Synthesis and Characterization of Sic-Mg-Gr Nano Crystalline Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composite and Analyis of Its Machinability Characteristics

Abstract

A hybrid metal matrix composite containing a novel combination of two metals aluminium and magnesium with a ceramic silicon carbide has been synthesized. A sizable percentage of a lubricating material Graphite has also been added to this unique combination. ALUMINIUM is used as a base metal. Mechanical alloying technique has been adapted to synthesis the hybrid nano particles for reinforcement. The average particle size of the nano hybrid is 70nm after milling the materials for 12 hours. Nano particles together with aluminium as base materials are used to form a hybrid composite with varying propositions. The hybrid metal matrix composite has been analysed for its characteristics using SEM(scanning electron microscope) and XRD. Powder metallurgical process and stir casting are adopted to make pellets and to cast structures like plate and rod. The resultant metal matrix composite has been tested for its hardness and tensile strength. The values of hardness are measured in Vickers for pellets and cast materials. By the data derived from the various analysis and tests, it has been concluded that the plates cast using stir casting technique showed substantial hardness, density and tensile strength. The machinability aspects have been analysed after machining, the as cast plate in the Wire-cut Electrical Discharge machine. Taguchi method has been used to do the experimental design. The parameters have also been optimized using the ANOVA technique. The novel material with unique combination of metallic and ceramic constituents shows good mechanical characteristics and it is conductive to be machined using Wire cut EDM.