Investigating the Effect of SiC and Graphite Particulates on Properties of Al2214 Alloy Hybrid Composites

Abstract

There is a strong demand in automobile and air vehicles structures for reduction of weight and there is a constant scratch towards new materials for replacing conventional materials. In this regards Silicon Carbide (SiC) particle reinforced metal matrix composites have taken big initiative towards replacing conventional material. Especially, Al based MMCs are taken a big role in both automotive and air vehicles. newlineIn recent years, Al based composites are gaining wide spread importance in several high tech engineering applications. Extensive research have been carried out on the mechanical properties of Al based conventional composites involving a single reinforcement. Use of single reinforcement in Al matrix may sometimes lead to deterioration in its physical properties. However, to overcome the drawback of single reinforced composites, the concept of two different types of reinforcements is being explored in Al matrix, the two reinforcements normally one of the reinforcement will be a hard phase and the other being a soft lubricating phase. Hard reinforcements such as SiC, TiO2, Al2O3, TiB2, etc will enhance the hardness and abrasive wear resistance of Al while it has a negative effect on the machinability and conductivity of Al. newlineTo offset these effects, reinforcements like graphite which is a solid lubricant and possessing good conductivity can be dispersed in Al along with hard reinforcements. However, information is available as regards the processing and characterization of these hybrid Al composites. There are various approaches to synthesize aluminium based metal matrix composites viz., diffusion bonding, powder metallurgy route, vortex method, squeezes casting, liquid infiltration, Osprey process, disintegrated melt deposition process, laser composite surfacing, in-situ techniques etc. Various researches have adopted the above techniques in developing varieties of metal matrix composites. newlineFurther, of the several approaches to synthesize aluminium based composites liquid metallurgy route is the most suitabl