Production and characterization of al-based metal matrix composites by high energy ball milling and squeeze casting techniques

In this study, composites of an aluminium-copper alloy EN AW-2017 (3.9Cu, 0.6Mn, 0.7Mg, bal. Al, wt.%) containing 5 and 15 vol. % particulate silicon carbide reinforcement matrix alloy samples were successfully produced by high-energy ball milling and squueze casting process.The effect of squeeze pressure during solidification was evaluated with respect to microstructural characteristics using optical microscopy and SEM. This study presents the effect of SiC particles on the aging behavior, and mechanical properties. Squeeze cast microstructure showed relatively uniform reinforcement distribution.The porosity level of composites was found to be below 0.5 vol.%. T6 heat treatment was applied for the matrix and composites. In composites, hardness increased with increasing volume fraction of SiC. After T6 heat treatment, The composite with 15 vol.% SiCP exhibited higher increase in hardness in comparison to matrix and the composite 5 vol.% SiCP.Ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation the produced of 5 vol.% SiC composite were found to be 213 MPa, 130 MPa and 3.73% respectively. For 15 vol. % SiC composites, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation were measured as, 208 MPa, 190 MPa and 3.16% respectively. Fracture behaviour showed that, the failure in composites occurs in both the matrix and particles simultaneously.