Characterisation of aluminium metal matrix composites reinforced with titanium carbide and red mud
Chinmayee Kar, B. Surekha
Abstract
In the present experimental investigation, titanium carbide (TiC) and red mud are reinforced with aluminium 7075 (Al7075) at 3, 6, 9 and 12 percentages by weight of matrix to produce a flat casting with the help of stir casting process. The mechanical properties such as yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, microhardness, and % elongation are tested and compared. The distribution pattern of the reinforced particles of the samples is studied through a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Finally, the micrographs of the fractured surface reveal the features, namely dimples, cracks, voids, ridges and particle fracture that characterise the features of the fractured composite. The ultimate tensile strength of Al/TiC metal matrix composite (MMC) is increased by 48%, whereas a 71% decrease was observed with the addition of red mud. Further, the hardness is increased by 6%, and 62% with TiC and Red mud reinforced AMMCs.