Development of Aluminium MMC with Hybrid Reinforcement - A Review

Abstract

Aluminium metal matrix composite (Al-MMC) is the most promising area for the researcher to develop a material of high strength, elastic modulus and wear resistance and low co-efficient of thermal expansion and weight. Un-hybrid and hybrid Al-MMC can be developmed by physical combination of aluminium with single and multiple reinforcement material, respectively. The improvement in mechanical properties has been achived with the reinforcement of Al2O3, SiC and combination of Al2O3, SiC (hybrid). Hybrid Al-MMCs are found superior to un-hybrid Al-MMCs in terms of wear properties. The fabrication of hybrid Al-MMC can be done with vacuum assisted moulding process (V process) in which no binder is used, which possesses many benefits over other sand casting processes. This production route will revolutionize the automobile and other industries.