Experimental Investigations on the Mechanical Properties, Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Cu-20Al-4Ni/SiC Composites Synthesized Using Powder Metallurgy

Abstract

The present investigation pertains to synthesize aluminium bronze silicon carbide composite by powder metallurgy route. Three various weight percentages of silicon carbide (0, 2, 4 & 6) were reinforced with aluminium bronze matrix (Cu-20%Al-4%Ni) and the hydraulic press was used to prepare the green compact. This compact was heated at two different temperatures such as 6500C and 7500C using tubular furnace. The effect of silicon carbide on density, sinterability, compression test and hardness test was analyzed. The scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to confirm the presence of alloying elements. The results showed that the sinterability and density were reduced with an increase in silicon carbide content. The composite reinforced with 6%SiC exhibited lowest compressive strength among other composites. The 4 wt.% SiC reinforced composites sintered at 7500C has highest corrosion resistance.