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Dendrite arm spacing (DAS) plays a vital role in determining mechanical properties of aluminum casting composites. In this study, the effects of three different methods of gravity sand casting, squeeze casting, and semi-solid compo-casting with different electromagnetic stirring currents and times on the microstructural morphology of A356-Al2O3 composites were investigated. In order to investigate effects of shear forces on the formation of the globular-like structure, samples with different stirring electric current and times were produced by compo-casting in semi-solid state and analyzed. Optical emission microscopy was used to study the microstructure and DAS of nanocomposites. Quantitative analysis of microstructure was performed by utilizing an image analysis system. In this study, the optimum temperature for composite fabrication for this type of composite was calculated to obtain the most appropriate morphology and size of the microstructure. Also, the appropriate time to keep this composite at this temperature was obtained, and finally the relevant microstructures were fully discussed.

The present investigation deals with development of AA2219 composites with different weight fractions of Cerium oxide (CeO2) reinforcement and characterizing the microstructure and mechanical properties thereof. XRD and SEM micrograph confirm the presence of CeO2 particles and Al2Cu precipitate. The grain size of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 wt% CeO2 composites are 483, 453, 411, 362 and 328 μm, respectively. Addition of CeO2 significantly reduces the dendritic morphology and refines the α-Al grain structure. 2 wt% CeO2 addition has yielded the maximum hardness of 124 HV and yield strength of 87 MPa in all the composites developed. Additionally, the developed composites were evaluated by examining the wear characteristics with the co-efficient of friction (COF) and the specific wear rate. In this study, Taguchi's L25 orthogonal array was used to optimize the parameters like reinforcement fraction, load and sliding distance. Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used to obtain the parameters highly influencing the wear behaviour. Adhesive wear is exhibited by ploughing at lower loads and delamination is observed with increasing load. Deep shallow ploughs with embarked abrasion are observed at higher loads.

Metal matrix composite has been developed to improve mechanical properties for the automotive component application. One crucial factor in achieving excellent mechanical properties is improving the properties of the aluminum matrix of composite by the heat treatment process. The mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si matrix composites alloyed with Zn and reinforced with 5% SiC and 5%Gr particle were examined after the heat treatment process. The aluminum matrix is melted inside the crucible furnace at 850 °C and is added with SiC/Gr particle, followed by stirring at 7500 rpm to optimize the mixing of the composite. Then, the composite is poured into the preheated mold at 300 °C and then squeezed with 30 MPa of pressure. The heat treatment process consists of three steps; solution treatment, quenching, and artificial aging. The aging process is conducted with variation of temperature (140 °C, 180 °C and 200 °C) and holding time (2, 4, and 6 hours). The test results show that the mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composite tend to increase after the heat treatment process. The optimum mechanical properties are achieved at the aging temperature of 200 °C for 6 hours, with the hardness value of 60.3 HRA and the impact value of 0.112 Joule/mm2.

Composite mold samples used in squeeze casting was fabricated by plasma spraying with 5CrMnMo and 3YSZ, which was shown high bonding strength and good thermal shock resistance. The best parameters with transition coat were explored by mechanical analyses. As results, the transition layer structure made of 75 percent NiCoCrAlY powders showed bonding strength was higher to 34.35MPa and that thermal cycles were up to 46.8 times. The effect of the transition layer was analyzed by microstructures and the failure mechanism of the coating material with a transition layer was discussed. The conclusion was that the physical mismatch and thermodynamic mismatch between the matrix and ceramic layers were the main cause of the failure.

The microstructure, mechanical properties and flame resistance behavior of the AZ91−1Ce alloys with different Ca additions were firstly investigated. Then, the effect of processing parameters, including applied pressures and rotation speeds, on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the rheo-squeeze casting AZ91−1Ce−2Ca alloy was studied. The results indicate that with the increase of Ca content, the microstructure is refined and the flame resistance of the AZ91−1Ce−xCa alloys increases. But when the Ca content exceeds 1 wt.%, with the Ca content increasing, the mechanical properties of the AZ91−1Ce−xCa alloys reduce rapidly. For rheo-squeeze casting process, the increase of applied pressure and rotation speed can both bring about significant refinement in the microstructure of the AZ91−1Ce−2Ca alloy and reduction of the porosity, so the mechanical properties increase. Compared to conventional casting, the AZ91−1Ce alloy with the addition of 2 wt.% Ca by rheo-squeeze casting not only guarantees the oxidation resistance (801 °C), but also improves mechanical properties.

In this article, a new metal–matrix composite was developed with fly ash (an industrial waste from petroleum industries) as reinforcement and aluminium metal (A357) as a matrix by squeeze casting technique. This study was concentrated on the processing of the composites with different weight percentage ranging from 0 to 10 wt.% in a step of 2.5 each and also reported the erosion wear behaviour. Solid particle erosion of A357/fly ash composites was carried out with four velocities (48, 70, 82 and 109 m/s), at impact angles (30°, 45°, 60° and 90°), with silica as an abrasive particle at ambient temperature. The eroded surfaces were analysed by scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that the impact velocity and impingement angle both affected the erosion wear behaviour of the composites. The erosion rate rises with an increase in impact velocity, irrespective of the change in impingement angle and weight percentage of the fly ash. The erosion mechanism studied for the composites is microploughing and microcutting.

Aluminium alloys are having lightweight, high strength, good corrosive resistance, and toughness. In this paper, A7075/B4C/SiC Hybrid Composites fabricated with different wt. % of reinforcement materials by using stir and squeeze casting process. The SEM Microstructure have shown that uniform distribution of reinforcement particles in the A7075 matrix reinforced with 1 % wt. % B4C and 1 % wt. % SiC. The Mechanical properties of A7075/B4C/SiC Hybrid Composites were studied Composite A7075/B4C/SiC reinforced with 1 % wt. B4C and 1 % wt. SiC has shown more compressive and tensile strength compared to base alloy. The compressive strength of the composite increased 39.73 % and the tensile strength is increased 36.67 % compared to base alloy. From the dry sliding wear studies, the Composite with 1 B4C wt. % have shown less weight loss and coefficient of friction at all conditions due to the uniform distribution of the micro-particles within the matrix surfaces. Worn surface morphology has revealed that severe wear of A7075 base alloy became mild wear by preparing composite with 1 % wt. SiC, 0.5 wt. % B4C and then mild wear became less wear with shallow grooves by increasing reinforcement weight percentage of B4C from 0.5 to 1.

A challenge for the research and industrial community is to develop lightweight wrought Mg-based alloys that exhibit high strength and good ductility. To address this challenge, Mg-3Sn-2Al (TA32) alloy was produced by the squeeze casting process followed by hot rolling (HR). To improve its ductility, the hot-rolled alloy was annealed (HRA). HR and HRA samples were subjected to microstructural, composition, textural, and mechanical property analysis. The HR sheet exhibited high strength with 0.2% proof stress (PS) of 274 MPa and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 390 MPa, as well as reasonable ductility (12%) along the rolling direction, one of the highest values for Mg alloys. HRA sheet showed a moderate reduction in strength with a 0.2% PS of 250 MPa and UTS of 365 MPa, but an improvement in ductility (19%). The excellent properties of this alloy can be attributed to the synergistic effects of grain refinement, solid-solution strengthening by Al and Sn atoms, and uniform distribution of fine Mg2Sn particles.

Among non-ferrous materials, aluminium and its alloys are one of the challenging materials having high structural characteristic, superior tribological and mechanical properties and used for the ty...

Nowadays, Squeeze casting is considered as a convenient process for developing quality piston components. In this paper, casting methods such as squeeze casting and die casting techniques are used ...

Squeeze casting is one of the simplest processes of manufacturing of composite materials and it attains higher advantages of low material processing cost, easy handling of material, size, design and good stability of matrix structure. LM24 aluminium alloy reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) and coconut shell ash (CSA) were used to prepare the composite. LM24 alloy had wide engineering applications, wherein the addition of SiC enhances the wear resistance and CSA particles offer significant technical and economic benefits. In the present study, the composite samples were prepared based on Taguchi experimental conditions L16 (4-levels and 5- parameters) through squeeze casting method. From the experimental results, percentage of reinforcement and squeeze pressure were most influential parameters on impact strength. The optimum casting condition was obtained by using Taguchi optimization. From microstructural study, applying high level of squeeze pressure improved the uniform dispersion, good bonding between the matrix and reinforcement. Also, 25% of impact strength was improved the composite using Taguchi optimum conditions compared than conventional alloys. Higher squeeze pressure seen to have refined dendritic structure with uniform distribution of reinforcement materials in the aluminium matrix.

High strength and less weight materials are required for industrial expectations with low cost for their working process. Nonferrous materials are less in weight but the strength of the material is less compared to ferrous materials. Ferrous materials having high strength but it have more weight when compared to nonferrous materials. To make the combination of ferrous and non-ferrous materials properties are increased by its strength. The weight of the material is to be reduced but its mechanical and metallurgical properties have to be improved. The non-ferrous material like aluminium has less weight and the ferrous material like steel has high strength. These two materials make a combination of considerable weight providing high strength. The steel wire and steel mesh are reinforced in aluminium alloy by squeeze casting and gravity die casting method. After the process has been done testing methods has been processed on the materials to check the mechanical and metallurgical properties. Were aluminium (LM6) and steel wires of 1 mm diameter were used as the reinforcement increased the mechanical strength and metallurgical properties.

Particulates strengthened aluminium hybrid intermixtures is formed using squeeze casting method by varying weight percentage (2%, 4% and 6%) of SiC and keeping 2% WC constant. Pin on disc of wear test has been used to investigate the wear properties and coefficient of friction of synthesized aluminium hybrid composites under dry sliding conditions by varying its load and sliding speed. The sliding distance had been maintained constant. The structural features of the synthesized composites and its morphological properties were studied by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Wear rate of synthesized mixtures is significantly increased at all affixed loads. SEM images of the worn out surfaces revealed that particulates micro fracture was the predominant mechanism associated with abrasive wear. Micro hardness of Aluminium hybrid been significantly increased due to incorporation of stronger and stiffer reinforced particles and it leads to low wear with high friction coefficient developed hybrid compared with monolithic material.

This research work deals with an investigational study on the temperature developed while cylindrical grinding of Al7075/RHA composite. The Al7075 base material is reinforced with rice husk ash (RHA) particles through squeeze casting methodology wherein the amount of RHA in Al7075 matrix is varied as 5, 10 and 15% in weight. The parameters that are taken into consideration for grinding study are RHA %, table feed and depth of cut each at three levels. The experiment is designed based on Taguchi design of experiments and the output response is temperature. The results revels that the RHA %, table feed and depth of cut have inverse effect over temperature. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results confirmed that the grinding temperature has greatly affected by the amount of reinforcement present in the matrix. The developed regression equation has the higher ability to forecast the output with minimal deviation.

In the current study, microstructure and interfacial analysis of Al–Si–Cu/Al2O3 composite were investigated. Alumina was added in different fractions to study their effect on the microstructure. The distribution of the particles inside the Al–Si–Cu matrix and the reactions at the interface were developed using optical, SEM, XRD and EDS. The microstructures of the composites revealed a uniform distribution of the Al2O3 particle. The analysis of the interface between the matrix alloy and the Al2O3 particles indicated the presence of wetting agent of MgAl2O4 at the interface between the particles and the matrix. Moreover there is no particle agglomeration. The addition of Al2O3 particles into Al–Si–Cu alloy led to a reduction in the time required to attain peak hardness during aging and enhancing the hardness. Also, the wear resistances of Al–Si–Cu alloy based composites were significantly improved with the addition of Al2O3 particles.

In the present work, a step die was made by P20 steel for squeeze casting magnesium alloy AZ91 with five different section thicknesses of 2, 4, 8, 12, and 20 mm under an applied pressure of 60MPa. ...

Magnesium alloys have gained increasing attention for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and the biodegradability. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is known to be a highly bioactive because of its similar chemical and crystallographic structures to bone. Therefore, HA is believed to be a potential ceramic material for the fabrication of Mg based composites, to combine the advantages of both Mg and HA. But, in general, the composites known to be more susceptible to corrosion attack than the matrix alloy. Hence, in the present work, Sn is used as an alloying element to evaluate its effect on mechanical as well as corrosion properties of Mg/HA composites. Mg with 5 wt% HA and Mg-1 wt% Sn-5 wt% HA composites were prepared separately by stir assisted squeeze casting route. The phase analysis and microstructure were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) respectively. Mechanical properties were evaluated by conducting the compression and micro hardness tests. Corrosion properties of as-cast composites were studied by linear polarization, Tafel and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The results of both XRD and SEM-EDS revealed that the main constitutional phases of as-cast Mg/HA composites were α-Mg and HA whereas, in Mg-Sn/HA composites, the phase Mg2Sn was observed along with fine distribution of HA particles. In both the cases, no interfacial reactions observed. The yield strength, ultimate compression strength and hardness were found to be increased with the addition of Sn in Mg/HA composites. Furthermore, the addition of Sn also played an important role in increasing the corrosion resistance of the Mg/HA composites which was attributed the refinement of grain size and the formation of Mg2Sn phase along the grain boundaries. Hence, it was concluded that the addition of Sn improves both mechanical and corrosion properties of Mg/HA composites.

High-strength aluminum alloy with large-scale and thin-walled complex castings have broad application prospects in aerospace, weapons, electronics, defense and military industries. However, due to the uneven thickness of the plate, the casting defects are inevitable by the ordinary casting method, and it is impossible to accurately control the shape and performance of the casting in the casting process. Previous studies have found that the semi-solid rheological extrusion casting technology with short process and near-end type can help solve this technical problem. Therefore, this paper studies the semi-solid rheological extrusion casting process of thin-walled complex casting of ZL114A aluminum alloy. The combination of numerical simulation and experimental research is used to simulate and optimize the filling and solidification process of thin-walled specimens. Based on this, a semi-solid rheological extrusion casting test was conducted. The result showed that, (1) The optimized model can well reflect the filling and solidification process under different rheological extrusion casting parameters, and obtain defect-free castings through process optimization. (2) The thin-walled parts of the thin plate casting produced by semi-solid rheology extrusion have excellent mechanical property and ductility.

LM25 aluminum alloy reinforced with 10 wt% of TiB2, WC, and ZrO2 were squeeze cast to investigate the effect of T6 heat treatment on tribo-mechanical properties. Among all, WC-reinforced composite achieved superior mechanical properties at the aging time of 8 h. Microstructural examination performed on all composites and alloy concluded that the presence of WC in T6 LM25 caused reduction of α-Al dendrite size, exhibiting superior properties for this composite. X-ray diffraction analysis conducted on alloy and WC-reinforced superior composite revealed formations of phases, which improved their mechanical properties. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis quantified the actual intensity of WC presence in the superior composite along with its other constituents. Response surface methodology model developed for wear test of the superior composite involves parametric range like applied load (10–50 N), sliding velocity (1–4 m/s), and sliding distance (500–2500 m). Analysis of variance along with regression analysis proved that, statistical analytical model developed good relationship between the actual wear rate and process parameters. Response surface plots represented the linearly increasing wear trend with respect to load and sliding distance. Wear rate dropped initially and raised later on along with velocity. Scanning electron microscopy exhibited the surface deformation prevailing on the composite surface at high load.

Novel interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) were produced by infiltrating ZA8 alloy into sintered 304 stainless steel fiber preforms through squeeze casting. Microstructural characteristics and ...

The present investigation deals with the microstructural modification following the Bi + Sr additions to the squeeze-cast AZ91 alloy and its effect on impression creep response. The Bi + Sr additio...

Hybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs) were prepared with AA 5754 as matrix and B4C (fixed with 1 wt.% and average particle size as 25 μm) and Al2O3 reinforcements (varied from 0.5 to 2 wt. % with the interval of 0.5 and average particle size as 50 nm) using Rheo-squeeze casting process. Microstructure images were taken to observe the uniform distribution of reinforcement particles on the matrix alloy. The tensile strength for AA 5754 with 1 wt.% B4C and 2 wt.% Al2O3 hybrid composite showed higher value compared to base alloy and other composites. The wt. % of Al2O3 in the composite is increased to 2 %, the tensile strength and compressive strength were also increased due to combined Rheo-squeeze casting. AA 5754 reinforced with 1 wt.% B4C and 1.5 wt.% Al2O3 MMC indicated the Impact strength value of 30 Joules which is higher than AA 5754 matrix alloy and other compositions.

An attempt has been made to investigate the microstructures and wear behavior of magnesium alloy AM100 (Mg-Al-Mn) based composites reinforced with 7 vol. % of ZrB2, graphite or hybrid of (1:1) ZrB2 and graphite particles as well as the unreinforced magnesium alloy. Magnesium alloy was melt under shield of inert gases and composites were prepared using stir casting method. Optical microscopy was used to study the microstructures of the unreinforced alloy and composites. The composites characterized primarily by the uniform distribution of particles in the matrix and a good adherence between the particles and matrix. XRD analysis was used to identify the phases of the unreinforced alloy and composites. The XRD diffraction pattern of AM100 matrix reveals different phases, namely, Mg, AlMn and Al12Mg17. Formation of these phases is due to the reaction between alloy constituents. Dry sliding wear tests were conducted by using a pin-on-ring apparatus. The wear rates of the composites and matrix alloy were measured at loads of 10, 20 and 30 N, and sliding speed of 0.7 m/s. The worn surfaces of the composite pins were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results of the wear tests showed that the magnesium based composites exhibited higher wear rate at all the applied loads when compared to those of the unreinforced magnesium alloy. The ZrB2 reinforced magnesium composite exhibited the lowest wear rate amongst the composites material investigated in the present work.

The current paper emphasizes various aspects of squeeze casting in the field of metal matrix composites (MMC’s). The effect of different aspects and processing parameters related to squeeze casting such as pressure, slurry temperature, types and effects of reinforcements have been discussed with specific stress on aluminum MMC’s. The development of different mechanical, tribological and wear properties due to squeezing casting have been discussed.

A7075 Hybrid MMCs containing micro B4C and SiC successfully fabricated with different compositions using stir and squeeze casting method. Optical microstructure and SEM images shows the uniform distribution in the A7075 matrix reinforced with 1 % wt. % B4C and 1 % wt. % SiC. The Mechanical properties of A7075/B4C/SiC Hybrid Composites were studied. Hardness of A7075 alloy increased by the addition of 1 wt. % micro SiC and 1.5 wt. % B4C particles to the A7075 matrix. Increase in the hybrid composite is 15.24 % more than the base alloy. Impact strength of composite was decreased as compare to base alloy. In sliding wear studies, the Composite with 1 wt. % B4C has shown less weight loss and coefficient of friction.

This research work deals with the investigation on the study of wear behaviour of squeeze cast aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites. The reinforcement elements are zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and graphite (C).The aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs) were produced by squeeze casting method for 6% of ZrO2 and 3% of C by varying the squeeze pressure, molte metal temperature and die preheating temperature. Dry sliding wear test was performed by using pin-on-disc to study the tribological behavior of aluminium hybrid MMCs. Response surface methodology was used to predict the wear strength of the squeeze cast aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites. Results shows that for 150 MPa squeeze pressure, 825 °C and at 250 °C the aluminiumhybrid MMCs recorded minimum wear rate. Squeeze pressure emerges as a influential parameter among the others.

In the current scenario aluminium and their alloys are replaced by composite materials in the automotive field due to low corrosiveness, high strength and less weight. Need for improved wear behaviour performance has led to the design and selection of newer variants of the composite. This present paper investigates the study of wear behaviour of AA6061/Al2O3/SiC metal matrix composite (MMC) using squeeze casting method. Wear test has been carried out on a Pin on Disc apparatus. The effect of three levels and three process parameters such as load, sliding velocity and sliding distance were considered. Statistical analysis plays a significant role in analyzing aluminium matrix composites. Specifically, Taguchi techniques found to be efficient, systematic and simple relative to the optimization of wear test parameters. So that experimental study employed the Taguchi method. L9 orthogonal array was selected to carry out the experiment. Dry sliding wear rate has analyzed on “smaller the best” basis. ANOVA and regression equation carried out to understand the impact of individual factors and interactions on the wear rate as well as the coefficient of friction. Results show that load has the highest influence followed by sliding speed and sliding distance. Scanning Electron Microscope was done on wear surfaces.

In this study, wear behaviour of Aluminum Alloy (AA6063) reinforced with Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) and Graphite (C) by squeeze casting method was carried out. Squeeze casting method is appropriate for the entire light weight materials similar to aluminium and magnesium which are mainly used in the aerospace and automotive industries. AA6063 is the mainly used alloy for aluminium extrusion. Aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs) were fabricated by squeeze casting technique by altering the weight percentage of ZrO2 in steps of 0% up to 6% and keeping C as constant at 3%. Dry sliding wear test was performed by using pin-on-disc to study the tribological behavior of aluminium hybrid MMCs. It is evident from the results that the wear rate is minimum for 6% of ZrO2 and 3% of C reinforcements invariably for all the speeds and loads. The coefficient of friction decreases with the increase in the weight percentage of ZrO2 reinforcements for all the load conditions.

The effect of ZrO2(2, 4, 6 and 8 wt%) dispersoids with 1 wt% graphite on the microstructural, mechanical properties on squeeze cast VAL12 matrix hybrid composite is investigated in the present study. The hybrid composites were characterized using advanced characterization techniques to reveal its microstructural and physical properties. The microscopic examinations using optical and SEM technique reveal that the addition of dispersoids accelerates the nucleation kinetics, thus attaining fine, equiaxial grains in hybrid composites. The squeeze cast composites show almost nil porosity, defects and owing to it, the actual density of the composites are found to be more than 95% as that of the theoretical density values. The hardness values and tensile values increase with respect to the increase in percentage addition of ZrO2. The tensile results show that there is an appreciable increase in the UTS values of composites without much loss in its ductility as the addition of graphite improves the self-lubricating property and provides wettability during the casting. Fractographic studies on tensile tested specimen reveal that the crack occurs in both matrix and particles showing the good interface between matrix and dispersoids. Machinability studies reveal the formation of continuous chips in hybrid composites with a lower percentage of reinforcement (up to 4% ZrO2+ 1%Gr) and segmented chips in case of the composite with 8% ZrO2+ 1%Gr, as the increase in the percentage of dispersoids improve the chip breakability of the composites. On an overall, the hybrid aluminium matrix composites with 1%Gr and 6 % ZrO2unveiled better optimal results.

A hierarchical-architectured Al2O3/40Cr steel composite was fabricated by squeeze casting. In the composite, the Al2O3 particulate-reinforced 40Cr steel matrix composite and pure 40Cr steel formed ...

Al18B4O33 whiskers reinforced Al-Mg matrix composites with different Mg contents are fabricated by squeeze casting method. The effects of Mg contents on the microstructure and the tensile properties of the composites are investigated. The results indicate that the Mg contents have strong influences on the type of interphase, the thickness of interfacial layer and the solid solubility of Mg along with the dislocation density in the matrices of the composites. The interface reaction products between the whiskers and Mg evolve from MgAl2O4 to MgAl2O4+MgO to MgO with the increase in Mg contents. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the composites increases dramatically with the Mg contents, resulting from the combination of the interface strengthening and the solid solution strengthening of Mg. It is worth mentioning that the UTS of the composite containing 10 wt% Mg in the matrix attains a highest value (540 MPa) in as-cast Al18B4O33w/Al composites reported.

Aluminum alloy is widely used in automotive, aerospace and other engineering industries because of its excellent mechanical properties. The main objective is to enhance 6061 Al alloy’s mechanical properties by producing 6061-B4C composite through squeeze casting process. Experimentation was carried out with different micron sizes and weight fraction of B4C particles. The mechanical properties of reinforced metal matrix were experimentally investigated in terms of Ultimate Tensile Strength and Hardness. We observe that these two properties are improved by the reinforcement of B4C particles and applied squeeze pressure.

In this work hybrid 6351 Al/Gr/SiC composites are produced via squeeze casting using 6351 aluminium alloy as the matrix, with graphite and silicon carbide particles as reinforcements. The mechanical properties, viz., hardness and tensile strength of Al 6351 hybrid metal matrix composites are studied by conducting Vicker’s hardness test and tensile test, and wear tests are conducted to study the wear rate. The hardness and tensile strength are found to have increasing trend as the percentage of SiC increases and the percentage of Gr decreases. The wear rate of all composites has an increasing trend as the applied load increases.

The work deals with studying the effects of the die temperature from 200 to 400°C and the pressure from 105 to 705 MPa applied to the liquid melt, on the structure transformation and mechanical properties of a wrought Al–4.8Cu–1.2Mg alloy processed by squeeze casting. Complex study of the structure was carried out. It was shown that the optimum alloy mechanical properties (YS=365 MPa, UTS=455 MPa, δ=5%) were achieved at the applied pressure of 420 MPa, when the alloy exhibited the strength that corresponds to the hot-deformed alloy condition.

Semi-solid CuSn10P1 alloy slurry was fabricated by a novel enclosed cooling slope channel (for short ECSC). The effect of filling velocity on microstructure and properties by squeeze casting was studied. The results showed that primary α-Cu phase gradually formed from dendrites evolved into worm-like or equiaxed crystals by ECSC. As the filling velocity increases, the ultimate tensile strengths and elongations of the shaft sleeve increase first and then decrease. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation of semi-solid squeeze casting CuSn10P1 alloy reached a maximum of 417.6MPa and 12.6% when the forming pressure is 100MPa and filling velocity is 21mm/s, which were improved by 22% and 93%, respectively, as compared to that of liquid squeeze casting.

Metal matrix composite (MMC) has a unique class of light weight advanced engineered materials which are developed to give high strength, improved hardness, tensile strength, good elongation and good resistance to wear and tear hence increases the durability. It has good machinability properties, so that lightweight materials can replace the heavy materials like cast iron in aerospace and automobile industry. The aim of this research to study the mechanical and microstructure properties of LM25 reinforced with SiC particles and coated with mica fabricated by squeeze casting technique. Wear loss and mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, elongation and yield strength wear studied. Microstructure with EDS studied using scanning electron microscope. Results show that with increasing the percentage of mica along with 10% SiC the MMC properties get enhanced.

A wide range of opportunities in the field of automotive and structural applications are being offered by Magnesium matrix composites because of their enhanced mechanical properties. Magnesium alloys based Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) are the best candidates for lightweight structural applications due to their improved creep properties. In the present study, three specimens of specially reinforced magnesium composites were manufactured by using the squeeze casting process. Specimen 1 has a composition of 7 % aluminum alloy in addition to 1% zinc and the composition of reinforcement is Titanium Carbide 0.3 % in addition to 1.5% Carbon nanotubes. Specimen 2 has a composition of 12 % aluminum alloy in addition to 1 % zinc and the composition of reinforcement is 2% B_4 C in addition to 2 % Carbon nanotubes. Specimen 3 has a composition of 14 % aluminum alloy in addition to 1 % zinc and the composition of reinforcement is 2 % B_4 C in addition to 2 % Carbon nanotubes. The mechanical properties analysis showed that specimen 2 has a higher hardness value in comparison to other manufactured specimens and it was also observed that specimen 2 possesses a higher tensile strength value in comparison to the other two specimens. Microstructure analysis shows that there was a uniform distribution of the reinforcements in the matrix. So it can be inferred that this uniform distribution causes higher hardness and higher tensile strength in the manufactured specimens.

In the present study endeavor has been made to research the castability of brass alloy, that is, beta brass using squeeze casting process. The castability was assessed by examining the impact of squeeze casting parameters, namely pouring temperature at 950, 975 and 1000 C levels, squeeze pressure of 80, 120 and 160 MPa and dwell time of 15, 30 and 45 s, on surface roughness and hardness using Taguchi design of experimentation method. Signal-to-noise ratio, smaller is better for surface roughness and larger is better for hardness, is used for the analysis. The results of the study showed that the optimum condition in order to get minimum surface roughness for squeeze cast Beta Brass is pouring temperature with 950 C, squeeze pressure with 120 MPa and dwell time with 30 s as most significant parameter. The optimum condition in order to get maximum hardness for squeeze cast Beta Brass is pouring temperature with 1000 °C, squeeze pressure with 120 MPa and dwell time with 15 s, with squeeze pressure as most significant parameter.

Hybrid metal matrix composites (HMMC) play a vital role in meeting the global needs in automotive applications for low-cost, high-performance, and quality materials with excellent mechanical and thermal properties. The study aims to explore the wear and mechanical properties of AA2024-reinforced Al2O3/SiC/Gr with different weight fractions using liquid metallurgy route particularly in advanced squeeze casting technique. Different wt% of Al2O3/SiC/Gr reinforcement is added to AA2024 and the effect of this combination on the material is evaluated based on its tensile strength, hardness, wear rate and compressive strength. The fabricated specimens were prepared and tested as per the ASTM standard. The results show that increased reinforcement up to 9 wt% has better hardness and tensile strength. On the other hand, the reinforcement metal matrix with Al2O3/SiC/Gr particles up to 9 wt% shows less wear rate and high compressive strength. Wear worn surface shows that fragments from the inner part of the material forms a layer on the composite surface.

The paper presents the results of studies on the effects of shooting composite materials produced by pressure infiltration with the EN AW-7075 alloy as a matrix and reinforcement in the form of preforms made of &alpha, Al2O3 particles. Composite materials were made with two reinforcement contents (i.e., 30% and 40% vol. of &alpha, Al2O3 particles). The composites produced in the form of 12 mm thick plates were subjected to impact loads from a 7.62 &times, 39 FMJ M43 projectile fired from a Kalashnikov. The samples of composites with different contents of strengthening particles were subjected to detailed microscopic examination to determine the mechanism of destruction. The effect of a projectile impact on the microstructure of the material within the perforation holes was identified. There were radial cracks found around the puncture holes and brittle fragmentation of the front surfaces of the specimens. The change in the volume of the reinforcement significantly affected the inlet, puncture and outlet diameters. The observations confirmed that brittle cracking dominated the destruction mechanism and the crack propagation front ran mainly in the matrix material and along the boundaries of the &alpha, Al2O3 particles. In turn, numerical tests were conducted to describe the physical phenomena occurring due to the erosion of a projectile hitting a composite casing. They were performed with the use of the ABAQUS program. Based on constitutive models, the material constants developed from the identification of material properties were modelled and the finite element was generated from homogenization in the form of a representative volume element (RVE). The results of microscopic investigations of the destruction mechanism and numerical investigations were combined. The conducted tests and analyses shed light on the application possibilities of aluminium composites reinforced with Al2O3 particles in the construction of add-on-armour protective structures.

The paper deals with semi solid squeeze casting technology. Fluidity tests were designed for the selected technology. The shape of the test casting was designed in the shape of test bars with different thicknesses and also in the shape of a stepped casting. The thickness of the individual elements was chosen on the basis of a selected / preferred numbers R10 EN STN 17. As a result, the thickness of the elements was 2.0, 2.5, 3.15, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.3 mm. Designed fluidity tests were verified by using ProCast simulation software. The selected process parameters were: operating pressure 80 MPa, mold temperature 200 °C, piston speed 30 mm.s-1. The experimental material was an AlSi7Mg0.3 alloy with a different solid phase content. The initial solid amount were 50, 55 and 60 %. The effect of solidus and liquidus, temperature distribution and pressure was monitored during the evaluation of fluidity.

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) with their splendid mechanical properties have been specifically designed for use in fields such as aerospace and aviation. The presence of hard ceramic particles in MMC increases the hardness of the matrix product and decreases its coefficient of friction. Therefore, the wear resistance is improved. Moreover, the mechanical properties of these composite materials can be improved by applying heat treatments. In this study, AlSi7Mg2 MMCs with 15 wt% SiC reinforcement were produced by squeeze casting technique. Some of the composites were aged by heat treatment. Hardness values of aged and non-aged composites were compared. In addition, abrasive wear behaviors of these composites were investigated on pin-on-disk device, depending on the load (7, 12 and 17 N), the sliding speed (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 m/s) and the sliding distance (700, 1000 and 1300 m). Worn surfaces were also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result of the analyses, it was determined that both the hardness values and the wear resistance were higher in the composites subjected to aging treatment. Furthermore, it was observed that the increase in the applied load led up to the weight loss. The increase in the sliding distance increased both friction coefficient and weight loss. The increase in sliding speed also made way for the friction coefficient but ensured less weight loss. When SEM images were examined, it was ascertained that deformation and tribo-surface formation had a significant effect on weight losses.

Aluminium-based alloys have a better strength-to-weight ratio and hence are widely used in aerospace and automotive industries. Squeeze casting is one of the most suited options for manufacturing of aluminium-based alloys and its composites. This paper provides a review on squeeze casting and its advancements, like ultrasonic squeeze casting. Optimization of various process variables and their influence on output parameters carried out by various authors are also discussed.

The effect of die temperature on the solidification behaviour of aluminium mixed ceramic cast samples are studied. The samples are prepared by squeeze casting method. The die temperatures are assigned in this work from 220 - 280°C and the preparation of aluminium in liquid state of temperature is 850°C, respectively. The application of pressure during this process is 70 MPa. It was observed that the solidification time varies from 29 seconds at 220°C and 37 seconds at 280°C. Increasing the die temperature resulted in decreasing the cooling rate. The experimental and theoretical solidification time was almost equal and close in their values.