Effect of graphite on aluminium matrix composites fabricated by stir casting route – A review

Abstract

Abstract Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) form a new class of materials having potential to satisfy the demands of advanced engineering applications. Aluminium matrix composites are finding wide applications in aerospace, automobile, structural and marine industries due to high strength to low density ratio, high damping capacity, low wear rate, excellent corrosion resistance and so on. There are different techniques to produce aluminium matrix composites. Stir casting route is the most commonly used technique as it is economical. Different ceramic materials like SiC, B4C, and Al2O3 can be added as reinforcements in fabrication of aluminium/aluminium alloy composites to improve the mechanical properties. The wear properties of aluminium matrix composites can be enhanced by reinforcing graphite into the aluminium/aluminium alloy matrix phase. In this study, the effect of graphite on mechanical properties like tensile strength, hardness and wear behaviour on aluminium matrix composites produced by stir casting method has been reviewed.