The Potentiality of LHA Nanoparticle Reinforced AA2024 Composites: A Focus on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties

The study centered on producing and analyzing composites comprising aluminum 2024 alloy and Lanthanum Hexaluminate (LHA) nanoparticles. The study aimed at aerospace and automobile applications including thermal barrier coatings and high temperature applications. LHA particles were synthesized through chemical precipitation and filtration method and underwent characterization via X-ray analysis and FESEM/EDS analysis. Subsequently, the potential of Lanthanum Hexaluminate powders (LHA) as reinforcement material for integration into AA-2024 alloy was explored. The stir casting method was utilized to fabricate composites of Aluminum 2024 alloy with LHA. The Vickers hardness and mechanical behaviour of the proposed composites is investigated as per the ASTM standards and the effects of varying the weight fraction of reinforcement on particle distribution, particle-matrix interfacial interactions, and both physical and mechanical properties were evaluated. SEM and EDS examinations confirmed the presence of components and an even dispersal of particles within the composite. Mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength were evaluated, revealing a substantial enhancement of 22.31% in microhardness and 14.38% in tensile strength for the composites.