Elevated Temperature Properties of Extruded Aluminium Matrix Composites Reinforced with Nickel Coated Silicon Carbide Particles

Abstract

The superior mechanical properties of Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMC) together with the weight saving makes them attractive for a variety of engineering applications. They also have improved mechanical properties at the operating conditions, such as high temperature, corrosive or wear environment, etc. This paper deals with the study of high temperature tensile properties of Al 2014-10 wt.% SiC composites prepared using stir casting method. The cast billets were extruded at 450°C with ram speed of 2 mm/s and extrusion ratio of 8:1. The optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis were carried out on the as-cast and extruded base alloy and the composites. The room temperature and high temperature tensile properties were evaluated. The results of this study show that the extrusion process improves both the room temperature and high temperature strength of the base alloy and composites. The percentage increase is more in the case of base alloy than the composites.