Mechanical Characterization of AA5083(O) Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite

Overview

This project focuses on the mechanical characterization of Aluminium Alloy AA5083(O) reinforced with recycled ceramic powder. The aim is to synthesize a metal matrix composite (MMC) that exhibits improved mechanical properties suitable for various engineering applications, particularly in aviation, defense, marine, and automotive sectors.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Motivation
• Objectives
• Materials and Methods
• Results and Discussion
• Conclusion
• References

Introduction

Aluminium metal matrix composites (MMCs) are known for their lightweight and favorable mechanical properties. This project investigates the use of recycled fuse carrier ceramic particulates as reinforcement in AA5083(O) aluminium alloy to enhance its mechanical characteristics.

Pure AA5083(O) and Recycled Fuse Carrier Ceramic Particles

Motivation

The motivation behind this research is to develop a sustainable method for synthesizing aluminium metal matrix composites using recycled materials, thereby contributing to environmental conservation while improving material performance.

Objectives

• To synthesize aluminium metal matrix composites using AA5083(O) as the matrix material.
• To evaluate the mechanical and tribological properties of the developed composites.

Materials and Methods

• Matrix Material: Aluminium Alloy AA5083(O)
• Reinforcement: Recycled fuse carrier ceramic particulates (4 wt%, 8 wt%, and 12 wt%)
• Fabrication Method: Stir casting process
• Mechanical Tests:
  • Ultimate tensile strength
  • Hardness
  • Wear characteristics

Experimental Procedure

1. Material Selection: AA5083(O) was chosen for its excellent welding characteristics and corrosion resistance.
2. Reinforcement Preparation: Recycled ceramic particulates were preheated and mixed with molten aluminium.
3. Stir Casting: The mixture was stirred to ensure uniform distribution of the reinforcement before being poured into molds.
4. Testing: The mechanical properties were evaluated using standardized testing methods.

Stir Casting and Moulding Process

Results and Discussion

• Tensile Strength: The tensile strength decreased with an increase in the weight percentage of reinforcement.
• Hardness: Hardness increased with the addition of ceramic particulates, indicating improved resistance to deformation.
• Wear Characteristics: The wear rate decreased with higher ceramic content, demonstrating enhanced wear resistance.

Wear with respect to time (1.5 Kg loading condition)

Conclusion

The project successfully demonstrated that AA5083(O) alloy can be effectively reinforced with recycled ceramic powder to produce a composite with improved mechanical properties. The findings suggest that such composites can be beneficial for applications requiring lightweight and durable materials.

References

1. Kumar, J. P., Smart, D. R., & Jones, E. C. (2019). Experimental Evaluation of Mechanical, Wear and Corrosion properties of AA5083/Graphite Metal Matrix Composite Prepared using Compocasting Process.
2. Alam, S. N., & Kumar, L. (2016). Mechanical properties of aluminium based metal matrix composites reinforced with graphite nanoplatelets.
3. Tirth, V., El-Kashif, E., Hussein, H. M. A., & Hoziefa, W. (2021). Characterization and mechanical properties of stir-rheo-squeeze cast AA5083/MWCNTs/GNs hybrid nanocomposites developed using a novel preform-billet method.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.