Increase In Reinforcement Content Research Articles

Microstructural, tribological and compression behaviour of Copper matrix reinforced with Graphite-SiC hybrid composites

Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) are generating a wide and varied range of interest in the recently developed materials because of their high applicability in the industries. Copper matrix composites have rich properties like high thermal conductivity, high temperature resistance, high corrosion resistance and high weldability which makes them promising and demanding material for heat exchangers, electrical components and automoblies. Graphite and Silicon Carbide are the most economical reinforcements to improve the wear characteristics of pure copper. Present study concentrates on preparation of Copper-Graphite-Silicon Carbide hybrid metal matrix composite by stir casting technique. XRD analysis of composites show that there is no intermediate reaction occuring between copper and reinforcement particles. Micrographs of composites revealed the uniform distribution of reinforcement particles in copper matrix. A good interfacial bonding between Copper and Graphite-Silicon Carbide particles is found. Hardness of composites is tested by Vickers hardness tester and it is found that hardness of composites decreases with increase in graphite content. Wear tests were performed on Pin-on-Disc test rig. It is found that wear rate is decreasing with increase in reinforcement content. The maximum wear resistance is found at 8 wt% reinforcement content. Compressive strength of composites is tested using Universal testing machine and showed a decrease in value with increase in graphite content. It is spontaneously expected that present composite will be highly beneficial in structural and mechanical applications.

Understanding the Role of Multi-scale Reinforcements on Severe Plastic Deformation of Titanium Matrix Composites

Titanium matrix composites (TMCs) reinforced with different TiBw and La2O3p content were successfully processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP), and the role of reinforcements on the microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. The results show that the addition of reinforcements accelerates continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) and promotes the formation of new ultrafine grains (200 to 500 nm) in ECAPed TMCs. Micron-scale TiBw accelerates recrystallization by particle-stimulated nucleation and the increasing effective strain. CDRX occurs more easily near TiBw tips due to the load-bearing effect. By contrast, nano-scaled La2O3p retards the migration of grain boundaries through Zener drag effect and promotes the evolution of CDRX. The strength of ECAPed TMCs is improved significantly and reinforcements enhance the contribution of grain-refinement strengthening. The TMCs with 1.2 vol pct reinforcements exhibited the largest improvement in total strength, which is 5 times and 3 times of those with 0 vol pct and 2.4 vol pct, respectively. The elongations of both forged and ECAPed TMCs decrease with increasing reinforcement content owing to TiB whisker fracture and interface debonding and the diminishing strain hardening capacity.

Investigating the mechanical and tribological properties of aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with rice husk ash and aluminium oxide

The present study investigates various mechanical properties of aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with aluminium oxide and rice husk ash. Stir casting method was applied to produce composites reinforced with different amounts (2 wt. %, 4 wt. %, 6 wt. % and 8 wt. %) of rice husk ash particles and aluminium oxide. Mechanical properties such as micro hardness, tensile strength and wear rate have been examined. Pin-on disc apparatus is used for wear characteristics of the composites at load of 9.8 N, sliding velocity 1.5 m/s and sliding distance of 1,000 metres. Tensile test is performed on the universal testing machine. SEM and EDS were conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of RHA. It has been demonstrated that the increase in reinforcement content shows significant increase in mechanical properties of AMC. Further, rice husk ash shows better results in mechanical properties as well as in wear characteristics comparatively to aluminium oxide.

Investigating the mechanical and tribological properties of aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with rice husk ash and aluminium oxide

The present study investigates various mechanical properties of aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with aluminium oxide and rice husk ash. Stir casting method was applied to produce composites reinforced with different amounts (2 wt. %, 4 wt. %, 6 wt. % and 8 wt. %) of rice husk ash particles and aluminium oxide. Mechanical properties such as micro hardness, tensile strength and wear rate have been examined. Pin-on disc apparatus is used for wear characteristics of the composites at load of 9.8 N, sliding velocity 1.5 m/s and sliding distance of 1,000 metres. Tensile test is performed on the universal testing machine. SEM and EDS were conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of RHA. It has been demonstrated that the increase in reinforcement content shows significant increase in mechanical properties of AMC. Further, rice husk ash shows better results in mechanical properties as well as in wear characteristics comparatively to aluminium oxide.

Electro-discharge machining of metal matrix composites - a review

Influence of reinforcement content and machining process parameters on material removal rate, electrode wear rate and surface roughness is reviewed extensively from open literature during electro-discharge machining of aluminium based metal matrix composites. Results indicate increase of reinforcement content and their particle size affects the material removal rate, electrode wear rate and surface roughness adversely. Increase in discharge current causes an increase of electrode wear rate and surface roughness. Material removal rate and electrode wear rate increase or decrease with the increase of pulse-on current and pulse-off current, which depend on material processing parameters and other machining conditions; however, surface roughness increases on increasing the pulse-on time. Increase in flushing pressure effects all the three machining quality characteristics favourably.

Deformation and fracture behavior of in-situ Ti composites reinforced with TiB/nano-sized particles

The hot deformation and fracture behavior of TiB/nano-sized particulate reinforced titanium matrix composites were investigated. The effect of reinforcement contents and initial structures on the isothermal deformation and fracture characteristic were investigated through microstructure analysis, tensile tests and crack propagation tests. It was found that the optimal working parameters for Ti composites is determined at 900-950°C/0.01-0.1 s-1, which is associated with the continuous dynamic recrystallization of primary a grains and dynamic globularization of lamellar α. The necklace recrystallization was observed in β phase region, and the instability mechanisms include inhomogeneous deformation and breaking or debonding of TiB whiskers. Additionally, the addition of reinforcements refines α phases, decreasing the lamellar α width. The aspect ratio of TiB is much higher with the increase of reinforcement content. Higher content (2.5 vol. % and 5 vol. %) brings about more broken reinforcements and defects, which result in brittle fracture in Ti composite. Reinforcements and defects are believed to be the key factors to determine the crack propagation. Intergranular cracking is the main cracking way in the region where there are few reinforcements. Defects caused by fractured TiB play a dominant role in diverting intergranular cracking to transgranular cracking. Key words: Hot deformation, dynamic globularization, dynamic recrystallization, Titanium matrix composites

Synthesis and tribological evaluation of aluminum-titanium diboride (Al-TiB2) metal matrix composite

Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) have evolved into a unique field of materials science and engineering by becoming a premise for consistent research due to their excellent strength, low density, improved wear resistance, and enhanced thermal properties. The essence of AMCs lies in their ability to offer countless opportunities to tailor material properties as per the design requirements. In the current investigation, aluminum-titanium diboride metal matrix composite (Al-TiB2 MMC) has been synthesized by incorporating titanium diboride (TiB2) particles into pure aluminum melt adopting liquid state processing route to have enhanced tribological performance. Al-TiB2 MMC containing 5, 10, and 15 wt% of TiB2 were obtained by varying the reinforcement content. Metallographic and tribological studies were conducted on the as-cast Al-TiB2 MMC. Microstructural observation shows that the distribution of TiB2 particles is uniform and homogeneous into the aluminum matrix. A pin-on-disc tribometer was used to assess dry sliding wear and friction behavior of the AMC under varying load and speed at a constant sliding distance. The obtained results show an improvement in the wear behavior of Al-TiB2 MMC with increasing reinforcement content. The addition of TiB2 plays a significant role in enhancing the tribological properties of Al-TiB2 MMC. The details presented in the current work encourage researchers to shift concentration from conventional metals and alloys to Al-TiB2 MMC which offer superior wear properties.

Mechanical and Wear Behavioral Assesment of Al 7075-Al2o3 Metal Matrix Composite

Aluminum alloys are wide utilized in part and automobile industries because of high strength to low weight ratio and their smart mechanical properties like higher corrosion resistance and wear resistance, low thermal growth as compared with different metals. Aluminium 7075 alloy is chosen as matrix alloy and Al2O3 as a reinforcement. The amount of Al2O3 particles is varied with weight fractions of 2%, 4%, 6% .The objective of the paper is to enhance the mechanical and tribological properties like impact strength, hardness, wear of Al7075 alloy based metal matrix composite. The result were found that with increase in reinforcement content of Al2O3 in Al7075 alloy improve the mechanical properties and wear resistance.

Effect of CNT and TiC hybrid reinforcement on the micro-mechano-tribo behaviour of aluminium matrix composites

In the present study Aluminium-3003 alloy metal matrix reinforced with single walled CNTs and TiC were fabricated with stir casting process. Aluminium matrix composites found many applications in aerospace and structural engineering. In this study wt.% of CNT is fixed as 0.5 wt.% and TiC content is varied from (0.5 wt.%–2 wt.%) at an interval of 0.5 wt.% Microstructural, Mechanical and Tribological behaviour of composites were investigated. It is found that with increase in reinforcement content uniform dispersion of particles is found. Density of composites is decreased due to volatile nature of reinforcement particles. Hardness of composites is increased with increase in reinforcement content. Wear rate of composites is lower at lower loads and also at higher reinforcement contents.

Effect of ceramic reinforcement on the microstructural, mechanical and tribological behavior of Al-Cu alloy metal matrix composite

Abstract Aluminum metal matrix composites are highly demanding materials at present time because of their excellent thermal, mechanical and electrical properties which makes them promising choice in material selection for many engineering applications. In the present study aluminum-copper alloy matrix composite reinforced with SiC and TiC is fabricated by stir casting process. In this study amount of copper is fixed as 2 wt% and SiC-TiC content is varied from (2 wt% to 8 wt%) at an interval of 2 wt%. XRD analysis revealed that there is no reaction between matrix and reinforcement phase. Microstructural analysis shows that there is uniform distribution of reinforcement particles. Density and hardness of composites were investigated which shows that increase in reinforcement content increases the hardness while there is decrease in density. Wear study reveals that composites reinforced with SiC and TiC exhibit lower wear rates. It is expected that this composite is beneficial for shipping applications.

Effect of h-Boron Nitrate on Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Al7075 Metal Matrix Composite Producing by Stir Casting Technique

Al7075 alloy reinforced with h-Boron Nitrate (BN) composites were processed by stir casting technique. The produced composite was subjected to microstructural studies using OLYMPUS -BX51M, tensile, hardness, density and wear tests. Tensile strength and hardness were found to increase by 12.8% and 20% respectively due to increased dislocation density with the addition of reinforcement. Microstructure showed grain refinement with reinforcement addition and reinforcement acts as nucleating sites with an approximately uniform distribution of reinforcements. Wear test was conducted with different loads 10, 20 and 30N for a sliding distance of 1500 m. Wear mass loss of composites showed improved wear resistance with variation in reinforcements. Worn surfaces were examined using SEM, which showed the presence of delamination, plough and debris on the surface. Due to the addition of low-density h-BN, the density of composites decreases with increase in reinforcement content.

A Study on the Mechanical and Combustion Characteristics According to Fiber Reinforcements Weight Fraction of FRTP

본 연구에서는 섬유강화 열가소성 플라스틱 복합재료(Fiber Reinforced thermo plastics, FRTP)의 기계적 특성 및 화재 위험성 예측을 위한 연소특성을 평가하였다. 폴리카보네이트와 나일론에 섬유강화재로 유리섬유와 탄소섬유를 각각 0~40 wt% 혼합하여 특성변화를 실험한 결과, 섬유강화재의 함유율이 증가할수록 비강도와 열변형 온도가 증가 하였고 난연성은 유리섬유 함유율이 30 wt% 이상인 경우 V-0 등급을 보였다. 연소특성의 경우 섬유강화재의 함유율이 증가함에 따라 착화시간도 비례하여 증가하였으며, 최대 열방출율은 섬유강화재를 40 wt% 함유 시 함유하지 않았을 때보다 폴리카보네이트는 약 51%, 나일론은 약 24% 수준으로 낮아졌다. CO 발생율은 일정시간까지 감소하다가 증가하는 경향을 보이며, 이는 시간이 지남에 따라 불완전연소에 의한 것으로 판단된다. CO2 발생율은 열방출율과 매우 유사한 경향을 보이며, 최대 CO2 발생율은 섬유강화재를 40 wt% 함유 시 함유하지 않았을 때보다 폴리카보 네이트는 약 50%, 나일론은 약 28% 수준으로 낮아졌다.To examine the mechanical and combustion characteristics of FRTP, either polycarbonate or nylon were used as a matrix, and either glass fiber or carbon fiber were used as the fiber reinforcement. The fiber reinforcement content was differentiated at 0~40 wt%. The tensile strength and heat distortion temperature increased with increasing reinforcement content. When the fiber reinforcement content was above 30 wt%, the flammability rating showed V-0. As the fiber reinforcement content increased from 0 to 40 wt%, the peak heat release rate of polycarbonate decreased by approximately 51% and that of nylon decreased by approximately 24%. The rate of CO generation decreased for a period of time, and then increased. This appears to have resulted from incomplete combustion. The rate of CO 2 generation shows a similar tendency with the heat release rate. As fiber reinforcement content levels increased from 0 to 40 wt%, the CO 2 peak rate of polycarbonate generation decreased by approximately 50% and that of nylon decreased by 28%.

Analysis of polymeric materials properties changes after addition of reinforcing fibers

Purpose The issues concerning the prediction of changes in properties of polymer materials as a result of adding reinforcing fibers are currently widely discussed in the field of polymer material processing. This paper aims to present strengths and weaknesses of composites based on polymer materials strengthened with fibers. It touches upon composite cracking at the junction of a matrix and its reinforcement. It also discusses the analysis of changes in properties of chosen materials as a result of adding reinforcing fibers. The paper shows improvement in the strength of polymer materials with fiber addition, which is extremely important, because these types of composites are used in the aerospace, automotive and electrical engineering industries. Design/methodology/approach Comparing the properties of matrix strength with fiber properties is practically impossible. Thus, fiber tensile strength and composite tensile strength shall be compared (González et al., 2011): tensile (glass fiber GF) = 900 [MPa], elongation ΔL≈ 0; yield point (polyamide 66) = 70−90 [MPa], elongation Δ[%] = 3,5-18; tensile (polyamide 66 + 15% GF) = 80-125 [MPa], elongation Δ[%] ≈ 0; tensile (polyamide 66 + 30% GF) = 190 [MPa], elongation Δ[%] ≈ 0; yield point (polyamide 6) = 45-85 [MPa], elongation Δ[%] = 4-15; tensile (polyamide 6 + 15% GF) = 80-125 [MPa], elongation Δ[%] ≈ 0; tensile (polyamide 6 + 30% GF) = 95-130 [MPa] elongation Δ[%] ≈ 0. Comparison of properties of selected polymers and composites is presented in Tables 1−10 and Figures 1 and 2. The measurement methodology is presented in detail in the paper Kula et al. (2018). The increase in fiber content (to the extent discussed) leads to the increase in yield strength stresses and hardness. The value of yield strength for polyamide with the addition of fiberglass grows gradually with the increase in fiber content. The hardness of the composite of polyamide with glass balls increases together with the increase in reinforcement content. The changes of these values do not occur linearly. The increase in fiber content has a slight impact on density change (the increase of about 1 g/mm3 per 10 per cent). Findings The use of polymers as a matrix allows to give composites features such as: lightness, corrosion resistance, damping ability, good electrical insulation and thermal and easy shaping. Polymers used as a matrix perform the following functions in composites: give the desired shape to the products, allow transferring loads to fibers, shape thermal, chemical and flammable properties of composites and increase the possibilities of making composites. Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are the effect of searching for new construction materials. Glass fibers show tensile strength, stiffness and brittleness, while the polymer matrix has viscoelastic properties. Glass fibers have a uniform shape and dimensions. Fiber-reinforced composites are therefore used to increase strength and stiffness of materials. Polymers have low tensile strength, exhibit high deformability. Polymers reinforced by glass fiber have a high modulus of elasticity and therefore provide better the mechanical properties of the material. Composites with glass fibers do not exhibit deformations in front of cracking. An increase in the content of glass fiber in composites increases the tensile strength of the material. Polymers reinforced by glass fiber are currently one of the most important construction materials and are widely used in the aerospace, automotive and electro-technical industries. Originality/value The paper presents the test results for polyethylene composites with 25 per cent and 50 per cent filler coming from recycled car carpets of various car makes. The tests included using differential scanning calorimetry, testing material hardness, material tensile strength and their dynamic mechanical properties.

Development and properties evaluation of marble dust reinforced ZA-27 alloy composites for ball bearing application

In this work, the usability of waste marble dust as a reinforcement in the development of ZA-27 alloy composites has been investigated for use in ball bearing application. ZA-27 alloy composites with five different concentration of marble dust viz. 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt% of marble dust were fabricated using high-temperature vacuum casting. Developed composites were evaluated for various mechanical properties such as compressive strength, impact strength, flexural strength, and stress intensity factor (SIF) for 4 different crack lengths viz. 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm. Compressive strength and impact strength showed improvement for marble dust concentration up to 7.5 wt% while flexural strength and SIF kept on increasing continuously with increase in reinforcement content up to 10 wt% marble dust. There was ∼31%, ∼100%, ∼49%, and ∼184% improvement in compressive strength, impact strength, flexural strength, and SIF (for 4 mm crack length), respectively in comparison to those of 0 wt% marble dust composite. Fracture surface morphologies generated during fracture toughness analysis were examined using scanning electron microscopy to investigate the nature of failure. In addition to mechanical properties, thermo-mechanical behavior of the fabricated composites was evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) in the temperature range 25 °C–250 °C. DMA results revealed a continuous increase in storage modulus, loss modulus and tan delta with increase in marble dust concentration, except the loss modulus for 7.5 wt% marble dust. Based on the proposed composites, finite element method (FEM) analysis was carried out for single-row deep groove ball bearing application to investigate hardness, contact stress, and displacement between inner and outer race at specific loading condition (500 N) and then, validated by mathematical modeling.

Optimization on Tribological Behaviour of Milled Nano-B4C Particles Reinforced with AZ91 Alloy Through Powder Metallurgy Method

In this present work, the Taguchi-based grey relational method was used to find the optimal input parameters on wear behaviour (WB) of AZ91 alloy prepared through powder metallurgy (P/M) with different wt% of milled boron carbide (B4C) nanoparticles reinforced with AZ91 alloy. To find out the significant effects on two responses namely wear rate (WR) and coefficient of friction (CoF) as output parameters and the input parameters as wt.%, load and sliding distance (SD) were studied by using L orthogonal array (OA) with 25 experimental runs with one replication. Characterization of the nanocomposite precursors was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The influence and contribution percentage of the input parameters were investigated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Grey relational grade (GRG) was employed to calculate the rank of the composites with least value of WR and CoF for various composites. Results show that the reinforcement plays a major role on the composites compared to load and SD. The result shows that there is an enhancement in wear resistance (Rw) for B4C nanoparticles added with AZ91 alloy. The worn surface analysis demonstrates that the WR decreases with the increase in reinforcement content to the AZ91 alloy, and we can also see the smooth surface for the composites. EDS of the worn surface shows the presence of oxide debris, which protects the worn out of the particles from the pin surface of the wear-tested specimen.

Tribological Behavior of Copper Chilled Aluminum Alloy (LM-13) Reinforced with Beryl Metal Matrix Composites

The present investigation aims at developing copper chilled aluminum alloy (LM-13) reinforced with beryl using stir casting method. Matrix alloy was melted in a composite making furnace to a temperature of about 700°C to which preheated reinforcement particles was added (3 wt.% to 12 wt.% in steps of 3 wt.%), stirred well and finally poured in to an AFS standard mold containing copper end chills of different thickness (10, 15, 20 and 25 mm) placed judiciously for directional solidification. The resulting chilled composites were subjected to microstructural, XRD, mechanical properties (strength and hardness) and tribological behavior.Results of the microstructural and XRD analysis indicate that the chilled castings were sound with good distribution and presence of all the particles. The bonding between beryl reinforcement and Al alloy matrix (LM-13) leads to excellent isotropic properties without any shrinkage or microporosity. Mechanical characterization indicates that both strength and hardness were maximum in the case of copper chilled MMC containing 9 wt.% and 12 wt.% reinforcement respectively. Strength and hardness of chilled MMC are found to increase by 9.88% and 16.66% as compared against the matrix alloy. It is observed that because of the ceramic (beryl) reinforcement in aluminum alloy, the wear resistance of the chilled composite developed has increased with increase in reinforcement content. At lower load, chilled MMCs exhibited mild wear regime with high coefficient of friction and at higher loads they exhibited severe wear with better wear resistance compared to un-chilled composite. It is observed that the increase in mechanical properties and wear resistance are due to incorporation of beryl reinforcement, the effect of chilling that has resulted in grain refined microstructure with good bonding of the matrix and the reinforcement.

The Effect of TiB2 Content on Wear and Mechanical Behavior of AZ91 Magnesium Matrix Composites Produced by Powder Metallurgy

In this research, AZ91 magnesium matrix composites reinforced with three weight fractions (10, 20, and 30 wt.%) of TiB2 particulates were fabricated by powder metallurgy using hot pressing technique. The microstructure, density, hardness, wear, and mechanical properties of the specimens were investigated. Microstructure studies showed that fairly uniform distribution of reinforcements was achieved, but partial agglomeration could be clearly seen at 30 wt.% TiB2. X-ray studies exhibited that phases of Mg, Mg17Al12, and TiB2 were found. As compared to AZ91, the hardness and wear resistance considerably increased with increasing reinforcement content. The presence of TiB2 particles improved 0.2% compressive yield strength and ultimate compressive strength (UCS); however, UCS decreased above 20 wt.% TiB2. Wear mechanisms are oxidative and abrasive.

Effect of reinforcement content and aging treatment on microstructure and mechanical behavior of B4Cp/6061Al composites

The effects of B4C particle (B4Cp) content and aging treatment on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of B4Cp/6061Al composites prepared by powder metallurgy were investigated. The results demonstrated that the relative density of the B4Cp/6061Al composites decreased slightly by increasing reinforcement content from 0 to 15 wt%. No obvious pores or reaction products were observed at the B4Cp/matrix interfaces by transmission electron microscopy, suggesting that a good, clean interface was achieved. Mg2Si precipitates and dislocations were detected both near the interfaces and in the matrix. Moreover, the aging kinetics could be significantly accelerated by the presence of B4C particles; this behavior was associated with the enhanced dislocation density. The variation in hardness and electrical conductivity as a function of aging time in composites with various B4Cp contents was examined. For the peak-aged composites with increasing B4Cp content from 0 to 15 wt%, the ultimate tensile strength increased from 342.2 to 451.0 MPa, whereas the failure strain decreased from 18.4% to 7.9%. The grain refinement, dislocation strengthening, and work hardening, which contributed to the improvement in yield strength, were theoretically calculated, and the results agreed well with the experimental results.

Effect of nickel reinforcement on electrochemical and wear behaviour of spark plasma sintered Fe-based metallic glass composites

Iron-based metallic glass composites reinforced with crystalline nickel ranging from 2.5 to 10 vol% were fabricated using spark plasma sintering. The effects of nickel reinforcement on microstructure, corrosion, and wear behavior of the metallic glass composites were investigated. While all composites exhibited lower corrosion resistance compared to monolithic metallic glass, the composites with lower reinforcement content (2.5 and 5 vol% Ni) showed some passivation effects in HCl solution. Also, as nickel is significantly softer than the metallic glass matrix, the hardness of sintered composites progressively decreased with increasing content of nickel. However, despite their lower hardness, the composites reinforced with lower nickel content (2.5 and 5 vol% vol%) exhibited improved wear resistance due to toughening effect. The wear resistance deteriorated with further increase in reinforcement content above 5 vol% Ni. The results show that Fe-based metallic glass composites with lower reinforcement content (2.5 to 5 vol% Ni) are promising in applications where optimum corrosion and wear performance is desired.

Residual stress generation in metal matrix composites after cooling

ABSTRACTEffects of reinforcements’ shapes, sizes and contents on (a) von-Mises stress along a horizontal line in MMCs, (b) directions and distributions of principal stresses inside particles, matrix and interface, and (c) distribution of thermal residual stress in MMCs were analysed in this investigation. It was found that the matrix–particle interfaces experience a sudden change of von-Mises stress which depends on the reinforcement shape. The smoothest change of stress occurred in triangle particle-reinforced MMCs. However, the highest stress was concentrated at the corners of the triangular particles. The directions of stress vectors depend on the shape of the particles. The extent of the von-Mises stress increases with the increase in reinforcement content and a decrease in particles size at constant content.