Analysis of tensile strength, microstructure, and fractograph of Al-Si with snail shell powder as reinforce agent

Abstract

This research aimed to increase the mechanical property of Al-Si alloy by adding snail shell powder reinforcement using the stir casting method. This research used 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 3 minutes variations of stirring time. The snail shell powder percentage in this research was 0.05 wt% from the total 1.5 kg Al-Si alloy. The stir casting method was performed by melting the Al-Si in the furnace then was stirred at 500 rpm speed in 850°C temperature before sprinkled with snail shell powder. After the stir casting process, the Al-Si alloy was poured into permanent cylindric mould according to the tensile test specimen. The specimens then tested with the mechanical test to find the tensile strength and microstructure. The results showed increases of the mechanical property with the best result was found in the specimen with a stirring time of 3 minutes with the value of 21.04 kg/mm2.