Experimental Studies on Al (5.7% Zn) Alloy based Hybrid MMC

Abstract

In this investigation, an attempt is made to disperse SiC (20-25 microns) and Gr (15-20 microns) in the aluminium alloy having Zn, Mg and coper as major alloying elements. The composite is further subjected to mechanical testing to determine various properties like hardness, tensile strength and wear resistance. The alloy and composite samples were tested in the un heat treated conditions. All the tests were done at the laboratory conditions as per ASTM standards. The Pin-On-Disc tribometer is used to test the two-body abrasive sliding wear behaviour in dry conditions. The wear pattern is analysed by the optical images of worn surface taken in an inverted metallurgical microscope. The calculated density is found to be reducing as the SiC and Gr quantity is increased in the base alloy. The as cast Al alloy was found to be having highest hardness. The introduction of SiC tend to increase the hardness and UTS, since Gr is also introduced simultaneously which tends to reduce the hardness and UTS of composite. The composite having highest quantity of Gr showed superior wear resistance which is mainly because the Gr particulates provide an inbuilt lubricating properties to composite. The analysis of images of worn surface showed the abrasive and delamination pattern of wear. The composites developed in the present work can be used in the automobile and aerospace parts that are light in weight and require self-lubricating properties to enhance the wear resistance.