A consolidated effect of processing and squeeze pressure on Al2O3 + SiC reinforced AA6061 cast composite

Abstract

Aluminum alloy composite reinforced with a varying volume percentage of x%-Al2O3 and y%-SiC(x, y = 2,3, and 4%) were fabricated with the help of pressurized liquid metal casting or squeeze casting. A microstructural study was done with the help of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Impact and hardness tests were carried out and the effect of reinforcements was studied with the help of microstructure. It was observed that a combination of (x = 3%) Al 2O3 and (y = 3%) SiC reinforcement represents an enhancement of 32.25% and16.61% in hardness and impact strength values compared to as-cast whereas other combinations show lower improvement. The dispersion behavior of SiC is associated with the processing and represents the effectiveness of ball milling and squeeze action for the SiC particulates.