Analyzing the Composite Material

Several technical challenges exist with casting technology yet it can be used to overcome this problem. Achieving a uniform distribution of reinforcement within the matrix is one such challenge, which affects directly on the properties and quality of composite material .In the present study a modest attempt would be made to develop Aluminium based silicon carbide particulate MMCs with an objective to develop a conventional low cost method of producing MMCs and to obtain homogenous dispersion of ceramic material. To achieve these objectives two step-mixing method of stir casting technique has been proposed and subsequent property analysis has been made. Aluminium (98.41%) and SiC (320-grit) has been chosen as matrix and reinforcement material respectively. Aluminum alloys are widely used in aerospace and automobile industries due to their low density and good mechanical properties, better corrosion resistance and wear, low thermal coefficient of expansion as compared to conventional metals and alloys. The excellent mechanical properties of these materials and relatively low production cost make them a very attractive candidate for a variety of applications both from scientific and technological viewpoints. The aim involved in designing aluminum based metal matrix composite materials is to combine the desirable attributes of metals and Ceramics.

Following direct improvements could be gained

• Impotent of the casting quality by minimizing the entrapped air during the shot sleeve process
• Minimizing set up time during the start of casting process.
• Optimization of the whole casting process by controlling filling with optimal plunger movement
• Shorter lead time during the tool designing process.
• Less scrap and waste production when new design is taken on the use.

The results confirmed that stir formed Al alloy 6063 with Al2O3 reinforced composites is clearly superior to base Al alloy 6063 in the comparison of tensile strength, Impact strength as well as Hardness.

Dispersion of Al2O3 particles in aluminum matrix improves the hardness of the matrix material.

It is found that elongation tends to decrease with increasing particles wt. percentage, which confirms that alumina addition increases brittleness.

Aluminum matrix composites have been successfully fabricated by stir casting. Technique with fairly uniform distribution of Al2O3 particles.

It appears from this study that UTS and Yield. Strength trend starts increases with increase in weight percentage of Al2O3 in the matrix.

The matrix hardening does not influence the stiffness of the alloy and therefore of the discontinuous AMCs, but significantly improves the yielding behavior and tensile properties.

A fine precipitation homogeneously distributed in the matrix is required to obtain good mechanical properties for the matrix alloy and therefore also for the composite.