Effect of Si, B, Al2O3 and ZrO2 nano-modifiers on the structural and mechanical properties of Fe + 0.5% C alloy

In the present study, we have incorporated different nanoparticles such as silicon (Si), boron (B), alumina (Al2O3) and zirconium (ZrO2) as modifiers in Fe + 0.5% C alloy to evaluate its influence in it. The properties such as hardness, volume shrinkage/swelling, flexural strength, relative density and fracture analysis of Fe + 0.5% C alloys with and without nanomodifier are also analyzed. The obtained result reveals that incorporation of Si, and B nanoparticles greatly improves the hardness, volume shrinkage/swelling, flexural strength, and relative density of Fe + 0.5% C alloys by increasing grain numbers and reducing the porosity. The SEM analysis of fractured samples clearly showed the involvement of nanoparticles during the alloy formation. Si and B nanoparticles completely entered into the grain and leads to the improvement of structural and mechanical properties of the alloy. However, Al2O3 and ZrO2 nanoparticles are observed on the surface of the grain, which clearly indicates that it does not take part in the alloy formation, which leads to affect its structural and mechanical properties. Thus, this study enlightens the use of nano Si and B as a modifier to enhance the structural and mechanical properties of Fe + 0.5% C alloy via powder metallurgy.