Mechanical and tribological properties of stir cast aluminium metal matrix composites and optimization of machining process parameters

Abstract

Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) employed in engineering applications have been increasing in the last few decades and are fabricated by incorporating filler material in the matrix alloy. The stir casting process is the generally used methodology for the fabrication of MMCs materials reinforced with filler or reinforcement materials. They are used in automobile, aerospace and other packing applications. Because of their, higher specific strength, strength-to-weight ratio, specific stiffness, thermal and chemical stability and resistance to wear MMCs were used in most applications as in addition to mechanical properties they can withstand damage, corrosion resistance, higher impact strength and enhanced fatigue life. It exhibits homogenous dispersion of particles and achieves improvement in their properties compared to other matrix composites. Al is the major metal in aluminium alloys with alloying elements like zinc, silicon, copper, manganese and magnesium. The pure alloy has some drawbacks, to overcome certain reinforcements like SiC, graphene, graphite, CNT and many other reinforced materials are added to the aluminium matrix. Silicon Carbide (SiC) as a filler material was considered in this study. The objective of the current research is the uniform dispersion or distribution of SiC reinforcement in the aluminium matrix. SiC is a hard ceramic with less dispersion which results in poor distribution. To enhance the uniform dispersion of SiC in the aluminium matrix, process parameters were properly selected during the stir casting process. MMCs were fabricated using (i) the ex-situ method and (ii) the in-situ method. newline