Microstructure Analysis and Wear Behaviour of Al Based Metal Matrix Composite Reinforced With Ceramic Particles

Abstract

Aluminium alloys is gathering more interest in research field because of its wide applications in aerospace and automobile industries. Aluminium alloys are used as a base metal in metal matrix composites (MMC's) with ceramic particulates as reinforcement. This improves the properties of aluminium alloys. The purpose of this paper was to study the mechanical properties of Al-Mg-SiC composites manufactured by stir casting method with varying composition of SiC (0%,5%,10%and 15%). Initially XRD and SEM analysis of the samples were done to study the phases present and their distribution along with idea of composition. Then hardness and wear studies were carried out to judge the surface mechanical properties of the composites prepared. It has been found from this study that percentage of reinforcement in the composite causes changes in its hardness and wear properties.