Title: Effect of the squeeze pressure on the mechanical properties of the squeeze cast Al/SiC_p Metal Matrix Composite

Authors: P. Gurusamy; S. Balasivanandha Prabu

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai 600 025, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai 600 025, India

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a study carried out to understand the effect of the squeeze pressure on the mechanical properties of Al/SiC_p composites, fabricated by the squeeze casting technique. Aluminium (A356) alloy reinforced with SiC particles were prepared using the stir casting route. The SiC particles are distributed in the liquid Al alloy matrix by mechanical stirring, and the melt is then subjected to different squeeze pressure during solidification. Microstructure examination of the squeeze cast composites showed the SiC particle distribution and the grain refinement in the Al alloy matrix due to the applied pressure. The hardness and density distribution also carried out to correlate with the particle distribution. The tensile and impact strength value linearly increase with the applied squeeze pressure due to the uniform distribution of particle and effect of grain refinement. At 100 MPa, the sound cast Al/SiC_p composites are produced with superior hardness and tensile properties.

Keywords: aluminium alloys; metal matrix composites; MMC; squeeze casting; process parameters; pressure; tensile strength; grain size; elongation; hardness; microstructure; silicon carbide; SiC particles; stir casting; particle distribution; grain refinement; impact strength.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2013.057067

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2013 Vol.8 No.4/5, pp.299 - 312

Published online: 07 Oct 2013 *

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