Effect of SiC Reinforcement on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite

Abstract

Aluminum reinforced with silicon carbide composites areextensively used in automobile industries and aerospaceowing to their favourable microstructure and improved mechanical behaviour with respect to pure aluminium but at a lower cost. Aluminium is remarkable for the low density and its ability to resist corrosion. The aim of present study istoevaluate the mechanical and microstructural properties of aluminum with silicon carbide (average particle size 30-45μm) reinforced in varying weight percentages (wt %) ranging from 0–15 wt% in a step of 5% each. Ultimate tensile strength, micro hardness and density of the fabricated composites were investigated as a function of varying SiC wt%. Microstructure analysis was carried out on casted composites using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. From micrographs it is clear that fair distribution of reinforcing particles in the matrix and also observed some clustering and porosity in the cast material. Results revealed that, the addition of SiC reinforcement in the aluminum matrix increases the hardness and ultimate tensile strength gradually from 23 HV to 47 HV and 84 MPa to 130 MPa respectively.