Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite – An Insight into Solid State and Liquid State Processes

Abstract

Aluminium metal matrix composites (AMMCs) are being considered as a group of superior material for its lightness, strength, high specific modulus, low coefficient of thermal expansion and good wear resistance properties. Solid state and liquid state processing methods are used to fabricate AMMCs. Achieving a uniform distribution of reinforcement within the matrix is one such challenge, which affects directly on the properties and quality of composite material. Powder metallurgy route, one of the solid state processing methods can be effectively used to get uniform dispersion of reinforcements with aluminium metal matrix. This paper presents the summary of the ball milling and stir casting processes to fabricate the AMMCs and its applications. Major issues like ball milling time, dispersion of reinforcements, grain size, the stirring time and speed are discussed. Also the effect of different reinforcement for AMMCs on the mechanical properties is discussed in detail.