DefinePK

Abstract

Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have been used in several applications in aerospace and automotive industries. Although several technical challenges exist with casting technology. Achieving a uniform distribution of reinforcement within the matrix is one such challenge, which affects directly on the properties and quality of composite. In the present study a modest attempt has been made to develop aluminium based silicon carbide particulate MMCs, graphite particulate MMCs with an objective to develop a conventional low cost method of producing MMCs and to obtain homogenous dispersion of ceramic material. Experiments have been conducted by varying weight fraction of SiC, graphite and alumina (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%), while graphite weight fraction 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% keep all other parameters constant. The results indicated that the ‘developed method’ is quite successful to obtain uniform dispersion of reinforcement in the matrix. An increasing of hardness and with increase in weight percentage of ceramic materials have been observed. The best results (maximum hardness) have been obtained at % weight fraction of SiC and at4 % weight fraction of graphite.