Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Alloy Reinforced with Ceramic Particulates

In this project, Aluminium metal matrix hybrid composites are processed through stir casting methodology. Al-LM13 is reinforced with ceramic particle like Aluminium oxide(Al2O3) and Graphite in varying weight percentages of 100%LM13 alloy of specimen1, LM13 90% and Al2O3 10% of specimen2, LM13 90% Al2O3 5% graphite 5% of spceimen3 through stir casting technique. Then the stir casted specimens were subjected to mechanical tests like Brinell hardness test and tensile test. Under Brinell hardness test, the specimen consisting of 90% Al-LM13+ 10% Al2O3 exhibited superior results. Under Tensile test, the specimen of 90% Al-LM13+ 10% Al2O3 exhibited higher tensile strength when compared with the remaining two specimens. It is because the ceramic reinforcement particulates are harder than the LM13 matrix material. These hard ceramic particulates impart its strength properties into the softer matrix material and hence the improved mechanical properties were obtained.