Investigation on Mechanical Properties of Aluminum 8011 Metal Matrix Compositewith Titanium Carbide Particulate Reinforcement

: Aluminium metal matrix composites are the key material in engineering fields like aerospace, defense, automobiles and consumer goods. Aluminium matrix composite dominates the conventional materials due to its low economic rate, high wear resistance and strength to weight ratio. So, the present work considered Al 8011 alloy as the metal matrix and titanium carbide (TiC) particles as reinforced material for investigation. The composite was prepared by stir casting method. A digital pin on disc tester was used to measure the wear with EN32 steel disc as counter surface (72HRC) and cylindrical pin as the composite specimens. The present tests were conducted for various sliding velocity of 1,57 m/s, 2,62 m/s and 3,67 m/s. The normal load of 20 N, 40 N, 60 N and the filler content of 0%, 10%, 20% have been considered for the sliding distance of 1000, 3000 and 5000 m. The results of new composite show better wear resistance than matrix metal. The micro structural characterization of worn surface was investigated using De-wintor inverted trinocular metallurgical microscope. Prepared polished matrix shows the distribution of TiC particles in Al 8011 metal matrix based on the quantity added. The impact energy of the samples was found using Izod impact testing machine. Final results showed improved mechanical properties for Al 8011 with 7% TiC compared with other two samples.