Composite materials offer distinct and unique properties that are not naturally inherited in the individual materials that make them. One of the most attractive composites to manufacture is the aluminum alloy matrix composite, because it usually combines easiness of availability, light weight, strength, and other favorable properties. In the current work, Powder Metallurgy Method (PMM) is used to prepare Al2024 matrix composites reinforced with different mixing ratios of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) particles. The tests performed on the composites include physical, mechanical, and tribological, as well as microstructure analysis via optical microscope. The results show that the experimental density slightly decreases while the porosity increases when the reinforcement ratio increases within the selected range of 0 ~ 20 wt%. Besides this, the yield strength, tensile strength, and Vickers hardness increase up to a 10 wt% Y2O3 ratio, after which they decline. Moreover, the wear results show that the composite follows the same paradigm for strength and hardness. It is concluded that this composite is ideal for application when higher strength is required from aluminum composites, as well as lighter weight up to certain values of Y2O3 ratio.

Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
    2.1 Composite preparation
    2.2 Characterization and testing
3. Results and Discussion
    3.1 Microstructure analysis
    3.2 Physical properties
    3.3 Mechanical properties
4. Conclusions
References

• Mohanad Lateef Hamada(Tikrit University, College of Engineering, Mechanical Department)
• Ghazwan Saud Alwan(Tikrit University, College of Engineering, Mechanical Department)
• Abdulkader Ahmed Annaz(Tikrit University, College of Engineering, Mechanical Department)
• Saif Sabah Irhayyim(Tikrit University, College of Engineering, Mechanical Department) Corresponding author
• Hashim Shukur Hammood(Tikrit University, College of Engineering, Mechanical Department)