Investigations on Mechanical Properties of Al-4.5% Cu-SiC and Al-4.5%Cu-Graphite Composites

Abstract

This paper deals with the investigation of mechanical properties by introducing micro size SiC particulates and Graphite particulates into Al-4.5%Cu alloy matrix. SiC and Graphite particle reinforced Al alloy metal matrix composites were prepared by stir casting method. Al-Cu alloy was taken as the base matrix to which SiC and Graphite particulates were used as reinforcements. 6 wt. % of SiC and Graphite particulates were added to the base matrix to fabricate Al-4.5Cu – 6 wt. % SiC and Al-4.5%Cu – 6 wt. % Graphite composites. For each composite, the reinforcement particles were pre-heated to a temperature of 600 o C and then dispersed in steps of two into the vortex of molten Al-Cu alloy to improve wettability and distribution. The Micostructural study was done by using optical microscope, which revealed the uniform distribution of SiC and Graphite particles in matrix alloy. Mechanical properties like hardness, tensile and impact strength were evaluated as per ASTM standards. Hardness and tensile strength increased with addition of 6 wt. % of SiC particulates in the base matrix Al-Cu alloy compared to Al-Cu-6wt. % Graphite composites.