microstructure and mechanical behaviour of stir casting al/sicp/mg/cu composite with varying pouring temperatures

The effect of pouring temperature while preparing aluminium sic metal matrix composites, withadditional benefits of magnesium and copper through stir casting technique was investigated. the composites werefabricated by mixing 12 wt% of sic reinforcements, 4 wt% magnesium, and 2 wt% copper into 6061 aluminum alloymelt at different pouring temperatures (630ºc, 670ºc, and 710ºc). the addition of magnesium will enhance thewettability of the sic particles with the al matrix. the inclusion of copper has considerable improvement in thestrength and hardness of the composite. the microstructure and mechanical properties (tensile strength andhardness) of the al mmc are evaluated with the corresponding processing parameter, specifically the pouringtemperature of the cast composites. the metallurgical characterization utilizing optical and scanning electronmicroscope were observed for the prepared composites. the coarse microstructure and homogenous distribution ofsic particles appeared within the dendrite structures of the composites. the sic particles have effectivelydistributed, and higher tensile strength and maximum hardness have occurred in composite at a pouring temperatureof 670ºc as compared to other composites. the mechanical properties were lower in composites prepared usinglesser pouring temperature (630ºc) and significantly decreased for higher pouring temperature (710ºc) of the composites.