The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanical behavior and its relation with processing and microstructure of the silicon carbide particulate (SiCp) reinforced aluminum matrix composite. Aluminum 7075 alloy is chosen as matrix alloy, in which zinc is the main alloying element. Four different additions of SiCp were used and the weight fractions were 10%, 15%, 20% and 30%. Composites were processed by with squeeze casting and the applied pressure during casting was 80 MPa. The mould is specially designed to produce both specimens ready for tensile and three point bending tests.
Both as-cast and heat treated aluminum composites were examined and T6 heat treatment was applied. Three point bending tests were performed to reveal the fracture strength of aluminum composites. 10wt% SiCp aluminum composites showed the maximum flexural strength in both as-cast and heat treated composites. The mechanical test results revealed that precipitated phases in heat treated composites, behaved like fine silicon carbide particulates and they acted as barriers to dislocation motion. Maximum flexural strength increased about 40 MPa (10%) in as-cast and 180 MPa (44%) in heat treated composites. Tensile testing was also conducted to verify the results of the three point bending tests.
Hardness tests were done to find the effect of silicon carbide addition and to find the peak hardness in heat treatment. For as-cast specimens hardness values increased from 133 to 188 Vickers hardness (10 kg.) with increase in SiCp content from 0 to 30wt% and for heat treatment specimens hardness values increased from 171 to 221 Vickers hardness (10 kg.). The peak hardness values were obtained at 24 hours precipitation heat treatment. SEM studies were carried out to examine the heat treated composites, to take SEM photographs and to obtain a general elemental analysis. Theoretical volume percentage addition of SiCp was checked with Clemex Image Analyzer program. Distribution of SiCp was determined by mettalographic examination. Second phases that were formed during heat treatment was searched by x-ray analysis.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:METU/oai:etd.lib.metu.edu.tr:http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/3/12605261/index.pdf |
| Date | 01 August 2004 |
| Creators | Yilmaz, Hamdi Sencer |
| Contributors | Kalkanli, Ali |
| Publisher | METU |
| Source Sets | Middle East Technical Univ. |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | M.S. Thesis |
| Format | text/pdf |
| Rights | To liberate the content for public access |
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