Studies on Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Aluminium Hybrid Composites: Influence of SiC/Gr Particles by Double Stir-Casting Approach

In recent years considerable attention has been directed to the investigation of AMCs due to their growing application in the automobile and aerospace industries. An attempt was made to study the mechanical, physical and microstructure characteristics of LM25/SiC/Gr hybrid composites. Matrix reinforced with SiC by varying weight fractions of 2%, 4% and 6%, and a constant graphite (Gr) particulate of 2% is chosen. The composite was made using a double stir-casting approach and initially preheated silicon carbide and graphite particles before melting. The experimental research is split into two distinct phases. Mechanical properties such as hardness, flexural strength, and tensile strength of hybrid reinforced composites were examined in the primary phase. The physical properties such as density and porosity of aluminium hybrid composites were studied in the secondary phase. Increased tensile strength of 158.17 MPa, Yield Stress of 137.29 MPa, % Elongation of 2.51 and hardness of 93.06 VHN are achieved in addition to a 4% hybrid composite. The physical properties, such as density of 2.710 g/cm3 and porosity of 1.513%, are enhanced in the addition of LM25/4%SiC/2%Gr hybrid composite. Microstructural examination of the AMCs as carried out by SEM and OM revealed a uniform distribution of SiCp within the matrix and good bonding between the reinforcing agent and the matrix material. The chemical composition and phases are analysed using EDS and XRD.