Fabrication and Characterization of Silicon Carbide Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composites

Tanuj Kumar Gupta, Rajat Upadhyaya

Abstract: The purpose of this work is to study about the mechanical properties and wear characteristics of as cast silicon carbide (Sic) reinforced aluminum matrix composites (AMCs). AMCs of varying Sic content (5 %, 10 %and 15 %) were prepared by stir casting process. Vickers hardness, tensile strength, and impact strength of the prepared composites were analyzed. The results showed that introducing Sic reinforcements in aluminum (Al) matrix increased hardness and tensile strength and 15 wt. % Sic reinforced AMC showed maximum hardness and tensile strength. Micro structural observation revealed clustering and non-homogeneous distribution of Sic particles in the Al matrix. Porosities were observed in microstructures and increased with increasing. % of Sic reinforcements in AMCs. Pin-on-disc wear test indicated that reinforcing Al matrix with Sic particles increased wear resistance

Keywords: Metal matrix composites, stir casting, Hardness test, Tensile, Impact test