An Experimental Investigation on Mechanical and Wear Properties of Al7075/SiCp Composites: Effect of SiC Content and Particle Size

Abstract

One of the major advantages of metal matrix composites (MMCs) is that their tailorable properties meet the specific requirements of a particular application. This paper deals with the experimental investigations done on the effects of the reinforcement particulate size and content on the Al7075/SiC composite. The composites were manufactured using stir casting technique. The effect of SiC particle size (25, 50, and 75 μm) and particulate content (5, 10, and 15 wt %) on the microstructural, mechanical properties, and wear rate of the composites was studied and the results were analyzed for varied conditions of reinforcement. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examinations were used to assess the dispersion of SiC particles reinforced into the matrix alloy and was found with reasonably uniform with minimal particle agglomerations and with good interfacial bonding between the particles and matrix material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of Al and SiC with the composite. The results of mechanical tests showed that the increasing SiC particle size and content considerably enhanced the ultimate tensile strength and hardness of the composites while the ductility at this condition was decreased. The highest ultimate tensile strength of 310 MPa and hardness of 126 BHN were observed for the composites containing 15 wt %. SiC at 75 μm. Lesser the wear resistance of the reference alloy while it was enhanced up to 40% with the composites. The wear resistance was increased up to 1200 m of sliding distance for all the composites, whereas for the composite containing 75 μm SiC particles, it was extended up to 1800 m.

Investigation on mechanical properties of aluminium 7075 - boron carbide - coconut shell fly ash reinforced hybrid metal matrix composites

“…The maximum hardness was 169.5 BHN by cumulative reinforcement of 15wt.% B 4 C and CSFA particles in aluminum alloy. Similar results were found in the fly ash particle reinforced composites, which improved hardness of the aluminum matrix composite [28][29][30][31] . Overseas Foundry Earlier research results also revealed [28,30] that the aluminium alloy with reinforcement particles like boron carbide and fl y ash reinforcement offered maximum tensile strength as compared to the unreinforced Al alloy.…”

SiC Particulate Reinforced Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite

“…Surface quality improved in turning of AlSi7Mg2-MMC samples when cutting speed decreased. Rao et al [12] have done an experimental investigation on mechanical properties of Al7075/SiC-p composites and they found that by increasing SiC particle size and wt. % considerably enhanced the tensile strength and hardness of the composites but the ductility of the composite is decreased.…”

“…% of SiC particles in Al. Rao et al [12] have done an experimental investigation on wear properties of Al7075/SiC-p composites. AA7075 reinforced with SiC-p (particle size of 25μm, 50μm and 75μm and particulate content 5, 10 and 15wt.…”

Mechanical Behavior of Coir Fiber Reinforced Polymer Resin Composites with Saturated Ash Particles

“…Composite materials play an important role in engineering applications because of numerous specialized applications in aerospace and auto-motive industries due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, good fatigue and creep resistance, a high coefficient of thermal expansion, excellent wear resistance, and good machinability. [1]- [3]. A combination of two or more materials that differ in shape or addition on a large scale is called as composite material which exhibits better properties than that of the individual material [4]- [6].…”