Aluminium Alloy Metal Matrix Composites Research Articles

Solidification Processing of Aluminum Alloy Metal Matrix Composites for Use in Transportation Applications

Solidification Processing of Aluminum Alloy Metal Matrix Composites for Use in Transportation Applications

Multiphysics computational modelling and experimental analysis of friction stir welding of aluminium alloy metal matrix composites (AAMMCs)

Friction stir welding is a modern method for fabricating aluminium alloy metal matrix composites (AAMMCs) that significantly enhance the properties of the parent materials. In this study, Al2O3 particles were incorporated into a 6061-T6 aluminium matrix. Experimental and numerical modeling provided in-situ observations of particle-aluminium matrix mixing in the weld stir zone (SZ). Two different pin profiles, threaded and square, were used to fabricate the AAMMC joints. The threaded pin profile resulted in uniform dispersion and a homogeneous distribution of Al2O3 particles within the aluminium matrix. In contrast, the square pin profile led to defects in the SZ and a non-homogeneous particle distribution. The volume fraction mixing of the AA6061-T6 matrix and Al2O3 at the workpiece/tool interface from top to bottom was analyzed using a level set technique. Experimental results showed effective mixing of Al2O3 particles in the AA6061-T6 matrix with the threaded pin profile, resulting in a defect-free joint, uniform particle distribution, and ultra-fine grain refinement, with grain sizes reduced to 4.19 µm. The main shear texture components observed in the threaded pin joints included B/B̅ and C, along with deformed and recrystallized texture components such as Copper {112} 〈111〉, Brass {110} 〈112〉, Goss {011} 〈100〉, Cube {001} 〈101〉, and P {011} 〈112〉 . Additionally, joints fabricated using threaded pin profiles exhibited significantly higher tensile strength (up to 270 MPa) and microhardness (average of 120 HV0.2) compared to those with square-shaped pin profiles, which showed lower values of 240 MPa and 105 HV0.2, respectively. Thus, AAMMC joints made with threaded pins demonstrate ultra-fine grain refinement, increased high-angle grain boundaries, enhanced recrystallized texture components, and improved mechanical properties, resulting in superior overall joint performance.

Optimization on stir casting process parameters of Al7050 based composites using Taguchi technique

Aluminium Alloy Metal Matrix Composites (AAMMCs) are broadly used for various applications such as aerospace, military, marine, transport and automobile applications. Aluminium alloys are not sufficient for satisfying the needs of the fastest growing industries. The more combination of properties are needed for fulfil the need of fastest growing countries. The input process parameters of fabrication methods of composites are more important in connection with mechanical and tribological properties. In this research, optimization on stir casting input process parameters of AA7050/4wt.%WC composite was done by utilizing the Taguchi technique. The melting temperature (650, 700 and 750 °C), stirring speed (150, 200 and 250 rpm) and stirring duration (10, 20 and 30 min)were selected as input parameters to optimize the stir casting input process parameters. The chosen response parameter for the investigation was wear loss. The wear test was conducted by using pin on disc setup at the condition of 2500 m sliding distance, 25 N applied load and 1.5 m/s sliding velocity. The optimized input process parameters of stir casting is high level of melting temperature (750 °C), low level of stirring speed (150 rpm) and low level of stirring duration (10 min). The increasing of melting temperature decreases the wear loss and increasing of stirring duration and stirring speed enhances the wear loss due to accumulation of reinforcements in the matrix AA7050. The contribution percentage of melting temperature, stirring speed and stirring duration is 81.02 %, 12.4 % and 6.4 % respectively. The high strength MgZn2 precipitate was formed while using optimized stirring temperature, stirring duration and stirring speed and it was confirmed by XRD. The SEM image of AA7050/4wt.%WC confirmed that uniform distribution of WC in matrix AA7050 material and it caused to offer higher wear resistance. The obtained low wear loss for confirmation test specimen is 16 mg.

Reinforcement of micro and nano material with aluminum alloy (Al7075) metal matrix composite: a review

The characteristics and structural performance of a composite material’s properties are better than those of its component parts because It comprised of a pair or more insoluble, chemically separate stages. functioning alone. ‘Metal-Matrix’ composites materials that have been produced from metals and ceramics had fibers or particles incorporated into them to enhance their physical characteristics. The fabrication of several parts and components in the aircraft and aerospace industry regularly uses aluminium 7075 alloy, a significant technical material. Its high strength to density ratio makes metal matrix composites very desirable. We provide an overview of Al 7075 Metal Matrix Composites in this study.

Influence of hybrid nanoparticles on the wear behavior of aluminum alloy composites for aerospace applications

PurposeEngineers and scientists are searching for novel materials with high performance on all aspect points of view for the applications including marine, aero and automobile fields. AA8090 aluminum alloy is one of the materials used in aero industries for aircraft construction because of its weight reduction ability. However, the AA8090 alloy has a drawback such as low wear resistance that affects the life time of material; hence, it should be addressed. The purpose of this investigation is to improve the wear resistance of AA8090 alloy.Design/methodology/approachIn this investigation, AA8090 aluminum alloy metal matrix composite was fabricated using different types of carbide nanoparticles such as vanadium carbide (VC), Cr3C2 and Mo2C by stir casting method and tribological and mechanical behaviors were studied.FindingsMechanical studies showed that the S1 sample displayed the maximum hardness of 142 HV and maximum tensile strength of 857 MPa because of the inclusion of hard VC particles. Tribological studies revealed that S1 sample showed high performance. A least wear rate of 0.003915 × 10–3 mm3/m was noted for S1 sample, which is 71% lower than the wear rate of S0 sample. Further, a least mass loss and lower coefficient of friction of 0.00152 g and 0.2, respectively, were observed for S1 sample because of its high hardness and high wear resistance because of the stuffing of high-hardness VC particles. Hence, it is concluded from this study that S1 sample, i.e. AA8090/VC, could be a better candidate for aerospace applications as it showed good tribological and mechanical properties.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is original and novel in the field of metal matrix composite which deals with the effect of hybridization on the wear performance of the aluminum alloy composites.

Studies on tribological behaviour of AA8050-Si3N4 composites

Aim of this work intense to find tribological behavior of the AA8085 composites fabricated through stir casting technique. Experiments were carry out using wear test (pin on disc) by controlling different parameters namely sliding speed (m/s), load (N) and sliding distance (m). Aluminium alloy Metal Matrix Composites (AA8050) considered for this work as base material with reinforced of AA8050 and 5 wt% and 10 wt% of Si3N4. Wear rate of AA8050 matrix composites are improved by the occurrence of different weight percentage of reinforcements. Taguchi optimization route with orthogonal array is involved to this work for evaluates the parameters influence. This work concentrates on priority of factors which affects and enhances the tribological behavior of the fabricated composites. Increasing of Si3N4 reinforced percentage moderately reduced the wear arte of the composites.

Impact of AlN-SiC Nanoparticle Reinforcement on the Mechanical Behavior of Al 6061-Based Hybrid Composite Developed by the Stir Casting Route

The enhancement of composites’ mechanical characteristics (tensile, compressive, and hardness) is a constant demand for technological advancement. The stir casting process is used to make the hybrid aluminium alloy metal matrix composites Al 6061-SiC-AlN in our present study. To create mechanical qualities such as tensile, compressive, and hardness, silicon carbide and aluminium nitride (both 3% and 6%) were utilized as the reinforcement. The tensile strength, compressive strength, and hardness of the Al 6061-SiC-AlN hybrid composites samples were determined. The tensile, compressive, and hardness parameters of Al 6061-SiC-AlN hybrid composites are estimated and evaluated to those of the matrix Al 6061 alloy. With the inclusion of silicon carbide and AlN nanoparticles, the tensile strength, compressive strength, and hardness increased from 328 to 385 MPa, 145 to 178 Mpa, and 302 to 724 VHN, respectively.

Analysis of Mechanical Behavior of Al6061 Composites Reinforced with Titanium Dioxide

Aluminum alloys are used low density good mechanical properties, better wear resistance as compared to predictable metals and their alloys. The industries are continuing in demand to develop light weight material, inexpensive and strong material which has led to the growth of aluminum alloy metal matrix composites. The aluminum based metal matrix composites have been moulded using TiO2 as reinforcement materials using the stir casting process. The hardness and tensile strength have been calculated addition to the TiO2 in Aluminium matrix improves the hardness of the material. The tensile strength and hardness increases above 4% of titanium oxide particles in the matrix.

Mechanical and electrical characterization of aluminium alloy metal matrix composites reinforced with graphite

The principle motivation behind this experiment is to fabricate Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite (AMMC) trying to further develop in its mechanical, and electrical properties. To accomplish this, four compositions were chosen. Al 8011, Al 8011 with 2 % Graphite, Al 8011 with 4 % Graphite and Al 8011 with 6 % Graphite. Among different manufacture methods available for the preparation of AMMC, Stir casting was picked because of its effortlessness, minimal expense and it very well may be utilized for large scale manufacturing. The pre-arranged composites' aftereffects on the Ductile test, Rockwell hardness test, Impact test, wear test, Optical microscope, and Electrical Conductivity test were explored, and test results were compared to Al 8011 specimen. The material's elasticity is higher than that of the unreinforced material, according to the Tensile test. The hardness esteems demonstrate an increase in hardness as the level of built-up particles increases. The wear qualities of the specimen were enhanced with increased reinforcements and the equivalent with electrical conductivity test, according to the tribological concentration. The studies clearly showed that adding graphite to the supported Al composite improves its tribological, mechanical, and electrical properties. The microstructure investigation affirms the uniform scattering of the reinforcement in the matrix. This is accomplished by proper stirring processes.

Investigation of the Tribological Characteristics of Aluminum 6061-Reinforced Titanium Carbide Metal Matrix Composites.

The current trend in the materials engineering sector is to develop newer materials that can replace the existing materials in various engineering sectors in order to be more and more efficient. Therefore, the present research work is aimed at fabricating and determining the physical, mechanical, and dry sliding wear properties of titanium carbide (TiC)-reinforced aluminum alloy (Al6061) metal matrix composites (MMCs). For the study, the Al6061-TiC microparticle-reinforced composites were fabricated via the liquid metallurgy route through the stir casting method, where the reinforcement of the TiC particles into the Al6061 alloy matrix was added in the range of 0 to 8.0 wt.%, i.e., in the steps of 2.0 wt.%. The synthesis procedure followed the investigation of the various mechanical properties of Al6061-TiC MMCs, such as the density and structure, as well as mechanical and dry wear experimentation. The tests performed on the casted Al6061, as well as its TiC composites, were in harmony with ASTM standards. As per the experimental outcome, it can be confirmed that the increase in the weight percentage of TiC into the Al6061 alloy substantially increases the density, hardness, and tensile strength, at the expense of the percentage of elongation. In addition, the dry wear experiments, performed on a pin-on-disc tribometer, showed that the Al6061-TiC MMCs have superior wear-resistance properties, as compared to those of pure Al6061 alloy. Furthermore, optical micrograph (OM), powdered X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were employed for the developed Al6061-TiC MMCs before and after the fracture and wear test studies. From the overall analysis of the results, it can be observed that the Al6061-TiC composite material with higher TiC reinforcement displays superior mechanical characteristics.

Influence of bioceramic reinforcement on tribological behaviour of aluminium alloy metal matrix composites: experimental study and analysis

Composite materials have become inevitable in many current day engineering applications. Aluminium alloy based composites were used in numerous fields of engineering and technology owing to their enormous advantages including low processing cost and broader scope of application. Developing a sustainable bio composite has become the order of the day to mitigate associated environmental issues. In line with this, current experimental work aims to develop a seashell powder reinforced aluminium alloy 2219 composites and determine their mechanical and tribological behaviour. Composites were fabricated using conventional casting with 1, 2 and 3% by weight of seashell powder in aluminium alloy matrix. Chemical constituents present in seashell powder were determined by using X-ray Diffraction studies. Cast composites were subjected to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to witness the formation of any secondary elements. Influence of seashell powder content over hardness and tribological behaviour of aluminium alloy 2219 composites were analysed by conducting appropriate experiments. Hardness was found to be maximum for the composite containing 3% of seashell powder. Tribological behaviour of the composites were optimized using response surface methodology. Wear and frictional resistance of the composites increased with the content of seashell powders and it was the most influential factor according to optimization results. Surface morphology was examined through scanning electron microscopic technique to know the influence of seashell powder on the wear behaviour of the composites and the type of wear occurred.

Development properties of aluminum matrix composites reinforced by particles of boron carbide

Composite materials are an important class of economical structural materials with unique properties that expand the scope of mechanical engineering in various industries. One of the most interesting metal composite materials is metal structures with low cost of reinforcement and availability for mass production. Due to the development of the structural requirements of some aircraft components, the development of the accelerated aging process becomes necessary to observe and understand the aging of aluminum alloys and predict the effect of this process on the mechanical behaviors of these alloys under temperature. In this research boron carbide (B4C) is reinforced in the aluminum matrix composites to increase the more conductivity and characterized for their mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength. Al-5%Cu aluminum alloy metal matrix composites will be reinforced with Boron Carbide (B4C) particles up to 2, 5 and 7 % was produced by stir casting. Particulates may subsequently add using the squeeze casting process. The squeeze casting technique decreased the porosity of the final composites. The modes of aging of MMC reinforced with B4C particles are determined. It is shown that when aging at 225 °C with an increase in the content of B4C particles to 7%, the maximum hardness is reached after 7 hours, while in the matrix alloy after 9 hours. Aging at 250 °C reduces the time to reach maximum hardness by 1 hour.

Manufacture and characterization of aa6061 aluminum alloy metal matrix composites with ceramic particulate reinforcement

The work’s main objective was the manufacture of an AA6061 aluminum metal matrix composite reinforced with ceramics reinforcements of: aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride and silicon nitride, through the powder metallurgy technique. The powders were subjected to high energy milling in a SPEX type vibrating mill. Thereafter, a cold uniaxial compactation was made and then the compacts were hot extruded. The powders were subjected to characterization using X-ray diffraction and laser diffraction granulometry. The extruded were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and had their microhardness evaluated. The characteri-zation showed: the reinforcements’ addition in the matrix contributed to an acceleration of powders’ grinding; the reinforced samples had a higher microhardness than the unreinforced; it was observed that greater milling times and reinforcement’s addition increased the composites’ microhardness.

Fabrication and processing of aluminum alloy metal matrix composites

ABSTRACT The present article demonstrates the procedure for fabrication of aluminum alloy 2014 based metal matrix composites having particulates of silicon carbide as reinforcement. Using the stir casting route, three different compositions of aluminum alloy metal matrix composites were fabricated. Microstructure of as-cast composites revealed a homogeneous distribution of silicon carbide particles along with few agglomeration and casting defects. Friction stir processing was performed to avoid such agglomeration and casting defects present in as-cast composites. The influence of friction stir processing parameters, that is, rotational speed and transverse speed on metallurgical properties, was investigated. Two combinations of rotational speed and transverse speed were considered: (i) 270 rpm and 78 mm/min and (ii) 190 rpm and 50 mm/min, respectively. As a result of friction stir processing, the microstructure of processed composites revealed the presence of fine silicon carbide particles along with the magnificent reduction in grain size. Composites processed with a rotational speed of 270 rpm and transverse speed of 78 mm/min were found to have higher grain refinement and as a result of this, the enhancement in microhardness was also observed. Except for a few cases, the average microhardness of all processed composites under both processed conditions was still lower than that of as–cast composites.

Experimental investigation on mechanical and tribological behaviour of surfactant coated multi-walled carbon nano tubes reinforced aluminium 6065-silicon metal matrix composite

Metal matrix composites are widely preferred in engineering applications because of its enhanced properties as compared to base materials. Carbon nanotubes have evolved to be an excellent reinforced material to aluminium alloy metal matrix composites (MMCs). However, CNTs tend to agglomerate which further affect the properties of the composite materials. Obtaining agglomeration free composites is a challenging task and needs to be studied in the present scenario. Surface modification of the nanoparticles is one of the methods which would reduce the agglomeration problem. Hence, emphasis in this work is made on a coating of CNTs using sodium dedosile sulphate (SDS). In the present appraisal, SDS coated CNTs reinforced Al6065‑Si base metal was fabricated by stir casting process. The weight percentage of the CNT is varied from 0.5 to 4 wt.% for preparation of test specimens. This paper focuses on experimental study of mechanical and tribological behavior of composites such as compressive strength, hardness, tensile strength and abrasive strength for different wt.% of CNTs. Microstructure of the composites is studied using FESEM apparatus. The experimental result shows good dispersion stability with increase in hardness, tensile strength and reduced wear loss of the CNTs reinforced Al-6065‑Si.

Surface modification on aluminum metal matrix composite for high strength application -Current state of art

Looking at the growing demand in the engineering and technological industries the requirement for light weight materials and its composites are constantly increasing. In the aspect it is important to evaluate the aluminium alloy matrix to replace high strength material in the space exploration and space exploration industrial applications. This review paper presents the brief importance of aluminium metal matrix composites and its importance in high strength application replacements when surface modified. Few specific high strength applications in line with fatigue strength, tensile-compressive properties, creep, and tribological properties are to be compared with the properties of the aluminium composites fabricated by different advanced manufacturing methods. This review gives us the clear advantages and disadvantages in employing aluminium alloy metal matrix composites (AAMMC) for superior strength applications. AAMMC fabricated by advanced manufacturing methods also have certain degree of impact in the evaluation of getting the high strength materials replaced.

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.

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.

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.