Evaluation of mechanical properties of aluminium alloy (LM25) reinforced with fused silica metal matrix composite

Abstract

Aluminium alloys are broadly used as a main matrix element in composite materials. The present work is aimed to fabricate and evaluate the microstructure, tensile properties, hardness and impact strength of aluminium matrix composites consists of aluminium alloy LM25matrix and fused silica-SiO₂ particulates as the reinforcement (size 150-250µm) in the matrix. The reinforcement added in ranges from 4 to 12 wt% in steps of 4%. The composites were casted by stir casting route. The reinforcement of SiO₂ particulates boosts the mechanical properties of the composites. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the fabricated MMCs were evaluated. The mechanical properties like tensile, hardness and impact strength have improved than that of unreinforced alloy.