The Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite (AlMMCs) Reinforced with Ni and SiC_p

This investigation studies the effects of nickel (Ni) particles combined with silicon carbide (SiCp) particles on the microstructural and mechanical properties of aluminium(Al)-magnesium(Mg)-manganese(Mn) matrix alloys under different sintering temperatures. The Al-Mg-Mn-SiC_p/Ni_p composite samples were produced via the powder metallurgy route. The sintering process was performed on a green compact of Al-Mg-Mn matrix/SiC_p/ or Ni_p composites at 400 °C and 600 °C for 1.5 hours at a constant heating rate of 50 °C/min. The Al-Mg-Mn-SiC_p/Ni_p samples were evaluated and characterised using a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the Al-Mg-Mn-SiC_p/Ni_p samples were measured for Vickers hardness and compressive strength. The outcomes show that Al-Mg-Mn-5%SiC_p-6%Ni_p gave the highest Vickers hardness. The results showed that the optimal sintering temperature performed on the Al-Mg-Mn-SiC_p/Ni_p sample was 400 °C compared with 600 °C because the overall dissolution of alloying elements within the Al-matrix led to an enlargement of grains, thus, reducing their mechanical properties.