Experimental investigation of mechanical and wear behaviour of aluminium metal matrix composite

Abstract

This contribution deals with the prediction of the influence of zircon sand and boron carbide on the mechanical properties of aluminum metal matrix composites (MMC). Metal matrix composite samples were fabricated using the stir-casting process. The prepared samples were tested for their tensile, flexural, impact and hardness strength. Increase in the hardness of the prepared samples through addition of adding Zircon sand and boron carbide particles as compared with pure aluminum alloy was seen. Increase in the impact and flexural strength as a result of the presence of the ceramic particles as compared with pure aluminum alloy was also seen. But, there was a decrease in the tensile strength due to an increase in the hardness and porosity of the composites. Increase in the impact, flexural and hardness properties of Type III aluminum matrix to 3.89 J, 400.3 MPa and 141.7 BHN through an increase in the weight percentage of reinforcements used was clearly seen. These results have been compared with Al-Zr MMC and Al-B4C MMC and shows of better results by the hybrid composite was proved. Scanning electron microscope analysis accompanied with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy was carried out for the study of micro structural evolution of the samples. An innovative aspect of this MMC is that, it shows an increase in mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strength as well as hardness can find practical applications in the aerospace and automobile industries. newline