Evaluation of Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of LM6 (AL-Si 12%) - Boron Nitride Particulate Reinforced Composites

Abstract

The composites of Aluminium and its alloy are finding extensive application in industries like automobile, aerospace and marine field. This popularity of these composites may be attributed to the reason that these composites possesses good mechanical properties, better corrosion resistance, and wear resistance in addition to light in weight. These materials are of much interest to the researchers from fast few decades. In this paper it is aimed to present the research findings of LM6(AL- Si 12%)-Boron nitride(BN) particulate metal matrix composites prepared by metallurgy route( stir casting technique) .The amount of reinforcement is varied from 0 to 3wt.%.The prepared composites are subjected to mechanical testing as per the ASTM standards. The results of the study indicated that as the reinforcement content in the composites increased, there was marginal improvement in tensile and compressive strength, but there was decrease in hardness. Scanning electron microscope was used to study the microstructure.