2026-05-09T15:39:38Z https://www.peertechzpublications.org/oai-pmh

oai:www.peertechzpublications.org:10.17352/2455-3492.000061 2024-07-10 PTZ.IJNNN:VOL10

Modification of the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Cu-30%Zn alloy with Cerium and Silicon Iyebeye KO Nwambu CNNnuka EE<p>This study investigates how the introduction of cerium and silicon influences the structure and mechanical characteristics of Cu-30%Zn alloy. The examined properties included tensile strength, hardness, and impact resistance. The tensile strength of the developed alloys was determined using an automated JPL tensile strength tester (Model: 130812) with a capacity of 100 kilonewtons, following the ASTM D638 standard. The impact strength was assessed by the ASTM D256 standard using a pendulum impact testing machine (Model: U1820). Additionally, hardness testing was conducted using a Brinell tester. The Brinell hardness test was performed with a portable dynamic hardness tester (Model: DHT-6) by the British Standard (BS EN ISO 6505-1:2014). Specimens were prepared by incorporating cerium and silicon into the Cu-30%Zn alloy at concentrations of 0.1wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.5wt%, 1.0wt%, 3.0wt% 5.0wt% ranging from 0.1% to 5.0%, with increments of 0.2% for micro addition and 2.0% for macro addition. Microstructural analysis was performed using an L2003A reflected light metallurgical microscope. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were also utilized to characterize the cast specimens. The findings revealed a proportional increase in tensile strength, impact strength, and hardness strength with the rise in dopant concentrations up to 3.0wt% for cerium and silicon. Also, the analysis uncovered the presence of. primary α-phase, β-phase (intermetallic phases), and fine stable phase. These phase modifications contributed to the enhancement of mechanical properties. Cu-30wt%Zn enriched with 3.0% cerium and silicon demonstrated heightened tensile strength, impact strength, and hardness, making it a recommended choice for engineering applications.</p> International Journal of Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine - Peertechz Publications 2024-07-10 Research Article https://doi.org/10.17352/2455-3492.000061 en Copyright © Iyebeye KO et al.