Fabrication of Al and Mg-Based Metal Matrix Composites with SiC Reinforcement Particles

Aluminium (Al) and magnesium (Mg) based metal matrix composites (MMCs) are nowadays mainly used in the automotive and aerospace industry due to their specific strength. Al and Mg-based MMCs show good properties with the addition of Silicon Carbide (SiC) reinforcement to it. The SiC particle has a good impact on the base matrix as it enhances mechanical properties like hardness, tensile strength, etc. In the present study, Al and Mg-based MMCs are manufactured using a bottom-pouring type stir casting process. The same fabricating condition is applied for Al-based as well as Mg-based MMCs with SiC reinforcement particles. After successful fabrication, homogenous distribution of the SiC particle is observed from the Scanning Electron Microscope images. Mechanical properties like hardness and tensile strength are studied for the fabricated Al and Mg-based MMCs. Higher Brinell hardness value and tensile strength are achieved for the fabricated Al-based MMCs than the Mg-based MMCs.