Mechanical Properties of SiC/Gr Reinforced Hybrid Aluminum Composites after Heat Treatment

Abstract

Metal matrix composite has been developed to improve mechanical properties for the automotive component application. One crucial factor in achieving excellent mechanical properties is improving the properties of the aluminum matrix of composite by the heat treatment process. The mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si matrix composites alloyed with Zn and reinforced with 5% SiC and 5%Gr particle were examined after the heat treatment process. The aluminum matrix is melted inside the crucible furnace at 850 °C and is added with SiC/Gr particle, followed by stirring at 7500 rpm to optimize the mixing of the composite. Then, the composite is poured into the preheated mold at 300 °C and then squeezed with 30 MPa of pressure. The heat treatment process consists of three steps; solution treatment, quenching, and artificial aging. The aging process is conducted with variation of temperature (140 °C, 180 °C and 200 °C) and holding time (2, 4, and 6 hours). The test results show that the mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composite tend to increase after the heat treatment process. The optimum mechanical properties are achieved at the aging temperature of 200 °C for 6 hours, with the hardness value of 60.3 HRA and the impact value of 0.112 Joule/mm2.