Properties of Al/SiC metal matrix composites

Metal matrix composites have higher resistance compared to ceramic and polymer matrix composites. In this study, an aluminum 5754 alloy was fortified using 10 % SiC to obtain a metal matrix composite with properties superior to the original alloy. An improvement of mechanical properties was obtained by reinforcement with aluminum matrix composites which can be produced with various techniques. Mechanical properties of the composite material (Al/SiCp) were initially investigated, and then, the metallurgical properties were determined using an optical metal microscope and SEM. Furthermore, the percent of elongation, tensile strength and Vickers hardness are the input parameters for the mechanical properties. The tensile strength as an output response parameter of Al/SiCp materials was analyzed using experimental Taguchi technique design as an orthogonal array. In the present investigation, experiments were carried out to compare experimental results with predicted optimal values. ANOVA analysis revealed that the percent elongation-PE (%) was the input parameter having the highest statistical influence on tensile strength. It could be shown that the composite material was resistant against both static and dynamic loads. It was also shown that silicon carbide mixed homogenously with aluminum.