Role of Stir Casting in development of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite (AMC): An Overview

Abstract

Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) have evolved itself in recent times as a source material for automotive applications, spacecraft applications, electronics applications and sports accessories applications. The reason for these numerous applications is their alterable mechanical properties such as good strength-weight ratio, better stiffness, excellent resistance to wear, precise co-efficient of thermal expansion, improved resistance to fatigue, and better immutability at elevated temperature conditions. All these properties are fully dependent on processing/manufacturing methods and their processing conditions. In comparison to other composite development techniques, Stir casting is an adequate method as well as it is greatly acceptable in industries. Such wide acceptability of stir casting process is by the virtue of its adaptability, cost benefits and its superiority for mass production. Therefore, this review paper compiles the details of AMC and their manufacturing methods. Among various manufacturing methods, stir casting method is described in details along with its various parameters, such as size of impeller, impeller blade angle, and position of impeller Stirring speed and stirring time for the homogeneous distribution of reinforcing material. It is still a tough task for AMCs production firms and researchers to investigate the effects of stirring process variables on the particle distribution and also adequate selection of these variables. This review encloses the study of rigorous and specific attempts made so far to investigate the consequences of stirring variables in stir casting method. Additionally for AMCs production firms and researchers, Optimized levels of stirring variables are proposed for obtaining better mechanical characteristics.