Determination on the Effect of Al2O3/B4C on the Mechanical Behaviour of Al-6.6Si-0.5Mg Alloy Cast in Permanent Mould

Abstract

The present research includes the analysis of mechanical properties of A356/ hybrid metal matrix composite. The mechanical behaviour - hardness, ductility, tensile and yield strength were studied. Reinforcement of these composite specimens were with a weight percentage of (wt - %) 10%, 20% and 30%. The microstructure of these specimens at different wt - % of reinforcements were viewed under an optical metallurgical microscope. It was observed that at 30 wt - % of reinforcement addition, there was a finer distribution of reinforcement particles and as the wt - % decreased, much leaner distribution was observed. The hardness test was carried out using a Vickers Hardness Tester. From the experiment it was noted that with an increase in the amount wt - % of reinforcement, there is a subsequent increment in the mechanical properties except in the case of percentage elongation, which was observed to decrease with an increase in the reinforcement content.