Studies on aluminium metal matrix composites with titanium nanoparticles for stir squeeze casting process

Abstract

All over the world, Aluminium scrap has increased applications in the automotive and aerospace sectors due to its desirable properties such as low density, high strength-to-weight ratio and high resistance to corrosion. Aluminium scrap is widely used in various alloys. However, many casting faults are found in components made from aluminium alloys using the standard gravity and pressure die casting processes. Squeeze casting has the ability to reduce the number of defective parts produced through casting. newlineIn this research work, squeeze cast test samples are prepared, using scrap aluminium and scrap aluminium with titanium nanoparticles. Experimental studies are carried out to find the mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength (UTS), hardness, compressive strength, fatigue life, and impact strength in relation to four important process parameters namely squeeze pressure, die pre-heat temperature, pressure duration and stirring speed. It was observed that squeeze pressure played the most significant role in enhancing the mechanical properties of the components. Taguchi method has been used to determine the overall optimal parameters for producing cast components from aluminium scrap. newlineFurther, ultrasonic treatment of melt is coupled with squeeze casting to provide unique and low-cost method of producing high quality components. The ultrasonic treatment with amplitudes of 25 and#956;m, 50 and#956;m, and 70 and#956;m are used. UTS, hardness, compressive strength, fatigue life, and impact strength are tested to identify change in response to increasing ultrasonic treatment with amplitude. The results demonstrated that the mechanical properties increased concurrently with the amplitude of ultrasonic treatment. newline