This study was conducted to investigate the synthesis, characterization and mechanical properties of aluminium reinforced with ferrotitanium and silicon carbide via stir casting technique. Microstructures of as-cast samples were analysed using optical and scanning electron microscopes equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The mechanical properties in terms of hardness, tensile, tribological behaviour and fracture were assessed. Results showed that the homogeneous dispersion of reinforcement was within the metal matrix composite. Tribological study revealed a decrease in frictional coefficient of the composites with lowest frictional coefficient observed in composite with addition of silicon carbide as reinforcement. Morphology of fractured surface displayed a reduction in the size of dimples formed in reinforced aluminium composites when compared with larger dimple sizes observed in as-cast aluminium alloy.
Development of metal matrix composite is becoming widespread in most engineering applications where excellent mechanical properties are required. Mechanical and microstructural properties of aluminium reinforced with silicon carbide was investigated. Ingot of aluminium was melted in a furnace at temperature ranging between 650-700 ℃. Ferrotitanium and silicon carbide were preheated in a muffle furnace before addition to molten aluminium in a crucible furnace. Fixed proportions of magnesium, ferrotitanium and varying proportions of silicon carbide were utilized as reinforcements. Stirring was carried out manually for a minimum of 10 mins after the addition of each weight percent of silicon carbide. Resulting as-cast samples were sectioned for various mechanical and microstructural analysis. Microstructural studies from optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the dispersion of reinforcements in the aluminium matrix. Mechanical properties which includes hardness and tensile strength of fabricated composites were observed to increase, while XRD analysis showed various phases formed from reaction between the matrix and reinforcements.
The limitations of aluminium in most engineering applications has led to the development of aluminium matrix composites with improved microstructural and mechanical properties. Nanoindentation techniques was used in assessing the mechanical properties of fabricated aluminium matrix composites with ferrotitanium and silicon carbide as reinforcements. Results from nanoindentation experiments shows the dependence of modulus of elasticity, microhardness and contact depth on the dispersion of ferrotitanium and silicon carbide reinforcements within the aluminium matrix. Highest nanohardness value was observed in composite with 7 wt. % silicon carbide, while the lowest elastic modulus was recorded in as-cast aluminium. Further analysis of specimens confirmed a decrease in maximum penetration depth with respective increase in the addition of silicon carbide reinforcements in the fabricated composites.
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