corresponding values of monolithic alloy. Hardness of the samples was also significantly increased by the addition of CNTs.