Characterisation of Aluminum Metal Matrix Hybrid Composites Subjected to Equal Channel Angular Pressing

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to prepare hybrid composites of Aluminum2618 reinforced with E-Glass fibres and Silicon carbide (SiC) by stir casting technique and to evaluate the effect of Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) on the Characteristics of Al2618-E-Glass-SiC hybrid composites. Specimens were prepared by adding weight percentage of reinforcements in 2% increments (4% SiC with 2% E-glass fibres and 6% SiC with 4% E-glass fibres). Silicon carbide particles of 35 μm size were added to the matrix. The SPD through Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) was carried out at room temperature. The specimens were subjected to single pass using an ECAP die of 90o channel angle. The performance of the specimens was compared with as casted composites. The micro structural study revealed that the specimens are defects free and also the particles are distributed uniformly. Hardness of the hybrid composite has improved before and after SPD process. The study reveals a reduction in the grain size due to strain hardening by the ECAP process which signifies the enhancement in the mechanical properties of hybrid composite materials.