Identification of Optimum Composition and Mechanical Properties of Al-Ni Metal Matrix Composite

Abstract

Composites are materials that are made up of two or more chemically dissimilar phases. In this project aluminum was chosen as matrix material because it was inexpensive, light-weight, strong, tough and corrosion resistant. For the main load bearing phase it was hard, corrosion resistant at room temperature and thermally stable. The stir casting method was used because it was cost-effective and easy, and the particulate reinforcement (nickel) was uniformly distributed throughout the matrix phase. Sand moulding was used to cast the specimens. Specimens with 10, 20, 30 and 40 percentage Nickel were tested and the optimal specimen contained 20% Nickel. The Brinell hardness of Al + 20% Ni increased by 14.80%, Rockwell hardness increased by 2.43%, ultimate tensile strength increased by 1.003% and thermal conductivity of Al + 20% Ni decreased by 24.98% with respect to Aluminum.