Study of Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite Reinforced with Alumina

Abstract

Aluminium alloy has gained importance in the automotive and aerospace industry as it is easily available and easy in manufacturing. In the recent years, materials science has gained huge importance in the field of composites. In the field of composites metal matrix composite is playing a lead role in industrial applications. The unique combinations of properties provided by aluminum and its alloys make aluminum one of the most versatile, economical and attractive metallic materials. To enhance the properties of aluminum, it has been reinforced with alumina, silicon carbide, graphene and others. In this study, A357 aluminum has been strengthened by using different weight percent of alumina as reinforcement. Percentage of alumina used are 4%, 8% and 12% to enhance the mechanical and tribological property of A357.The fabricated samples were studied to understand the performance of the composite for mechanical and tribological characters. It was observed that the composites showed superior properties compared to the base material. Statistical analysis i.e. regression analysis has been carried out for hardness and tensile strength of alumina reinforced aluminum composite.