Synthesis and Characterization of Zn/Al2O3 Nanocomposite by Mechanical Alloying Route

Abstract

Materials of nanostructure have novel properties which differ greatly from that of bulk materials. Due to high strength by weight ratio, they find useful applications in aerospace and automotive industries. Here, the purpose is to fabricate and characterize zinc based metal matrix nanocomposite by mechanical alloying route. ZnO and Al powder were taken in the stoichiometric ratio and milled in a planetary ball mill for 20h. During milling, displacement reaction takes place and forms Zn/Al2O3 nanocomposite. The ZnO reacts with Al through a self-sustaining combustion reaction process. As a result a Zn matrix composite reinforced by Al2O3 particles was produced. Further, the 20 h milled powder was also heat treated at 800o C for 1h. The as-milled and heat treated powder was characterized by XRD, EDX, SEM and DSC.