Development and Characterization of Aluminium-Based Metal Matrix Composites

Aluminum based metal matrix composites were fabricated using stir casting where silicon carbide and alumina were the reinforcements. Different types of properties (physical-density, mechanical-tensile, hardness, chemical-corrosion etc.) were measured and compared with base metals/alloys. The properties were significantly varied. The highest density was obtained for pure aluminium with 5% Al2O3 whereas the lowest was obtained for AA-4032 alloy. The highest hardness was obtained for AA-4032 with 5% Al2O3 whereas the lowest was obtained for pure Al with 5% Al2O3. The highest strength was obtained for AA-6061 with 5% coarse SiC whereas the lowest was obtained for pure Al. The highest impact strength was obtained for AA-4032 with 5% Al2O3 whereas the lowest was obtained for AA-6061. The corrosion resistance of all composites was lower than that of the base materials.

Corrosion Behavior and Protection Efficiency of 2024Al and SiC_p/2024Al Metal Matrix Composite

The corrosion resistance of 2024 Al and SiC particle reinforced 2024 Al metal matrix composite (SiCp?024AI MMC) in 3.5% NaCl solution was investigated with electrochemical method and immersion test, and the corrosion protection of sulfuric acid anodized coatings on both materials was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that the SiCp?024AI MMC is more susceptible to corrosion than its matrix alloy in 3.5% NaCI. For 2024AI, the anodized coating provides excellent corrosion resistance to 3.5% NaCI. The anodized coating on the SiCp?024AI provides satisfactory corrosion protection, but it is not as effective as that for 2024AI because the structure of the anodized layer is affected by the SiC particulates.

Influence of Reinforcement Type on Microstructure, Hardness, and Tensile Properties of an Aluminum Alloy Metal Matrix Composite

This paper presents the results of the comparative study of as cast microstructures and mechanical properties viz yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus, percentage elongation, hardness, percentage porosity and fracture characteristic of 5 wt% SiC and Al2O3 particulate reinforced Al-4% Cu-2.5% Mg matrix composites. These composite materials were prepared through stir casting process. Quantitative metallographic techniques were utilized to determine the average grain size of particles. The microstructures and tensile fracture characteristic of the representative samples of the composites were examined using optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The experimental results demonstrate a fairly uniform distribution of 50.8 μm Al2O3 and 49.2 μm SiC spherical particles with some clustering in few areas. At the interfaces of Al2O3 and the matrix, MgO and MgAl2O4 were observed. Similarly, Al4C3 was formed at the interfaces between SiC and the matrix. The mechanical property test results revealed that, for the same weight percentage of reinforcement, Al-4% Cu-2.5% Mg/5 wt% SiC composite exhibit a 15.8%, 16.4%, 4.97% and 10.8% higher yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus, and hardness, respectively. On the other hand, even if some porosity was observed in the Al2O3 reinforced composite, the percentage elongation (ductility) was 31% higher than that of SiC rein-forced composite. The tensile specimen of SiC reinforced composite failed in a brittle fashion without neck formation, whereas the Al2O3 reinforced composite failed in a ductile fashion with noticeable neck formation.

Microstructure evolution of rare earth Pr modified alumina-silicate short fiber-reinforced Al-Si metal matrix composites

Al-Si metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with 20 vol.% alumina-silicate shot fibers (Al2O3-SiO2(sf)) were fabricated by an infiltration squeeze method. Pure Pr metal was added into these composites. The effect of Pr addition on the microstructure evolution of Al-Si MMCs was investigated by SEM,TEM,and EDS. Pr addition is favorable to make uniform microstructures with the modified eutectic Si crystal. PrAlSi phase with high contents of Pr and Si is observed on the interface between the fiber and the m...

Corrosion Behavior of Cenosphere Reinforced Al7075 Metal Matrix Composite —An Experimental Approach

Aluminum-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) are considered in several technological applications owing to their enhanced mechanical properties when compared with monolithic metals. Research on the mechanical properties MMCs was done by many researchers;however in depth study on the oxidation behavior of cenosphere, reinforced MMCs are required, since the application of Aluminum-based MMCs is extensively used in applications like automobile, navigation and aviation, where the demand on light weight corrosion resistance material is very much required. In the present work varied compositions of Al7075 grade Aluminum-cenosphere composites use liquid metallurgy route adopting stir casting approach. The experimental study was aimed at experimental investigations of developed composites under different corrosive environments. The corrosion tests were carried out as per ASTM standards. Salt spray test using NaCl was carried out as per ASTM B117 and immersion tests using NaCl and NaOH as corrodents were carried out by following ASTM G31 standards. The results obtained from the tests revealed that as increase in weight % of reinforcement, corrosion resistance increases up to 7.5% reinforcement, and further the corrosion resistance decreases marginally. Solution heat treated samples exhibited higher resistance to oxidation than cast samples in all corrosive environments. The SEM images show the presence of micro cracks and occurrence of pitting corrosion on the corrosion tested specimens.

Micro-yield behaviors of Al_2O_3-SiO_(2(sf))/Al-Si metal matrix composites

Effects of the volume fraction and the size of crystallized alumina silicate short fibers as well as heat treatment processes on micro-yield strength(MYS) of Al2O3-SiO2(sf)/Al-Si metal matrix composite(MMC) that was fabricated by squeezing cast, were investigated by using continuous loading method on an Instron 5569 tester with a special extensometer with an accuracy of 10?7. The results show that MYS of MMC decreases with the increase of volume fraction and length of the alumina silicate short fibers in the metal matrix composite, respectively. MYS of quenched Al2O3-SiO2(sf)/Al-Si MMC is the lowest, MYS of the MMC through peak-aging treatment is higher than that through other heat treatment methods. And before the peak-aging, MYS of MMC aging treated gradually increases with the increase of the aging time. Aging treatment after solution treatment is a preferred way that enhances micro and macro-yield strength of Al2O3-SiO2(sf)/Al-Si MMC.

Identification of Optimum Composition and Mechanical Properties of Al-Ni Metal Matrix Composite

Composites are materials that are made up of two or more chemically dissimilar phases. In this project aluminum was chosen as matrix material because it was inexpensive, light-weight, strong, tough and corrosion resistant. For the main load bearing phase it was hard, corrosion resistant at room temperature and thermally stable. The stir casting method was used because it was cost-effective and easy, and the particulate reinforcement (nickel) was uniformly distributed throughout the matrix phase. Sand moulding was used to cast the specimens. Specimens with 10, 20, 30 and 40 percentage Nickel were tested and the optimal specimen contained 20% Nickel. The Brinell hardness of Al + 20% Ni increased by 14.80%, Rockwell hardness increased by 2.43%, ultimate tensile strength increased by 1.003% and thermal conductivity of Al + 20% Ni decreased by 24.98% with respect to Aluminum.

Wear resistance of surface metal matrix composite produced by gas tungsten arc melt injection of Cr3C2 -NiCr particles into low carbon steel

Cr3 C2-NiCr particles were injected into the melted surface of Q235 low carbon steel to make a surface metal matrix composite （MMC） layer by gas tungsten are melt injection （GTAMI） process. Hardness of the surface MMC layer was tested. Wear resistance of the surface MMC was investigated with a ball-on-disk dry sliding setup. Microstrnetures of the surface MMC layer and morphology of the worn surfaces were investigated with scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The results showed that the hardness of the MMC was as high as 1 960. 7 HV. Wear loss of the upper part of the MMC layer is onlyO. 8% of that of the substrate under the dry sliding condition given. Wear loss of the bottom part is 2. 5 % of that of the substrate.

Wear Behaviour of Al-SiCp Metal Matrix Composites and Optimization Using Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis

Aluminium metal matrix composite is a relatively new material that has proved its position in automobile, aerospace and other engineering design applications due to its wear resistance and substantial hardness. Need for improved tribological performance has led to the design and selection of newer variants of the composite. The present investigation deals with the study of wear behaviour of Al-SiCp metal matrix composite for varying reinforcement content, applied load, sliding speed and time. Aluminium metal matrix composites reinforced with SiC particles are prepared by liquid metallurgy route using LM6 aluminium alloy and silicon carbide particles (size ~ 37 μm) by varying the weight fraction of SiC in the range of 5% - 10%. The material is synthesized by stir casting process in an electric melting furnace. The materials are then subjected to wear testing in a multitribotester using block on roller configuration. A plan of experiments based on L27 Taguchi orthogonal array is used to acquire the wear data in a controlled way. An analysis of variance is employed to investigate the influence of four controlling parameters, viz., SiC content, normal load, sliding speed and sliding time on dry sliding wear of the composites. It is observed that SiC content, sliding speed and normal load significantly affect the dry sliding wear. The optimal combination of the four controlling parameters is also obtained for minimum wear. The microstructure study of worn surfaces indicates nature of wear to be mostly abrasive.

Rare Earth Application in Sealing Anodized Al-Based Metal Matrix Composites

A new method for corrosion protection of Al-based metal matrix composites (MMC) was developed using two-step process, which involves anodizing in H2SO4 solution and sealing in rare earth solution. Corrosion resistance of the treated surface was evaluated with polarization curves. The results showed that the effect of the protection using rare earth sealing is equivalent to that using chromate sealing for Al6061/SiCp. The rare earth metal salt can be an alternative to the toxic chromate for sealing anodized Al MMC.

Mixed rare earth metal conversion coatings on 2024 alloy and Al6061/SiC_p metal matrix composites

The processes of mixed rare earth metal (REM) conversion coatings on 2024 alloy and Al6061/SiC p metal matrix composites (MMC) were introduced. The coatings were examined to be honeycomb like feature by scanning electron microscope. X ray diffraction analysis revealed that the coatings are amorphous structure. The results of X ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the mixed REM conversion coatings consist predominantly of Ce and O, the contents of other rare earth elements (such as La, Pr) are relatively low, the coatings are about 2～4 μm thickness with excellent adhesion and wearability. The results of mass loss test showed that the mixed REM conversion coatings produce corrosion resistant surface of 2024 alloy and Al6061/SiC p. [

Effects of Mg content on microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC_p/Al-Mg composites fabricated by semi-solid stirring technique

10%(volume fraction) SiCp/Al-Mg composites with different Mg contents were successfully fabricated by semi-solid mechanical stirring technique under optimum processing conditions.Effects of Mg content on microstructure and mechanical properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffractometry(XRD) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The results indicate that SiC particles disperse homogeneously in Al-Mg matrix and interfacial reaction between Al matrix and SiC particles is effectively controlled.Distribution of SiCp reinforcement and interfacial bonding are improved by adding Mg.Additionally,the mechanical properties of composites are remarkably improved with the Mg content increasing.

Tensile behavior of SiC_p/2124Al composites with various SiC particle sizes at room temperature

The tensile properties of 2124Al alloy composites reinforced with various sizes of SiC particles were investigated at room temperature. The size of SiC p was changed from 0.2 μm to 48.0 μm with an identical volume fraction of 20%. The results show that the relative density of the composite decreased with increase of the SiC p size from 3.0 μm to 48.0 μm, whereas 0.2 μm SiC p reinforced composite has the lowest relative density. The pore density, interparticle spacing, SiC particle cracking, SiC p/Al interfacial debonding, the distribution of SiC particles, in the composites are considered as factors to determine the failure behavior of the composites. [

Effect of rare earth Pr on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al_2O_3-SiO_2(sf)/Al-Si composites

The Al2O3-SiO2(sf)(volume fraction,20%)/Al-12.6Si metal matrix composites(MMCs)with or without rare earth Pr addition were fabricated by infiltration squeeze method.Effect of Pr addition on microstructures and fractographs of Al-Si MMCs was investigated by SEM and TEM.Tensile properties at room temperature and 200℃were tested.It is shown that the addition of Pr is favorable to produce uniform microstructures and modify the eutectic Si crystal effectively.Compounds/intermetallics with high content of Pr are formed at the interface between short fiber and matrix.Yield strength(σ 0.2 ),ultimate tensile strength(σ b)and fracture elongation of Al-Si MMCs are improved by adding suitable amount of Pr.Compared with those values of Al-Si based MMC at 200 ℃,σ 0.2 andσ bof MMC with 0.29%Pr are increased by 33%and 55%,respectively.The tensile fracture surface of Al-Si MMCs with Pr addition presents ductile fracture features.

Theoretical Analysis on Tensile Strength of ZA22/Al_2O_3 Short Fiber Composite Added with Ce

The tensile strength of squeeze casting ZA22/Al 2O 3 short fiber composite was measured with autograph AG 10TA universal testing machines made in Japan. The experimental results were analysed with the rule of mixture(ROM) model modified by Friend. The theoretical analysis agree well with the experimental results. Under the test condition of this study, the strengthening critical fiber volume fraction predicted is 34 5%. Because fiber volume fraction in the composite is under this value, the tensile strength of the composite is lower than that of ZA22 alloy matrix.

Reactive Diffusion Bonding of SiCp/Al Composites by Insert Powder Layers with Eutectic Composition

Mixed Al-Si and Al-Cu powders were investigated as insert layers to reactive diffusion bond SiCp/6063 metal matrix composite （MMC）. The results show that SiCp/6063 MMC joints bonded by the insert layers of the mixed Al-Si and Al-Cu powders have a dense joining layer of high quality. The mass transfer between the bonded materials and insert layers during bonding leads to the hypoeutectic microstructure of the joining layers bonded by both the mixed Al-Si and Al-Cu powders with eutectic composition. At fixed bonding time （temperature）, the shear strength of the joints by both insert layers of the mixed Al-Si and Al-Cu powders increases with increasing the bonding temperature （time）, but get maxima at bonding temperature 600℃ （time 90 min）.

Effect of Mg Addition on the Structure and Properties of Al-4.5 Cu-3.4 Fe <i>In-Situ</i>Cast Composite

Ternary Al-4.5 (wt%) Cu-3.4 (wt%) Fe in-situ composite was prepared at 1100&#176;C by conventional casting method. However, this particular alloy contains larger needle-shaped intermetallics of Al3Fe phase. These exert adverse effect on the mechanical properties of the alloys. The larger shape and uneven orientation of the intermetallic were found to be responsible for the degradation of properties. The main purpose of this study was to modify the geometry of those needles by adding magnesium (Mg) as a fourth material. A series of alloys were prepared by adding 4, 6, 8, 10, wt% Mg in Al-4.5 (wt%) Cu-3.4 (wt%) Fe alloy. Microstructures were observed by optical microscopy. Mechanical properties like ultimate tensile strength, % elongation, % area reduction, hardness and wear test were determined. The study revealed that Mg transformed the needles of Al3Fe into globular shape which gave the alloys better mechanical properties.

Equal Channel Angular Pressing of Al-SiC Composites Fabricated by Stir Casting

Stir casting method was used to produce conventional metal matrix composites (MMC) with fairly homogenous dispersion of reinforcement material. Commercial pure aluminum and silicon carbide particles (50 μm) were selected as matrix and reinforcement materials respectively. The matrix was first completely melt and kept constant at 750°C. Then SiC powder preheated to 800°C was added during stirring action. No wetting agents were used. The melt mixture was poured into a metallic mold. The composite contents were adjusted to contain 5% and 10% SiC. The as-cast composites were processed by Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) route A. The microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. Results indicated that as cast AlSiC composites can be successfully fabricated via a cheap conventional stir casting method, giving fairly dispersed SiC particle distribution and having low porosity levels 3.6%. The mechanical properties have improved compared to as cast composites. ECAP technique has greatly reduced SiC particles from 50 to 3 μm. After the first ECAP pass, yield strength has almost twice its value in the as cast composites. The maximum yield of 245 MPa obtained after 8 passes is almost four times the corresponding values of the as cast MMC composites. Hardness has also increased to 1.5 times its value in the as cast composites after one ECAP pass. The maximum hardness of 71 HRB obtained after 8 passes, which is almost 3.5 times the corresponding values of the as cast MMC composites.