Effect of WC particles on the mechanical behavior and machinability of aluminum matrix composites

Abstract

Aluminum-based metal matrix composites are extensively used in applications in many industrial fields, especially in the aviation and automotive industry. The usage rate is increasing day by day. Therefore, it is very important to improve the mechanical properties of the composite structure. For this purpose, in this study, 3, 5, and 7 wt.% tungsten carbide (WC) reinforced aluminum matrix composite material was produced by stir casting method. The mechanical properties (tensile strength, hardness, wear) of the produced composite materials and their effect on machinability were investigated. The machinability process was performed in constant cutting speed, constant cutting depth, three different feed rates (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mm·rev−1), and dry environmental conditions. Wear tests were performed on dry sliding conditions, under 25 N load, covering different distances (150, 300, 450, and 600 m). In addition, the microstructure of the composite samples was analyzed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscope. The phases in the composite material were determined using the X-ray diffraction technique. As a result of the experiments, with the addition of WC particles, the mechanical properties of the materials such as tensile strength, hardness, and wear resistance have increased and the machinability capability has decreased.

Machinability studies of Al–4Mg/in-situ MgAl2O4 nano composites: measurement of cutting forces and machined surface roughness

“…At high depths of cut, high cutting forces led to fracture of in situ MgAl 2 O 4 nanoparticles and the formation of voids, which further increased the surface roughness of the machined surface, as shown in figure 7(b). Similar kinds of results were noticed by Kara et al [27].…”

“…At higher cutting speed (150 m min −1 ), the BUE formation is very low, which gives a good surface finish to the machined surface. At low cutting speeds, the contact area and contact time between the tool and workpiece are higher [27,33]. Composite machined samples Surface roughness (Ra) is higher at low cutting speeds as shown in figures 5(b)-(c) and Surface roughness is observed to be lower at relatively higher cutting speeds 150 m min −1 as shown in figure 5(d).…”

“…Kara et al [27] produced aluminum metal matrix composite contains 3, 5, and 7 weight percent tungsten carbide (WC) reinforcement, made by stir casting. The addition of WC particles enhanced mechanical qualities but lowered machinability, according to an investigation of tensile strength, hardness, wear resistance, and machinability.…”

Investigation on the optimal machining of Mg-based composites considering surface roughness, tool life, cutting forces, and productivity

“…There are many researches about machining of MMCs with aluminum matrix and reinforcements Al 2 O 3 or SiC. For example, Kara et al 4 investigated effect of WC particles on the mechanical properties and machinability of aluminum-based matrix composites. They showed an improvement in strength and hardness of material, but machinability decreased.…”