Surface Modification of SiC Reinforcements & its Effects on Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Based MMC

Abstract

Aluminum (A356)-SiC metal matrix composites were fabricated by using liquid metallurgy route. To improve the interfacial bonding between the Al and SiC, an attempt has been made to coat the SiC particles with Ni and Cu. Electroless process was used for coating the reinforced particle. This surface modification due to electroless coating on SiC particles was confirmed with SEM/ EDS analysis. Processing parameters such as melt temperature, stirring speed, stirring time, and preheating temperature were optimized. SiC content in Al-SiC MMC were taken from 5 to 15% and effect of Ni and Cu coating was studied using hardness measurements. Influence of coated SiC particles in Al-SiC showed significant improvement in hardness values. Moreover, micro structural examination clearly demonstrated that Cu coating on SiC particles resulted in good metallurgical boding as compared to SiC particles with Ni coating. As a result, the hardness values of Al-SiC (Cu) exhibited better hardness values as compared to Al-SiC (Ni) MMCs. As expected, high SiC content in types of Al-SiC MMCs showed high hardness values as compared to low SiC content and base alloy. The present investigation suggests that Cu coating on SiC particles are more suitable as compared to Ni coating on SiC particles to synthesis Al-SiC MMCs.

Superior Mechanical Performance of Inductively Sintered Al/SiC Nanocomposites Processed by Novel Milling Route

“…Aluminium matrix composites containing ceramic reinforcements can also exhibit low thermal expansion coefficient, making them as unique materials to be used in defense, cosmonautics, automotive industry, and many other areas [10][11][12] . SiC is one of the most common particulate reinforcements for strengthening the aluminium matrix [13][14][15] . However, achieving a significant reduction in the ductility of aluminum MMCs reinforced with SiC microparticles is a key challenge [16][17][18] .…”

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Cast Alloy A356 reinforced with Dual-Size B4C Particles

“…Substituting the base aluminum alloys with particulate composites has the advantage of improving the mechanical strength parameters without seriously disturbing the thermal and electrical conductivities and other properties A [4][5][6][7]. The common reinforcement particles used in AMMCs are graphite, SiO 2 , SiC, Al 2 O 3 and B 4 C used in small percentages of about 2 to 8% [8][9][10][11][12]. Some researchers have used hybrid reinforcement, i.e., using two types of particulates [13][14], while some others have employed dual or treble sizes of same particulate [15][16].…”

Regulating Mechanical Properties of Al/SiC by Utilizing Different Ball Milling Speeds

“…Aluminum matrix composites reinforced by ceramic particles also have a low thermal expansion coefficient, distinguishing them to be used in defense, cosmonautics, the automotive industry, and many other areas [6][7][8]. SiC particulates are among the most used reinforcements to strengthen the aluminum matrix [9][10][11]. Nonetheless, the great degradation of some properties, such as ductility, in aluminum MMCs reinforced with SiC microparticles is a key challenge [12][13][14].…”