Study of Particle Distribution in Al-SiC Particulate Composite by Random Motion of Mould

Abstract

Synthesis of Al metal matrix composites (MMCs) with ceramic particulate reinforcements through casting route is associated with the problem of non-uniform distribution of particulate. The problem of non-uniform distribution is more for the case of larger particulate volume fraction. In the present study a novel method has been tried to overcome this. It involves random movement of mold containing liquid aluminium and ceramic particulates ieSiC. In the present studythe spherical mold containing molten aluminium and SiC particulates of size 50-100µm is allowed to rotate in a cylindrical drum to impart a random rotation as well translation Before the design of experiment the process simulation has already been done. Accordingly the process has been fabricated. At present the process is a crude one. Preliminary experiments show that the distributions of particles obtained by this technique are better as compared to that of stir cast composites with similar volume fraction of reinforcement. However, the result obtained by the novel technique varied as proper control over the random motion of the mold was not possible. Although uniform microstructure could be obtained in most of the experiment in some cases and certain zones the microstructure showed a non uniform distribution of particles. The temperature of mold before it is subjected to random movement is strongly influenced the particle distribution.