Manufacture and characterization of aluminium matrix composite using powder metallurgy route

The potential of Metal Matrix Composite materials for significant improvements in performance over conventional alloys has been widely recognized. Much work has been carried out in Europe and abroad to manufacture MMC materials using different techniques, e.g. Squeeze casting, Spray Co-deposition, Compocasting and Powder Metallurgy Route. The attraction of Powder Metallurgy is that it permits fabrication of high quality, complex parts to close tolerances in an economical manner. In this study the Powder Metallurgy Route was selected for the manufacture of Aluminium Matrix Composites using Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particulate as the reinforcement element. The volume fraction of the reinforcement was varied from 10 to 40 percent. Several components were produced, by varying the sintering time and temperature. The results of compression and hardness tests are presented, together with microstructure analysis. Also the mechanical test results for Aluminium Matrix Composite produced through the Powder Metallurgy Route are compared with the results for commercially available composites.