Characterization and production of SiC particle reinforced aluminium compozites by powder metallurgy method

The importance of composite materials has been increased in the light of developments observed in science and technology. From now unidirectional materials does not require the needs of the technology . Therefore, researchers try to find new composite production methods to develop more qualified and functional composite materials. Composite materials have started taking traditional materials places since the day they have been producing. Especially, their usuage of them in aerospace, aircraft and automotive industries have been increased considerabily. MMCs (Metal Matrix Composites)which are mostly used ones, have an important role due to their high yield strength, high young modulus, high compression strength, high wear resistant, low thermal expansion coefficient and high temperature resistant.In this study, SiC particle reinforced Al 2017 Aluminium alloy based composites were produced by powder metallurgy method (P/M). The weight fractions of SiC particles were varied from 5% and 15% in produced the alloy. Blocked samples were produced at 680 MPa and 780 MPa in the simplex template by pressing of aluminium metal powders. The produced samples were sintered in a tube oven under the nitrogen atmosphere at 620 ºC for 100 minutes by graduaging temperature after evaporating lubricater at 300 ºC for 30 minutes. Micro structure examination, measurements of hardness, density and porosity were carried out after baking ve sinterization. As a result, It is observed that when powder partical size of produced composite material decreases and press pressure increases, density increases and porosite decreases and mechanical properties improve. It is also observed that by increasing amount weight percent of SiC, porosite of produced composite material increases and density decreases but hardness increases.Keywords: Metal matrix composites, Powder metallurgy, Sintering.