Manufacturing of Al-Li-Si3N4 metal matrix composite for weight reduction

Abstract

Abstract The present analysis was aimed to identify the properties of Al 2024 composite reinforced with lithium and silicon nitride to make it applicable for automobiles, sports and aerospace applications. An effort was made to reduce the density and increase the hardness and impact properties of aluminum 2024 matrix with individual and multiple reinforcements using the double casting method under non-reactive environment. Aluminum alloy matrices with lithium, silicon nitride and the combination of both were fabricated. The microstructure, density, hardness and impact strength properties of the fabricated aluminum metal matrices were analyzed. The microstructure study reveals the uniform dispersion of reinforcements in the matrix alloy. From the results, it is understood that the hardness and impact toughness increase with the addition of silicon nitride. Density is reduced with the addition of lithium as reinforcement. When both reinforcements were added in the matrix, it was observed that there was an increase in hardness and impact strength of the composites with decrease in density of the metal matrix composite making it suitable for light weight and high strength applications.