Effect of Substituting SiC in Varying Proportions for TiC in Al-5052/TiC/SiC Hybrid MMC

Abstract

Aluminum-based metal matrix composites are evolving rapidly to cater to the specific needs of the industry. Al 5052 is an alloy of aluminum that possesses high strength and corrosion resistance. It is readily weldable, light in weight, and gives smooth surface finish. The present work target is to improve the mechanical and wear properties of Al 5052 through the addition of reinforcements, silicon carbide (SiC), and titanium carbide (TiC). Stir casting method was utilized for the fabrication of the above hybrid composites by varying the proportion of reinforcements. The first specimen, SP1, is fabricated with 7.5% SiC and 2.5% TiC; the second one, SP2, with 5% SiC and 5% TiC; and the third one, SP3, with 2.5% SiC and 7.5% TiC. Hardness, tensile strength, and wear properties of the above three specimens have been determined using Brinell Hardness tester, Universal Testing Machine (UTM), and Pin-on-Disk wear testing machine, respectively. SP3 has been evaluated to be the better one with regard to improving hardness and tensile strength and recording less wear compared to SP1 and SP2.