Investigation of Mechanical Characteristics of Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite Reinforced with Copper and Nickel
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38032/scse.2025.3.61Keywords:
Composite Fabrication, Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite, Microstructural Analysis of CompositeAbstract
Aluminum metal matrix composites reinforced with varying proportion of Cu and Ni has been fabricated using stir casting process and analyzed their mechanical characteristics and microstructures. Three compositions have been investigated - 90% Al with 8% Cu and 2% Ni, 90% Al with 7% Cu and 3% Ni, and 90% Al with 6% Cu and 4% Ni. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) test is conducted to validate the distribution of reinforcements in Al. The captured SEM micrographs at 2000x, 5000x and 20000x magnification has shown uneven distribution of Cu and Ni in the composites. Grain size distribution analysis using ImageJ software has indicated a heterogeneous nature of the observed composites, with a mean grain diameter of 0.305 microns and a standard deviation of 0.094 microns. Furthermore, hardness test, tensile strength test and impact strength test has been conducted for analyzing the mechanical properties for varying proportions of reinforcements. The composite with 7% Cu and 3% Ni has exhibited the highest Brinell hardness number (70.25 BHN) and ultimate tensile strength (59.84 MPa), but impact strength for this composition was the lowest (2.9 Jcm-2). Impact strength is highest for composite with 6% Cu and 4% Ni (3.2 Jcm-2). Given their enhanced mechanical properties and high strength-to-weight ratio, these composites can be utilized in the automotive, aerospace and defense industries.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Jobayat Isteyak Riyadh, Shafin Ahmed, Showrov Dev Nath, Sheikh Muhammad Humayun Kabir (Author)
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