Influence of mechanical milling on the SiC particulate size in an Al-SiC composite

Particle reinforced aluminum-matrix composites are particularly attractive for the automobile and aircraft industries, due to their light weight, high strength, and good wear resistance. In the present work, silicon carbide (SiC) particulates have been incorporated into a pure At matrix with the help of mechanical milling in a planetary ball-mill. Composite powders were prepared using both raw as well as premilled SiC powders. The effect of milling time on the SiC particulate size was investigated. Systematic analysis of x-ray diffraction data revealed a reinforcement particle size of about 30 mn in a composite containing 50 vol.% SiC. It has been observed that the size reduction occurs at a faster rate when indirect milling is used.