SiC Particulate Reinforced Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite

Abstract

Al or Al alloy Metal Matrix Composites have wide range of applications i.e. aerospace, automobile etc. due to its lightweight, high tensile strength, high wear resistance. This review paper characterized the SiC particulate reinforced Al Metal Matrix Composites. The SiC particulates are dispersed in Al or Al alloy by liquid state processing route and solid-state processing route. Stir casting liquid processing route has been followed by no. of researchers due to its simplicity and low processing cost and at the time of reinforcement small amount of Mg is added to increase the wettability of SiC in molten Al or Al alloy. When Al or Al alloy reinforced with SiC, then its mechanical and tribological properties are enhanced. The effect of particle size, weight or volume fraction of the SiC on density, porosity, hardness, impact toughness, tensile strength, ductility, sliding wear resistance, slurry erosion resistance, erosion-corrosion resistance, corrosion resistance and fatigue strength of Al or Al alloy MMCs are reported. The effect of extrusion and machinability of the SiC particulate reinforced Al MMCs are also discussed in this review article.