Analysis of Mechanical Properties of AMC Fabricated by Vacuum Stir Casting Process

Abstract

Silicon carbide-based Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites (AMMCs) are well accepted engineering materials for a wide range of applications specifically in the field of aerospace and automotive industries. These Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) possess high strength, high stiffness, more thermal stability, more corrosion and wear resistance, and more fatigue life. Aluminum alloys are considered as good alternatives due to their unique properties and low weights. It is always a challenge to achieve accurate percentage distribution of the reinforcement particles inside the matrix, as it can affect the material property of the composite. The study presented in this paper comprises of development of a composite by adding silicon carbide in Aluminum alloy 6063 by 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15% (of mass ratio) respectively through stir casting technique. The effect of size and weight fraction of SiC particulates on the microstructural and corrosion behavior of Al/SiC MMCs was studied and mechanical tests (such as hardness test, microstructure test) were conducted. The results further revealed that Al/SiC MMCs exhibited higher density than pure Al matrix. The micro-structural properties have been analyzed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and its compositional distribution was analyzed using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and mapping techniques. The results revealed a homogenous particle distribution along with enhanced mechanical and micro-structural properties.