Study on preparation of Al – SiC metal matrix composites using powder metallurgy technique and its mechanical properties

Abstract

Powder metallurgy is a material processing technique to produce novel parts and components by using various metal powders as starting materials through the blending, compaction and sintering process. It is a renowned, economical process for creating complex parts with near net shapes. It is more advantageous than other metal forming techniques. It leads to produce components with intricate shape at cheaper price. Besides, it has the potential to produce versatile parts and maintain part to part uniformity with improved surface quality. This technology is highly applied in aerospace, automobile industries, and for structural applications. In this research work, fabrication of Al-SiC composite by powder metallurgy method is discussed. The reinforcement was homogenously distributed in the matrix phase without any formation of byproducts. SiC particles with different compositions (10 and 20 wt%) were added as reinforcement. Moreover, the addition of SiC in the matrix system improves mechanical properties of composites. After the development of material, the hardness, density and porosity of the composites have been evaluated.