Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) Reinforced With Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3)

Abstract— This work present Metal matrix composites (MMCs) constitute process which improved properties including high specific strength; specific modulus, damping capacity and good wear resistance compared to unreinforced alloys. When analyses were carried out, two reinforcements namely silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) were used for production of hybrid metal matrix composites. The two reinforcements were ball milled in order produce as single entity of these reinforcements. The reinforcement was varied from 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% to produce hybrid metal matrix composites. All the composites were produced by stir casting. The mechanical properties of the metal matrix composites were investigated. The microstructure and X ray diffraction study was carried out. Similarly, Vickers hardness test, Tensile strength test, Toughness test were also used to investigate the metal matrix composites. After analyses it was found that the Al₂O₃ and SiC particles were uniformly distributed throughout the metal matrix. The tensile strength and hardness of Al₂O₃ and SiC reinforcement aluminium composites improved with the increase in volume fraction of nanoparticles and toughness decreases with the increasing volume fraction of reinforcement.