Study on mechanical properties of graphite particulates reinforced aluminium matrix composite fabricated by stir casting technique

Abstract

The lineage of applied materials science is always in demand for light weight and highly performing materials. Such materials would find their applications in aircraft, structural, non-structural and automobile industries, etc. The present research study focuses on the production of aluminium (AA6351) matrix composites reinforced in different mass fractions of graphite particulates by using stir casting method. The mass fraction of reinforcement was varied from 0% to 12% in stages of 4%. Hardness and tensile strength of the composite were investigated. The microstructures of the produced composites were examined by scanning electron micrographic test. The SEM images revealed the non-homogeneous distribution of graphite (Gr) particles in the matrix and this may be due to low density of graphite. The test results revealed that the mechanical properties of the composite decrease with increase in the mass fraction of graphite particle content, this may be due to poor interfacial bonding between the reinforcement and the matrix. The brittle nature of the reinforcing particles (graphite) plays a vital role in decreasing the mechanical properties because the graphite as a soft reinforcement is brittle in nature and so it enhanced the brittleness in the AMCs.