DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERISATION OF RECYCLED ALUMINUM SILICON CARBIDE COMPOSITES

Abstract

This study was conducted to develop a composite using recycled aluminum Cans matrix and silicon carbide particulates as the reinforcement material. Various compositions were developed using recycled aluminum cans matrix and 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% weight of silicon carbide particles through stir casting method. The composites were stirred at two temperatures 700?C and 750?C while other processing parameters (Stirring time, stirring speed and pouring temperature) were kept constant. The mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength, compression strength, impact strength, flexural strength and hardness) and physical properties (density) were determined for the developed composite. The results obtained revealed that density reduced with increase in additions of silicon carbide contents in the composites while compressive strength was generally decreased as the reinforcement increases. The results also revealed that addition of silicon carbide in the composites increase the tensile strength, impact strength, flexural strength and hardness by 90%, 119%, 53%, and 61% respectively over that of unreinforced matrix. Composite stirred at 750?C have better properties when compared to composites stirred at 700?C. Conclusively, the properties of recycled aluminum cans matrix can be improved with SiC particle reinforcement for engineering applications such as sprocket, break pad, e.t.c.

http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v39i1.13