Production and Characterization of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite Reinforced with Al<sub>3</sub>Ni by Stir and Squeeze Casting

Abstract

In the present work AA1100/ Al 3 Ni MMC was successfully fabricated using the in-situ method of stirring and squeeze casting. The effects of amount of Ni powder on the formation and mechanical behavior of Al-Al 3 Ni MMC were investigated. The fabricated MMC was characterized using XRD and optical microscope. The XRD patterns clearly indicated the presence of Al 3 Ni particles without the formation of intermediate phases. The in-situ formed Al 3 Ni particles were found to have uniform distribution, good bonding and clear interface. The mechanical and tribological properties such as hardness, Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and dry sliding wear behavior of AA1100/ Al 3 Ni MMC were compared for stir and squeeze casted MMCs with different percentage in weight of Al 3 Ni (5, 10 wt. %) and it was found that properties improved with increase in Al 3 Ni content and all properties of squeeze casted MMCs were superior to stir casted MMCs.