PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF STIR CAST- 10% SILICON CARBIDE REINFORCED ALUMINUM METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

SHARMA D.¹, YADAV A.^2
1Advanced Institute of Technology and Management, Palwal- 121105, Haryana, India.
²Advanced Institute of Technology and Management, Palwal- 121105, Haryana, India.

Received : 21-07-2012     Accepted : 04-07-2013     Published : 19-08-2013
Volume : 1     Issue : 1       Pages : 1 - 3
World Res J Chem 1.1 (2013):1-3

Preparation and characterization of aluminum metal matrix composites reinforced with 10% Silicon carbide was carried out. A graphite crucible and a stainless steel permanent mould was used to prepare the samples. An optimum stirring speed was determined for a fixed stirring time before cast in the permanent mould. Morphology of the composite and particle distribution were investigated by optical microscopy. The reinforcing particles were clearly shown present at the edges and around grains of silicon primary, The result of hardness test was 44 Hv for Al matrix and increased to 66+ 7 Hv for an Al composite reinforced with 10%wt by Sic powder. The higher values in hardness indicated that the Sic particles contributed to the increase of hardness of the matrix.