Turning of aluminum metal matrix composites： influence of the reinforcement and the cutting condition on the surface layer of the workpiece

Aluminum metal matrix composites （Al-MMCs） are difficult to machine. The reinforcement of aluminum using ceramic particles accelerates tool wear. Moreover, demanded machining accuracies or properties of the surface layer are difficult to achieve. In the present study, the effect of silicon carbide reinforcement particles on the surface layer of the workpiece was investigated using multiple cutting conditions for dry turning. Three differently reinforced Al-MMCs regarding the volume percent-age （17% and 30%） and the particle size （0.6 μm and 3 μm） and their non-reinforced matrix were considered as the workpiece materials. The reinforcement and the cutting condition affect the results of turning. A greater particle volume percent improves the surface roughness and decreases the tensile stress in the surface. The smaller particle size caused a lower tensile stress in the surface. A general effect of the particle size on the workpiece roughness can not be concluded. The most important cutting parameter for the surface layer of the workpiece is the feed. Greater feeds decrease the tensile stress in the surface, but deteriorate the surface quality.

Graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

Graphene-reinforced 7055 aluminum alloy composites with different contents of graphene were prepared by spark plasma sintering（SPS）. The structure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Testing results show that the hardness, compressive strength, and yield strength of the composites are improved with the addition of 1wt% graphene. A clean, strong interface is formed between the metal matrix and graphene via metallurgical bonding on atomic scale. Harmful aluminum carbide（Al_4C_3） is not formed during SPS processing. Further addition of graphene（above 1wt%） results in the deterioration in mechanical properties of the composites. The agglomeration of graphene plates is exacerbated with increasing graphene content, which is the main reason for this deterioration.