Characterization of the Aluminum Matrix Composite Reinforced with Silicon Nitride (AA8011/Si3N4) Synthesized by the Stir Casting Route

Abstract

Abstract: The result of different volume % of Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) in AA 8011 alloy fabricated through stir casting process & then tested for hardness, wear test. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of these samples are done. It is found that the highest hardness and wear strength can be obtained with the addition of 80 μm particle size of Si3N4 with 6% of its total volume fraction. This increase in the properties is due to the increase in density caused by the addition of Si3N4 reinforcement particles. SEM study also shows that the distribution of Si3N4 with the matrix material. The maximum hardness is obtained at 40.7 HV in sample 04 having 6% of Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) and 94% of Aluminium Alloy 8011, Similarly, maximum wear is recorded in the sample having 6% of Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) and 94% of Aluminium Alloy 8011when the load is 4kg and RPM is 1800.