Experimental study on fabrication of Al—Al2O3/Grp metal matrix composites

In this study, aluminum (Al-6070)/alumina (Al2O3) and Al-6070/graphite (Gr)-reinforced metal—matrix composites (MMCs) are fabricated by melt-stirring technique. The MMC bars and plates are prepared with varying the reinforced particles volume fraction ranging from 5% to 15%. The average reinforced particle sizes of alumina (Al 2O3) and graphite (Grp) are 23 and 53 μm, respectively. The stirring process was carried out at 200 rpm rotating speed by graphite impeller for 15 min. The microstructure and mechanical properties are investigated on prepared MMCs. It was observed that the hardness of the composite is increased with the increase in reinforced particle volume fraction. Both tensile strength and impact strength are decreased with increase in reinforced volume fraction. The prepared composite plates are welded by gas welding with Al—Si-base filler metal. Rockwell hardness test was conducted and the test result was presented for un-welded and welded zones.