Optimization of T6 heat-treated Al₂O₃-CNT reinforced aluminium composite: Microstructural and mechanical properties analysis

Salleh, Mohd Shukor and Abd Rahim, Mohammad Na’aim and Wakhi Anuar, Nur Farah Bazilah and Yahaya, Saifudin Hafiz and Al-Zubaidi, Salah Salman (2025) Optimization of T6 heat-treated Al₂O₃-CNT reinforced aluminium composite: Microstructural and mechanical properties analysis. Malaysian Journal of Microscopy, 21 (1). pp. 225-235. ISSN 1823-7010

Text 0120316072025161281922.pdf Download (1MB)

Abstract

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are widely used because of their high strength-to-weight ratios, excellent wear resistance, and thermal conductivity. Numerous studies have explored optimizing the mechanical properties of MMCs using hybrid nanoparticle reinforcements. In this study, alumina (Al₂O₃) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to reinforce aluminium alloy A356 through electromagnetic stirring (EMS), followed by T6 heat treatment. The composite fabrication involved varying Al₂O₃-CNT compositions and stirring durations. Optimization was conducted using the Taguchi Method to obtain the optimum combination of Al₂O₃-CNT. The influence of hybrid reinforcements and EMS on the microstructural distribution and mechanical properties was analyzed. Optical microscopy (OM) revealed that Al₂O₃-CNT reinforcement refined the grains and caused notable changes from dendritic to rosette structures, leading to closely packed grains with reduced porosity. Intermetallic phases in the composite were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The results revealed that the composite with 0.5 wt.% CNTs, 6 wt.% Al₂O₃, and 10 minutes of stirring time produced higher mechanical properties compared to other parameters. Underthese conditions, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation to fracture increased from 94.09 MPa, 221.10 MPa, and 11.37% to 117.18 MPa, 288.08 MPa, and 14.5%, respectively, after T6 heat treatment. These findings suggest that optimized reinforcement parameters, combined with T6 treatment, can significantly enhance the mechanical performance of Al₂O₃-CNT hybrid-reinforced aluminium alloys, making them promising materials for high-performance applications.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Metal matrix composite, CNT-Al2O3reinforcement, T6 heat treatment, Mechanical properties
Divisions:	Faculty Of Industrial And Manufacturing Technology And Engineering
Depositing User:	Norfaradilla Idayu Ab. Ghafar
Date Deposited:	23 Feb 2026 03:11
Last Modified:	23 Feb 2026 03:11
URI:	http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/29523
Statistic Details:	View Download Statistic

Actions (login required)

View Item