A Study on the Manufacturing and Characteristics of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites Intended for Automotive Applications

In this investigation, we fabricated metal matrix composites using AA2024 alloy reinforced with SiC, Al2O3, and MgO through powder metallurgy processes. Four samples were prepared of different compositions by weight%. These compositions include 100% AA2024, 90% AA2024 + 4% SiC + 4% Al2O3 + 2% MgO, 80% AA2024 + 8% SiC + 8% Al2O3 + 4% MgO, 70% AA2024 + 12% SiC + 12% Al2O3 + 6% MgO. The homogeneous powder mixtures were subjected to cold compaction and subsequent sintering using a muffle furnace. MgO was incorporated to enhance corrosion resistance and proper dispersion of reinforcement. The resulting samples underwent tests, including assessments for density, hardness, impact, compression test, and microstructure. The microstructure analysis revealed a homogeneous and well-mixed powder, indicative of the effectiveness of the fabrication process. With an increase in the SiC content, the density exhibited a rise from 0.38% to 3.4% when transitioning from Sample A to Sample B and Sample B to Sample C, respectively. Simultaneously, the hardness of the samples experienced an escalation from 4.48% to 8.58%, accompanied by an increment in the impact strength modulus from 1.87%to 6.50%. Similarly, the compression strength of the composite displayed an uptrend from Sample A to Sample B up to 6.48% and nearly doubled to 11.64%.