Experimental investigation on mechanical properties of iron metal matrix reinforced with MAX phase V₂AlC-GO

The development of high-quality composites has become increasingly crucial due to rapid modernization and technological advancements, particularly as traditional iron-based materials face significant limitations such as high density, low strength-to-weight ratios, and susceptibility to corrosion and wear. This research focuses on fabricating a metal matrix composite (MMC) from a pure iron matrix reinforced with vanadium aluminum carbide (V₂AlC) and graphene oxide (GO) using the powder metallurgy method, followed by testing its mechanical properties. The microstructural features of the samples were examined using Optical Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction, while the Archimedes method assessed density and porosity. Mechanical analyses, including hardness, compressive strength, and corrosion resistance, were conducted in accordance with ASTM standards, with corrosion resistance evaluated using an electrochemical analyzer. Initially, nine samples containing 5 wt.% V₂AlC and 4 wt.% GO were fabricated by varying key powder metallurgy parameters, which were optimized using Taguchi-based grey relational analysis. Following this, four additional samples with varying V₂AlC percentages (5%, 8%, 10%, and 15%) were created based on the optimal parameters. The results indicated significant improvements in the physical, mechanical, and corrosion resistance properties of the optimally fabricated composites, characterized by uniformly dispersed reinforcements and distinct phases. This enhanced iron MMC is proposed for high-performance applications in the automotive, aerospace, and marine industries, thereby addressing the limitations of traditional materials and contributing to advanced material solutions.