THE MECHANICAL, THERMAL, AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF AA2011 ALUMINUM/ KAOLIN/ METAKAOLIN COMPOSITES FOR TRANSPORT APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The growing need for lightweight and durable materials in transportation requires the development of metal matrix composites (MMCs) with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. This research analyzes the effects of different weight percentages (2-10 wt.%) of kaolin and metakaolin as reinforcements in the AA2011 aluminum matrix. The composites were produced using stir casting, homogenized through heat treatment, and evaluated for tensile strength, thermal stability, crystal structure, microstructure, and electrical conductivity. The results showed a reduction in ultimate tensile strength (UTS) with both reinforcements, however, adding 4 wt.% metakaolin improved the ductility. The microstructural analysis revealed that higher filler contents alter uniform phase dispersion, causing clustering and microporosity. Thermal stability was notably enhanced, especially with 10 wt.% kaolin. The electrical conductivity of the composites displayed an inverse correlation with filler content specifically, at 4 wt.% metakaolin and 10 wt.% kaolin at low currents. These discoveries offer valuable insights into the potential use of kaolin and metakaolin-reinforced AA2011 in automobile components that demand strength, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity.