Characterization and mechanical response of novel Al-(Mg–TiFe–SiC) metal matrix composites developed by stir casting technique

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the synthesis, characterization and mechanical properties of aluminium reinforced with ferrotitanium and silicon carbide via stir casting technique. Microstructures of as-cast samples were analysed using optical and scanning electron microscopes equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The mechanical properties in terms of hardness, tensile, tribological behaviour and fracture were assessed. Results showed that the homogeneous dispersion of reinforcement was within the metal matrix composite. Tribological study revealed a decrease in frictional coefficient of the composites with lowest frictional coefficient observed in composite with addition of silicon carbide as reinforcement. Morphology of fractured surface displayed a reduction in the size of dimples formed in reinforced aluminium composites when compared with larger dimple sizes observed in as-cast aluminium alloy.