Investigation on the mechanical, tribological, morphological and machinability behavior of stir-casted Al/SiC/Mo reinforced MMCs

Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs), reinforced with SiC and Mo, are formulated using stir casting. The influence of SiC and Mo inclusions on microstructural behavior, and machinability of composites was investigated. Microstructural behavior is analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) in the form of microhardness, tensile strength, wear behavior, density, and porosity as per ASTM standards. SEM and EDS confirm the existence and dispersion of SiC and Mo particulates in the matrix grain structure. XRD patterns indicate Al5Mo and Al12Mo compounds formation in hybrid composites, but with the least intensity. Optical microscopy imagery confirms dendritic structure formation with the inclusion of SiC and Mo particulates in the base matrix. Machined surface roughness was influenced by speed-feed while tool wear by all inputs.