Author : Pradeep Kundu, Sandeep Kundu, Ashok Mishra

This work studies the microstructure of the composite materials to check whether good and uniform bonding between the matrix and dispersion phase is achieved. The different grades of Al were taken for the analysis: Al 6063, Al6066 and Al 6351. The SiC particles were added in the matrix phase of Al at three different weight percentages. Total 9 samples were ready for the analysis and to make a comment on the effect of SiC particulates on the Al alloy which is significant. The fabrication process and hardness testing of the prepared samples are already done in previous work. This work explains using the microstructure analysis for non-uniform increment in the hardness value. From microstructure analysis, the non-uniform mixing of the SiC particle was observed in the matrix may be because of the manual stirring.

Keywords: Aluminum alloys, silicon carbide, matrix composites, microstructure.

Article published in International Journal of Current  Engineering  and Technology, Vol.3,No.5(Dec- 2013)