Alloy Metal Matrix Composites Research Articles

Investigation of mechanical & corrosion properties of graphene, R-glass fiber reinforced Aluminium 2024 hybrid composites

Aluminium alloy 2024, due to its high strength & Fatigue resistance is used in aircraft structural application. The development of hybrid composites involves a combination of two or more reinforcement in a single matrix .The present proposed work focuses on evaluation of mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of Aluminium 2024 alloy metal matrix composites by the addition of desirable reinforcements. The main objective of this research work is to develop hybrid aluminium composite which was fabricated using stir casting process considering two reinforcements such as graphene and R-glass fiber and Al2024 as a base alloy matrix. The casted aluminium alloy were machined as per ASTM standards and mechanical tests such as tension test and compression test were conducted on hybrid aluminium composite specimens based on the weight percentage of reinforcements and further the developed hybrid composites were subjected to study corrosion behaviour and corrosion test was conducted by dipping specimens in 0.25 N, 0.5 N, 0.75 N, 1 N hydrochloric acid solution as a corrodent for duration of 96 h with increment of 24 h by using weight loss method .Morphological study of the developed aluminium hybrid composites after corrosion test was carried out using scanning electron microscope.

Effect of SiC Reinforcement and Its Variation on the Mechanical Characteristics of AZ91 Composites.

In this study, the processing of SiC particulate-strengthened magnesium alloy metal matrix composites via vacuum supported inert atmosphere stir casting process is presented. The effects of small variations in the SiC particulate (average size 20 µm) reinforcement in magnesium alloy AZ91 were examined. It was found that with the addition of SiC particulate reinforcement, the hardness improved considerably, while the ultimate tensile and yield strength improved slightly. The density and porosity of the magnesium alloy-based composites increased with the increase in the wt.% of SiC particulates. The tensile and compressive fracture study of the fabricated composites was also performed. The tensile fractures were shown to be mixed-mode fractures (i.e., ductile and cleavage). The fractured surface also disclosed tiny dimples, micro-crack, and cleavage fractures which increases with increasing reinforcement. For the compression fracture, the surface microstructural studies of AZ91 displayed major shear failure and demonstrated the greater shear bands when compared to AZ91/SiC composites, which instead revealed rough fracture surfaces with mixed-mode brittle and shear features.

Fabrication and characterization of novel nitinol particulate reinforced aluminium alloy metal matrix composites (NiTip/AA6061 MMCs)

The composites of aluminium alloy metal matrix composites (AAMMCs) are extensively used to achieve the industrial demand. The present investigation deals with the manufacturing of AAMMCs reinforced with different weight percentage of nitinol particulates (NiTip) by using the powder metallurgy (P/M) technique. The weight percentage of the NiTip reinforcement is ranging from 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%. The hardness and surface roughness of the NiTip/AA6061 metal matrix composites (MMCs) have been tested and compared with the results available in the published source to assess the novelty of the present investigation. The morphology of the NiTip/AA6061 MMCs is characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experiment results exhibit that the surface roughness and hardness of the AAMMCs increase with increase in the percentage of NiTip content. This can also be due to the superior matrix-reinforcement interfacial bonding. The SEM results exhibit the homogenous distribution of the NiTip in AAMMCs.

Optimization of WEDM process parameters by RSM in machining of stir cum squeeze cast A413–B4C composites

In this paper, aluminium alloy metal matrix composites were manufactured via stir cum squeeze casting technique owing to their tremendous automotive and aviation applications. The aluminium alloy with 12 weight percentage boron carbide (A413 with 12 wt% B4C) composites was prepared with optimal stir cum squeeze casting parameters like applied squeeze pressure of 140 MPa, 225 °C preheated die temperature and 12 wt% of B4C particles which yielded pore-free fine-grained equally distributed ceramic particles of the composite, leading to an enhanced higher hardness of 136 VHN and higher tensile value of 373 MPa due to squeezing pressure and B4C particles. The prime intern of the wire electrical discharge machining process was adopted for investigating the machinability of stir cum squeeze cast high-strength A413 with 12 wt% B4C composite. The stratagem of response surface methodology along through central composite rotatable design was taken towards systematic design of experiments. The experimental study results exhibited a possibility of higher amount of metal removal rate for maximum pulse on-time and peak current values, and also better surface roughness was acquired for higher values of pulse off time. The mathematical model shows excellent prediction in accordance with experimental data which seems to fall inside the bounds of acceptable average error around 6.47% and 1.52% for metal removal rate and surface roughness through additivity tests, respectively. The proposed multi-response optimization results revealed a great potential for improving machined surface quality which could be utilized according to the industrial requirements.

A review on mechanical and wear properties of ASTM a 494 M grade nickel-based alloy metal matrix composites

The paper explains the mechanical lead and wears the properties of composites made from the cross-section of Nickel composite metal using the common shape. Nickel and nickel-containing base composites are used as critical and important materials in a broad variety of current applications due to their wonderful properties, such as exceptional mechanical strength, advanced mix safety, and complex process control. As a result, these materials had a steadily increasing enthusiasm for exhibiting predominance in different applications in their mechanical and tribological properties. Improving these more exceptional materials with improved workmanship for mechanical and tribological applications has led experts to develop new and innovative materials from the hypothetical processes to be developed. Product lattices composites have an advantage over the end, because they are particularly suitable for applications requiring outstanding stability at high temperatures, unrivaled basics, dimensional protection and light weight. This composite material, in the same way, offers a mix of impenetrable disintegration, heat exhaustion, heat staggering, quality, robustness, metallurgical quality, workability, weldability and, in addition to its ability to withstand a wide range of conditions of Extraordinary work, including high temperatures, is of similar concern to creeping material. Several professionals have shown that strengths such as silicone oxides, graphene, aluminum particles; silicon carbide, tungsten, graphite, etc. particles, without a very noticeable stretch, are joined together in a nickel mixture organized for the progression of the compounds. Nickel and nickel blends of world class use are widely used in steel, marine, avionics, watches, cars, improvements, PCs, etc.

The Effect of Micro-SiCp Content on the Tensile and Fatigue Behavior of AZ61 Magnesium Alloy Matrix Composites

AZ61 magnesium alloy metal matrix composites (MMCs) with different weight percentages (0, 1 and 2) of micro-silicon carbide particles (SiCp) were fabricated using stir casting method. Effects of SiCp on the microstructural distributions, mechanical and fatigue properties, and fracture surfaces have been investigated. The microstructural observations of as-cast MMCs unveil the existence of primary α-Mg phase and the presence of large amount of β-Mg17Al12 secondary phase at grain boundary. The specimens are subjected to homogenization heat treatment at 410 °C for 24 h; the β-Mg17Al12 phases are significantly dissolved in the matrix grain boundaries which enhance the ductility and decrease the hardness compared with the as-cast materials. The addition of SiCp reinforcement led to improved yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of AZ61/SiCp composite compared to the unreinforced alloy. The maximum values of YS and UTS have been attained at AZ61/1wt%SiCp composites. The enhancement of YS and UTS was due to the presence of a uniformly distributed reinforced SiCp, which depends on grain refinement of the matrix and strong interfacial bonding between the matrix and reinforcement. In the case of fatigue test results, the addition of SiCp reduced the fatigue life and strength of AZ61 alloy composite. However, addition of 1wt%SiCp showed good mechanical and fatigue properties compared to pure AZ61 magnesium alloy and AZ61/2wt%SiCp composite. Furthermore, the effects of addition of SiCp on the mechanical and fatigue properties of the composite were confirmed by using the scanning electron microscope observation of fracture surfaces.

Comparative study on dry sliding wear behavior of mono (Al2219/B4C) and hybrid (Al2219/B4C/Gr) metal matrix composites using statistical technique

Abstract In the present study, aluminium metal matrix composites (AMMC’s) reinforced with boron carbide (B4C) and graphite (Gr) particles were prepared by stir casting method. Dry sliding wear behavior of developed composites was conducted on pin on disc apparatus with variation in sliding distance, applied load and sliding speed. Taguchi method was employed to optimize the data in a controlled way. Analysis of variance was employed to examine the wear behavior of base alloy (Al2219), mono (Al/B4C) and hybrid (Al/B4C/Gr) metal matrix composites. The correlations were established by linear regression models and validated using confirmation tests. The obtained results indicated that B4C content, sliding distance is highly affected by the dry sliding wear followed by sliding speed and applied load. The incorporation of B4C and Gr particles in aluminium improves the tribological characteristics. The SEM images of mono composite shows the deep grooves on worn surface. It demonstrates the signs of abrasive wear of mono composite. The hybrid composite exhibits excellent wear resistance when compared to mono composite and base alloy. The main reason of that is the Gr particles act as a solid lubricating material in the hybrid composite (Al/B4C/Gr).

Studies on mechanical behavior and morphology of alumina fibers reinforced with aluminium-4.5% copper alloy metal matrix composites

Present investigation aims at the development of Aluminium-4.5% Copper with Alumina fibers (Al2O3) material to form hybrid composite material through Squeeze Casting Process. Samples of 10, 20 and 30 wt% of Alumina Fibers in Aluminium-4.5% Copper matrix were prepared. The various tensile properties of the materials viz., ultimate tensile yield stress were evaluated utilizing a standard 40 ton Universal Tensile Machine of model UTM ZD the ultimate tensile strength tests were as per ASTM E8-82 guidelines. The tensile specimens of diameter 10 mm and gauge length 80 mm were machined from the cast specimens with the gauge length of the specimens parallel to the longitudinal axis of the castings. The ductility of the specimens was assessed in terms of percentage elongation and Yield stress. The corrosion test results are presented for both base material and with reinforced material. The corrosion rate decreased with the duration of immersion. Aluminum-4.5% copper and aluminum-4.5% copper with alumina fibers showed a weight loss intermediate between the two in the chosen corrosion medium. The hybrid composite (aluminum-4.5% copper with alumina fiber reinforcement) specimens showed better corrosion pitting resistance than the base specimens. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was used to study the morphology of the composite materials.

Study on pitting corrosion behaviour of graphene oxide reinforced metal matrix composites

In this present study, the corrosion behavior of nano graphene oxide reinforced Aluminum alloy metal matrix composites investigated using pitting corrosion methods. The Al/GO composites were fabricated by ultrasonic stir casting technique. The effects of weight fraction of nano graphene oxides on the corrosion behavior of LM 24 aluminium alloy composites were analyzed. The corroded surfaces morphological were evaluated using scanning electron microscope and hardness was examined by microhardness tester. The experimental results were revealed that the corrosion rate was decreased with increases of weight percentage nano particles in the matrix. The microhardness values were gradually increased with increases of weight fractions of reinforcements in the matrix.

Tensile, compressive and heat transfer analysis of ZrO2 reinforced aluminum LM6 alloy metal matrix composites

In the present investigation, aluminum LM6 alloy is used as a matrix and it was reinforced with various weight fractions of ZrO2 Such as 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 wt%. The composite materials were cast using the stir casting method. The various stir cast samples were subjected to Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) analysis, mechanical and thermal analysis. The mechanical analysis of tensile and compressive strength was carried out for the five various weight proportions of ZrO2. The EDS analysis confirmed that the presence of aluminum and, ZrO2 particles in developed composites. Tensile and compressive strength was increased by the addition of ZrO2. In this work, mainly deals with the analysis of heat transfer for the newly developed aluminum-based composite materials when it is used as a pin fin for varying the weight percentages of ZrO2 with the aluminum particles. The Heat transfer analysis was carried out for the Aluminum LM6 matrix in addition to that varying the weight proportions of ZrO2. The efficiency and effectiveness of each fin were measured during this test. From the analysis, it was revealed that heat transfer rate was increased for the increased weight fraction of ZrO2. Similarly, the efficiency of the pin and effectiveness was increased for the increasing weight percentages of zirconium dioxide. A similar test was carried out for the same materials for varying the input voltage and current. From that test, it was identified that heat transfer is gradually increased for the increasing supply of voltage and current.

A study on effect of chill casting on A356 reinforced with Hematite metal matrix composite

The Present scenario in industries has huge demand in high strength and lightweight materials of aluminum alloy and its composites. In this paper an attempt is made to study the influence of copper chills in Aluminum alloy metal matrix composites. A356-Hematite particulate composites were fabricated through stir casting technique followed by sand moulds with and without copper chills, by varying weight percentage of Hematite particulates from 0 wt%, to 12 wt% in steps of 3 wt%. The test samples were prepared according to ASTM standards. The prepared samples have undergone microstructure, hardness, tensile and compression tests. The microstructure revealed that uniform distribution of Hematite particulates in the A356 matrix alloy and the rapid cooling rate helped to get fine grained structure. The use of copper chill in turn improved the hardness, tensile strength, and compressive strength of the chilled composite specimen as compared to as-cast specimen.

Role of Matrix Microstructure in Governing the Mechanical Behavior and Corrosion Response of Two Magnesium Alloy Metal Matrix Composites

The microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of two popular magnesium cast alloys, namely Mg–Al–Mn alloy (AM100) and Mg–Zn–Cu alloy (ZC63), and their saffil alumina short-fiber-reinforced composites have been investigated. The results reveal that the mechanical behavior of the magnesium alloy metal matrix composites (Mg-MMCs) was influenced by the nature of the base matrix and the microstructural phases present. The behavior of the composites also depended on the fiber volume fraction. The composites of the two alloys showed an improvement in tensile strength at high temperatures compared with the unreinforced counterpart. Under impact loading and salt spray corrosion conditions, the composites exhibited observable degradation in properties. Under corrosion, the distribution of microstructural phases essentially determined the corrosion resistance of the matrix. The effect of the inherent nature of the alloy matrix in controlling both the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of the Mg-MMCs is thoroughly discussed.

Study of the Corrosion Behavior of Zinc-Aluminum Alloy Matrix Composite Reinforced with Nanosilica Produced by Stir Casting

In this investigation, Zn-Al alloy metal-matrix nano composites that reinforced via various weight percentages (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) of nanosilica (SiO2) particles were fabricated applying the technique of stir casting. Behaviors of the corrosion of the unreinforced alloy and reinforced composites were measured utilizing a potentiostat test in a (3.5 wt.% NaCl) salt solution. The optical microscopy was employed to investigate the surface microstructure of the composite. Microstructure analysis manifested that the uniform distributions of the reinforcing particles in the composites are alike, consisting of a dendritic structure of the zinc alloy matrix with an excellent reinforcing particles steady dispersion. The improved results of the corrosion resistance for the metal matrix composites showed an excellent resistance to corrosion than the matrix in the (3.5 wt.% NaCl) solution. Raising the weight percentage of the reinforcement particulates of nansilica (SiO2) reduced the composites rate of corrosion.

Experimental analysis of the thermal properties of fused quartz-reinforced Al-6061alloy matrix composites using RSM approach

This study investigates the thermal property of fused quartz-reinforced aluminum 6061 alloy metal matrix composites for three different chill material conditions. Temperature and reinforcement composition were the independent variables used in experimental analysis. Thermal expansion and conductivity were considered the dependent variables. Central composite experimental design was used in this work. Analysis suggested that temperature, which contributed 55.35 % and 61.60 % variances in thermal expansion and conductivity, is a significant factor, respectively. Novel analytical models, which have a high degree of "goodness of fit" and prediction, are also developed and presented to determine thermal conductivity and expansion.

Influence of reinforcing particle distribution on the casting characteristics of Al-SiCp composites

Abstract SiC particulate reinforced A356 alloy metal matrix composites (MMCs) are synthesized using intensive melt shearing. The effect of reinforcing particle distribution on the fluidity of cast A356/10 vol.% SiCp composites is studied. Spiral length representing the fluidity of the composite melt was measured and liquid flow and solidification behaviour were analysed. Improvement in the fluidity of composites is attributed to the uniform distribution of reinforcing particles by intensive melt shearing treatment. From the casting performance point of view, uniform dispersion of reinforcing particles achieved with the aid of intensive shearing improves the mechanical properties of A356/10 vol.% SiCp cast composites. Improved strength, rigidity and wear resistance of composites is attributed to the bulk homogeneity, significantly reducing casting defects.

The effect of TiC particulate reinforcement on dry sliding wear behaviour of Al based composites

Abstract The purpose of developing Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) is to improve the mechanical and tribological properties by adding reinforcement in to the aluminium alloy. The current research is focussed on enhance the tribological and mechanical properties of Al6061 alloy MMC with the addition of Titanium Carbide (TiCp) particles. Different composites were developed by varying TiC particles for 3, 6, 9 and 12 weight percent. Tensile and hardness tests were conducted to evaluate mechanical properties. Wear test also carried out at constant load of 10N and velocity of 2 m/s for all weight fractions at sliding distances of 300m, 600m, 900m and 1200m. It was found that, Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and hardness increased with the increase of TiCp. The worn-out surface of tested specimens were analysed and found that frictional coefficient and wear rate decreased with the increase of reinforcement and sliding distances for all the weight fractions. However, after 9% weight fraction the wear rate increases.

Selection of reinforcement for Al/Mg alloy metal matrix composites

Abstract Given studies have carried to produce lightweight metal matrix composites (MMC) which have good mechanical and thermal properties. An alloy of Mg/Al has considered as the most commonly used alloy in the transport, Electronics and Sports industry for the production of lightweight elements. Mg/Al alloys improve mechanical, fabrication, and welding characteristics and reduce the production cost as compared to pure metal. Mechanical and thermal properties like creep and fatigue properties, damping, stiffness and specific strength significantly improved due to the addition of reinforcement materials into the metal matrix compared with the traditional engineering materials. SiC, Al2O3, and CNTs are commonly used reinforcement material for Mg/Al metal matrix composites. CNTs have thermal conductivity (6000 w/mK), high strength (100 GPa) and low mass density (1.3–1.4 g/cm3). CNTs are the most suitable reinforcement for preparation of the lightweight metal matrix.

Sustainability in Production and Selection of Reinforcement particles in Aluminium Alloy Metal Matrix Composites: A Review

This paper reviews relevant literature in the area of incorporating sustainable materials into the material selection process of metal matrix composites (MMCs) production. Agricultural and industrial waste materials used as reinforcements in MMCs have been reviewed to highlight the need for establishing a lean production process. The reviewed investigations have recorded improvements in both the microstructure, density and mechanical properties such as hardness, strength, tensile, and impact strength of the resulting MMC. The reviewed literature highlights stir casting as the most used method of producing aluminium and magnesium-based matrix composites due to its relatively low cost, simplicity, and efficiency. Based on the results of various studies, it is highly recommended that the use of these sustainable materials as reinforcements in MMCs possess the necessary properties to be used in engineering industrial applications.

Effect of SiC particles reinforcement on mechanical properties of aluminium 6061 alloy processed using stir casting route

Abstract Silicon carbide particle reinforced aluminium 6061 alloy metal matrix composites fabricated using stir casting route. Wt% of SiC particles varied from 0 to 4. Mechanical properties viz., hardness, tensile strength and compression strength of samples have been examined. The results revealed that hardness, tensile strength and compression strength of samples increased with increasing weight fraction of silicon carbide particles in aluminium 6061 alloy. Hardness, tensile strength and compression strength increased up to 25%, 25.6% and 12% respectively when compared to aluminium 6061 alloy.

Corrosion behaviour of in-situ Zirconium Diboride (ZrB2) reinforced by Aluminium-Copper (Al-Cu) alloy metal matrix composite

Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) through the medium of in-situ counteraction has crop up under the name of preference contributively prior to lay out weak point as well as defects reside within ex-situ MMC. In contemporary work, aluminium-copper-zirconium diboride (Al-Cu-ZrB2) composite have been plug through in-situ reaction which promote mechanical abilities on top of dispersion strengthening together with grain refinement accessed by continuation of particular particulates inside the melt for the time being of solidification. Aluminium-copper (Al-Cu) reinforced which was surrounded by various proportion of zirconium diboride (ZrB2) which were 0, 3 and 6 wt. % synthesized applying in-situ fabrication at 800 °C of molten Al-Cu alloys by inorganic salts potassium hexaflourotitanate (K2ZrF6) mixed with potassium tetraflouroborate (KBF4). The amalgam itemized using Potential-Dynamic Polarization (PDP) test on suitably segment which were metallographically qualified surface to criticize and inspect the corrosion rate itself. Microstructural investigation discovered the homogeneous and persistent allocation of second phase particles, clean interface together with favourable bonding. It is promoting that zirconium diborate (ZrB2) molecules are altogether in nano size amidst hexagonal either tetragonal shape, yet minor molecules in micron size were also noticed. For that intention, composite synthesized using in-situ techniques indicated homogeneous disposal of reinforcing influenced to be superlative associated within pure interface al over metallic matrix. Outcome of dissimilar ZrB2 percentages all over surface morphology, surface roughness, grain size, crystalline texture and of Al-Cu alloy were also inspected. Results displayed grain size drop off upon an increase of ZrB2 content in the Al-Cu alloy. Furthermore, the surface roughness was seen to decrease alongside greater ZrB2 concentration of the deposited alloy.