Author : H. S Harshith and Joel Hemanth

This research work aims at developing and mechanical characterization of aluminium (LM13) based metal matrix composite reinforced with varying percentage of fused SiO2 (3%,6%,9%,12%).The mechanical properties are completely dependent on the microstructural parameters of the system. Also the microstructure further depends on the cooling rates during solidification process. Various Chills like Silicon carbide, Mild steel, Copper were used during the casting process to increase the rate of solidification, which enhances the mechanical properties of the composite. The chill casted specimens were subjected to hardness tests followed by microstructure studies. Finer microstructure and better hardness value were seen for specimen’s casted using copper chills, whereas silicon carbide and mild steel chills gave rise to very coarse structure with reduced hardness values compared to copper chills.

Keywords: LM13, Fused SiO2, chills, Microstructure, Hardness

Article published in International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, Vol.7, No.3 (June-2017)