SiC and Al2O3 Reinforced Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites for Heavy Vehicle Clutch Applications

Aluminium metal matrix composite is one of the most promising engineering material and gradually emerging technology in automobile industries. There are usage of this composite material in certain critical applications like clutch pressure and face plate assembly due to their enhanced mechanical, wear and physical properties. In the present study, A356 aluminum alloy reinforced with SiC and Al2O3 particle was made by stir casting process. The effects of different volume fractions of SiC and Al2O3 particle reinforcement on microstructure and mechanical properties have been investigated. The tensile, yield strength and hardness have been increased in the particulate containing composites. As compared to base alloy, 20 % volume fraction of SiC reinforced composites showed 16 % increase in tensile strength and 10 % volume fraction of Al2O3 reinforced composites showed 19 % increase in tensile strength. The yield strength of 20 % SiC and 10 % Al2O3 containing samples nearly 50 % higher than those of the base alloy. Dislocation density, precipitation hardening and changes in grain size are the main mechanisms enhancing the mechanical properties of particulate reinforced composites. The 20 % SiC and 10 % Al2O3 reinforced composites have been identified as optimized composites for clutch pressure/face plate application.