Mechanical Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of Al-5%Cu/TiC Metal Matrix Composite

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the mechanical characteristics of Al-5%Cu/TiC metal matrix composite, like Surface Roughness, Tensile strength, wear rate of the cutting tool. Copper particles added with aluminum alloy, which can improve the machinability and also reduce wear rate. Typically the titanium materials prefer for its excellent strength during the load-carrying process. Here the TiC particles added with aluminum alloy to increase the composite hardness range. The casting samples are machined by the uncoated carbide cutting tool in CNC. The input turning parameters are speed, depth of cut, feed rate, and cutting force. The surface roughness measurement was done after the machining operation. The build-up edge and microstructure behavior of the tool and workpiece were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope. The result shows the more Built-up edge formed at low cutting speed and less build-up edge formed at low cutting speed. The higher cutting force indicates the lower cutting speed of 50m/min. The Build-up edges investigated at lower cutting speed and higher cutting speed. While adding TiC in Al-5%Cu, the elongation of MMC reduced, so it can able to increase the strength of the MMC specimen. Based on these results can able to predict the good mechanical and surface properties of metal matrix composite for the specific application.