Development of Aluminium Composite and its Foams for Mechanical Applications

Abstract

The present work contains the details and discussion on the development and characterization of zircon sand reinforced LM13 aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) and LM13 aluminium matrix foam (AMFs) and its composite (AMCFs). The entire work in this thesis is presented in seven chapters. In the chapter 1, general introduction to particle reinforced aluminium matrix composite is given. A summary of particle reinforced aluminum matrix composite, aluminum foam and aluminum composite foam along with their production methods are also presented in this chapter. The main factors responsible for the mechanical properties of the AMCs, AMFs and AMCFs along with their properties and applications in different sectors are also discussed in brief. Chapter 2 covers the literature review regarding the work done on the development of AMCs, AMFs and AMCFs by many researchers using different fabrication techniques and their study based on wear behavior. As our work is based on the stir casting process, hence we focus on the works done by the researchers in the related area for development of AMC, AMF and AMCF and their physical properties, hardness, wear resistance and blast mitigation. The last section of this chapter presents the aims and plan of the work of the thesis. Chapter 3 contains the experimental procedure followed in the present work. Detailed procedure to develop the AMCs, AMFs and AMCFs and their characterizations are given in this chapter. Different characterization techniques such as X- ray diffraction (XRD), Optical microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Vickers hardness testing and Wear testing with pin-on-disc machine and blast mitigation test along with different operating parameters are also discussed. A flow chart of the methodology used to develop for AMCs and AMF/AMCFs are also given in this chapter. xvii Chapter 4 deals with microstructural analysis and discussions of developed AMCs, AMFs and AMCFs.