
· Composites ·
Mahendra K. V *, and Dr. K. Radhakrishna **.
*New Horizon College of engineering, Bangalore, Ind.**B.M.S. College of engineering, Bangalore, Ind
67th World Foundry Congress
Metal matrix composites are engineered materials formed by the
combination of two or more dissimilar materials (at least one of which is a
metal) to obtain enhanced properties. In the present investigation
Al-4.5%Cu alloy was used as the matrix and fly ash & silicon carbide (SiC)
as filler material. The composite was produced using conventional foundry
techniques. The particulates were added in 5%, 10% and 15% by weight
to the molten metal. The composite was tested for fluidity, hardness,
density, mechanical properties and dry sliding wear. The microstructure
examination was done using scanning electron microscope to know the
distribution of particulates in the Al-4.5%Cu alloy matrix. The results show
that there is an increase in hardness with increase in particulates content.
The density decreases with increase in percentage of particulates. The
tensile strength and compression strength increases with increase in
percentage of particulates. The resistances to dry wear increases with
increase in particulate content. The fracture surfaces were examined
under SEM to know their behaviour.