Influence of Processing Parameters in Sicp - Aluminium Alloy Composite Produced by Stir Casting Method

Abstract

Metal matrix composites are gaining wider acceptance in aerospace and defence industries due to their starving need for lightweight — high strength materials. The control of processing parameters is very important in order to obtain good quality casing with minimal defects. In this study the influence of processing parameters on the properties of SiC particle reinforced aluminium alloy (Al- 10%Si- 0.6%Mg) composite was investigated. The composites are prepared by stir casting method. This method involves mixing of SiC in the molten aluminium alloy aided with mechanical agitation. The processing parameters that were investigated include melt temperature and stirring speed. Specimens produced were subjected to mechanical testing. Microstructure observed through scanning electron microscope and optical microscope was correlated to the observed mechanical behavior. The results show that the melt temperature appears to have little effect on the mechanical properties and particle settling. SEM photographs show that there is particle clustering at low melt temperature.