EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE MECHANICAL AND METALLURGICAL BEHAVIOR OF ALUMINUM XSIC COMPOSITE

The objective of this research is to produce metal matrix composite (MMC) by using pure Aluminum as a matrix and (Sic) particulates as reinforced particles with different %wt fraction (5, 10, 15, 20). Stirring casting technique was employed to produce the samples, Si particulates were preheated to 700 oC before was added to improve the bad wettability of Al-Sic particulates, were also preheated to 900 oC before added, Degasser was added to molten while mixing to minimize gas content. Metal mould was used to produce the samples. The results show the improvement of wear resistance, and hardness number but also the results show the decreasing of impact strength. The addition of Si particulate improves the wettability property which leads to improve the mechanical properties (wear resistance, hardness) and the successful of stirring casting to produce the (MMC) samples. Microstructure examination, wear resistance behavior, and impact strength tests were carried out. The results show that the addition of Sic particulates in to a matrix alloy decreased the wear rate, impact strength and increasing of hardness number value.