Synthesis and characterization of Zn/Al2O3 nanocomposite by mechanical alloying

In this study, fabrication and characterization of zinc-based metal matrix nanocomposite reinforced by Al2O3 particles was investigated. Aluminum and zinc oxide powder mixture was milled in a planetary ball mill in order to produce Zn/Al2O3 nanocomposite. The structural evaluation milled and annealed powders studied by X-ray diffraction, SEM observation and hardness measurement. The zinc crystallite size estimated with broadening of XRD peaks by Williamson-Hall formula. The zinc oxide was found to react with Al through a rapid self-sustaining combustion reaction process. As a result a zinc matrix composite reinforced by Al2O3 particulate was formed. The microhardness value of produced nanocomposite powder was about 350 HV which was 10–15 times higher than the microhardness of pure zinc (20–30 HV).