An Experimental Investigation on Mechanical and Wear Properties of Al7075/SiCp Composites: Effect of SiC Content and Particle Size

One of the major advantages of metal matrix composites (MMCs) is that their tailorable properties meet the specific requirements of a particular application. This paper deals with the experimental investigations done on the effects of the reinforcement particulate size and content on the Al7075/SiC composite. The composites were manufactured using stir casting technique. The effect of SiC particle size (25, 50, and 75 mu m) and particulate content (5, 10, and 15wt %) on the microstructural, mechanical properties, and wear rate of the composites was studied and the results were analyzed for varied conditions of reinforcement. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examinations were used to assess the dispersion of SiC particles reinforced into the matrix alloy and was found with reasonably uniform with minimal particle agglomerations and with good interfacial bonding between the particles and matrix material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of Al and SiC with the composite. The results of mechanical tests showed that the increasing SiC particle size and content considerably enhanced the ultimate tensile strength and hardness of the composites while the ductility at this condition was decreased. The highest ultimate tensile strength of 310 MPa and hardness of 126 BHN were observed for the composites containing 15 wt %. SiC at 75 mu m. Lesser the wear resistance of the reference alloy while it was enhanced up to 40% with the composites. The wear resistance was increased up to 1200 m of sliding distance for all the composites, whereas for the composite containing 75 mu m SiC particles, it was extended up to 1800 m.