Major Project Report MMC
Major Project Report MMC
Major Project Report MMC
1.1 INTRODUCTION
MMCs are those materials that are fabricated by reinforcing a parent tough metal matrix with
a ceramic hard material like SiC. The Al-MMCs have drawn most of the attention in the past
decades because it exhibits superior mechanical properties like tensile strength, fatigue,
fracture toughness etc. as compared to the un-reinforced composites.
The Aluminium MMCs have high strength to weight, high strength to cost ratio, high thermal
and electrical conductivities, high wear and corrosion resistance, high damping capacity and
precipitation strengthening.
The fabrication cost of Al-MMCs is also low so it is manufactured on a large scale and is one
of the most extensively used product worldwide.
The mechanical properties exhibited depend mainly on the chemical compositions of the Al-
matrix. The reinforcements should be stable in the working temperature and non-reactive too.
The reinforcement can be either continuous (or) discontinuous.
Continuous reinforcement uses wires (or) fibres such as carbon fibre. In continuous
reinforcement the reinforcement is embedded into the matrix in a certain direction, as result
the structure is anisotropic. In discontinuous reinforcement, the structure is isotropic.
Discontinuous reinforcement uses whiskers, short fibres or particles.
AMMC is usually reinforced by SiC, SiO2, TiB2, TiC, B4C, BN, Graphite, Zirconium and some
other ceramic particles. They can reinforce with fibres like carbon, glass, boron, silica,
tungsten, molybdenum, beryllium etc.
From the last decade, the use of industrial wastes and agricultural wastes are used as
reinforcement because of their low cost and availability. Some of industrial wastes which are
used as reinforcement are blast furnace slag, electric arc furnace slag, grinding stone dust,
alumina slag (red mud), ferrochrome slag and fly ash & the agricultural wastes such as coconut
shell ash, snail shell particles and walnut ash.
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1.2 COMPOSITE
Composite material is a material composed of two or more distinct phases (matrix phase and
reinforcing phase) and having bulk properties significantly different from those of any of the
constituents.
Favourable properties of composite materials are high stiffness, high strength, low density,
high temperature stability, high electrical & thermal conductivity, adjustable coefficient of
thermal expansion, corrosion resistance, improved wear resistance, etc
• Shape of constituents,
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1.3 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPOSITES
Composite materials are classified as
(a) On the basis of matrix material
i) Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs)
ii) Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)
iii) Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC)
• Metal Matrix Composites are composed of a metallic matrix (Al, Mg, Fe, Cu, etc)
and a dispersed ceramic (oxide, carbides) or metallic phase (Pb, Mo, W, etc).
• Uses:
Space shuttle, commercial airlines, electronic substrates, bicycles, automobiles,
golf clubs & variety of other applications.
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Chapter 2
(December 2014) Mitesh Kumar and Ashok Kumar Mishra studied the mechanical behaviour
of Al 6063/MoS2 /Al203 composites fabricated using the stir casting technique.
(a) Vickers hardness & density of Al 6063 with MoS2, Al2O3 magnesium metal matrix
composites increase, with increase in weight percentage of MoS2.
(b) Ultimate tensile strength of AL 6063 with MOS2, Al2O3 and magnesium metal matrix
composites decreases, with increase in weight percentage of MoS2.
(July 2015) Azad Kumar concluded the following from his study of fabricating Al 6063,
Al/SiC, Al/SiC/Gr and Al/SiC/MoS2 composites by Stir casting process.
1) The hardness & density of the composites is increased with an increase in content of SiC &
MoS2 but is decreased with increase in content of graphite.
2) The hardness & density of Al 6063/ 5% weight SiC/ 2% weight MoS2 composites are more
than Al 6063/ 5% weight SiC/ 2% weight Gr.
Therefore, he concluded that MoS2 particulates are better to enhance the hardness property of
composites as compared to graphite.
(July 2015) Kalidas D and Ragupathy K used the Aluminum alloy (AA6061) reinforced with
hybrid metal matrix composite (HMMCs) with 0 to 12% vol. fractions of silicon Carbide and
molybdenum disulfide reinforcements were created by stir casting technique. The metal-to-
metal wear behavior of these hybrid composite and that of unreinforced alloy was investigated
by pin-on-disc wear testing machine. The optical micrographs in use for the micro structure
investigation of the hybrid composite show that the Silicon Carbide and molybdenum disulfide
particulates are regularly distributed in the matrix materials. Here Al6061 with mixture of
higher percentage of SiC (10%) with MoS2 fixed at 2% shows the greater characteristic nature
of the material.
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(2016) K. Kanthavel, et al studied three types of aluminium hybrid composites developed by
powder metallurgy in different combinations of (Al + 5% Al2O3), (Al + 5% Al2O3 + 5% MoS2)
and (Al + 5% Al2O3 + 10% MoS2) the wear & friction properties depend upon the percentage
of MoS2, which added as solid lubricant has produced significant tribiological performance.
The results reveal that further addition of 10% MoS2 in hybrid composite does not help to
improve the tribiological property.
(March 2016) S.B. Rayjadhav and Dr.V. R. Nain They evaluated the microstructure,
mechanical properties of Al-SiC composites produced by Stir Casting route with varying SiC
weight % (0%, 5%, 10%) of reinforcement.
1) Hardness- Hardness increases with increase in reinforcement particulate of SiC powder. 5%
weight of SiC gives hardness of 65 BHN & Max. Hardness 102 BHN is obtained at 10% weight
of SiC as a reinforcement in aluminium metal matrix.
2) Microstructure- Homogeneous dispersion of SiC particles in Al matrix shows an increasing
trend in the samples prepared by applying Stir casting technique.
(28 May 2016) S. Ajith Arul Daniel, et al carried out several of tests to find out the real behavior
of aluminum hybrid composite with the addition of composite reinforcement like MoS2, SiC,
and TiC etc. The hybrid metal matrix composites have been fabricated through casting method
by reinforcing SiC with different percentage or fractions (5%, 10%, 15%) here the SiC was
used as the particle sizes which varied (10, 20, 40 μm) with aluminum alloy, meanwhile the
addition of Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) is fixed at 2%. Here the behavior was captured
and was evaluated based on density, strength by testing the samples, wear loss and friction co
efficient coefficient by using pin on disc apparatus. Here the analysis was done by Taguchi and
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) It was found that the wear resistance is high when smaller
particles were reinforced at maximum percentage (15%) are better in result.
(15 Sept 2016) S. Nallusamy, A Karthik prepared the required composite for testing using stir
casting method. Based on this the Hardness of metal exposed that Al-6061/20wt. % of SiC has
higher hardness value than Al-6061/10wt. % of SiC The hardness value increases from 40 to
52.5 in hybrid composites by means of increasing the wt. % of SiC from 10 to 20% and also
the value was higher when compared to base alloy in every composition. The wear rate is
occupied by various factors in the load of 10N and 20N, sliding speed of 500 rpm and sliding
distance of 1750 meters. It was also seen that the wear rate increases in direct proportion to
increase in the sliding distance.
(October 2016) Er. Ankit Kumar, et al fabricated and analysed Al based SiC of aluminium
alloy of grade Al 6063 with addition of varying weight percentage composition of SiC by stir
casting technique. Further, they concluded in their research work, Al 6063/Sic/Al2O3
composites are fabricated using the stir-casting technique and the mechanical behaviour of the
metal matrix composites were studied. The following important observations can be noted:
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1) It appears in this study that Tensile Strength starts increases with increase in weight
Percentage of SiC and Decrease with increase of percentage of Al2O3. The best result of tensile
strength has been obtained at 15 % weight of SiC+Al2O3.
2) Density and Elongation of Al 6063 with silicon carbide (Sic), Alumina (Al2O3) varies with
the weight Percentage of Al2O3 and Sic. The best result of density and elongation has been
obtained at 15% weight of Sic+ Al2O3.
(September 2017) G. Sivakaruna Dr. P. Suresh Babu surveyed various hybrid MMCs and
concluded that the mechanical properties like tensile strength, impact strength, compressive
strength and hardness were increased with increase in content of reinforcement. It is concluded
that properties like density decreases when composites reinforced with reinforcements like SiC,
Agro-waste, nano reinforcements. The tribiological properties were reviewed, it is concluded
that the wear resistance increases with increase in content of reinforcement. Finally, there is
immense potential, scope and opportunities for research in the field of prediction on
tribological and mechanical properties of the Aluminium alloys by reinforcing with different
reinforcements.
(December 2017) Mohd. Arif and Rohit Sahu studied the HMMCs of Al with MoS2
Al/SiC/MoS2, Al/SiC/MoS2/Mg composites and their mechanical and tribiological analysis.
The metallographic study shows more uniform distribution of SiC and MoS2 is seen in the
aluminum matrix, while addition of Mg results in good binding of reinforcements and
aluminum matrix. The mechanical properties of the composite get improved as compared to
that of pure aluminum and with the reinforcement of SiC, MoS2 and Mg the mechanical
strength of composite increases. It is observed that, as compared with base alloy we could
increase the wear resistance with the availability of SiC performing as a fence to the movement
of displacement.
(2018) Yogesh Kumar et al concluded the following from their experimental evaluation:
(a) The SiC particles mix completely in Al 6063 matrix when observed in microstructures.
(b) Due to addition of SiC in Al6063 matrix the hardness, tensile strength & impact strength is
increased.
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2.2 SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW
Results of the present work are useful in low-cost production of Al6063-MoS2SiC HMMC.
This may be the replacement of copper alloys and steel alloys. Hence, this work provides the
prospects for growth to a new and improved technology with vibrant commercial sector
delivering an improved quality of life, stronger technology base possessing, the dexterity and
awareness to support commercial needs and exploring the potential of a new material for a
given application.
The increasing demand of composites being used in aviation, defence and automotive industry,
has enhanced the need of designing such type of fabrication techniques that are capable of
economic and mass production of these composite materials. In recent times, hybrid composite
fabrication has become an important issue especially with discontinuous reinforcements
Another important factor in respect to the current generation of needs depicts that tribiological
behaviour of metal matrix composites enables the cutting down the cost of material as
compared to their corresponding base matrix material alone.
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Chapter 3
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP
3.1 INTRODUCTION:
This chapter describes selection of material used to fabricate the hybrid composite, the method
of fabrication, experimental equipment and the facilities used for evaluating the properties of
the aluminium alloy metal matrix and hybrid composites.
fig. (1)
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2) MoS2 (Molybdenum disulphide) -
It is an inorganic compound composed of molybdenum and sulphur. Its chemical
formula is MoS2.The compound is classified as a transition metal di-chalcogenide. It is
a silvery black solid that occurs as the mineral molybdenite, the principal ore for
molybdenum. MoS2 is relatively unreactive. It is unaffected by dilute acids and oxygen.
In appearance and feel, molybdenum disulphide is similar to graphite. It is widely used
as a dry lubricant because of its low friction and robustness. MoS2 excels as a
lubricating material due to its layered structure and low coefficient of friction. Interlayer
sliding dissipates energy when a shear stress is applied to the material. Extensive work
has been performed to characterize the coefficient of friction and shear strength of MoS2
in various atmospheres. The shear strength of MoS2 increases as the coefficient of
friction increases. This property is called super lubricity.
fig. (2)
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3) SiC (Silicon carbide) -
SiC, also known as carborundum is a semiconductor containing silicon and carbon.
It occurs in nature as the extremely rare mineral moissanite. Synthetic SiC powder has
been mass-produced since 1893 for use as an abrasive. Silicon Carbide is the only
chemical compound of carbon and silicon.
The material can also be made an electrical conductor and has applications in resistance
heating, flame igniters and electronic components. Structural and wear applications are
constantly developing.
Some key silicon carbide properties are low density, high strength, low thermal
expansion, high thermal conductivity.
fig. (3)
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3.3 EQUIPMENTS & FACILITIES USED :
Fig. (4)
Fig. (5)
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3.3.3 Crucible furnace -
Crucible furnace is suitable for the batch type foundries where the metal requirement is
intermittent. The metal is placed in a crucible, which is made of clay and graphite. The
energy is applied indirectly to the metal by heating the crucible by coke, oil or gas. The
heating of crucible is done by coke, oil or gas.
MOTOR
jj.k/
STIRRER ROD
jj.k/
STIRRER
jj.k/
Fig. (7)
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3.3.5 Stirring process -
The stirring process is carried out under feasible conditions under the action of
regulated speed and power, so that the reinforcements are not accumulated at one place
and thereby mixed thoroughly. Agglomeration can be avoided through this process.
Fig. (8)
Fig. (9)
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3.3.7 Fettling -
It is the means by which a crude casting is turned into a cost-effective quality
component that meets all the standards required by the customer. In context with
the casting process, fettling means the removal of unwanted metal.
Fig. (10)
Fig. (11.a) Sample Before Test Fig. (11.b) Sample After test
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Chapter 4
OBSERVATION
The following observations are recorded in accordance to the tests carried out under specified
conditions.
4.1 DENSITY TEST
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4.4 YIELD TENSILE STRENGTH TEST
Now further as we tried to compare the trends of effect of percentage of MoS 2 in samples,
present for testing we found out these correlating factors
4.6 Re-inforcements
4.6.1 Introducing MoS2 at 2% weight
Mo S2 At 2%
SiC wt.% Hardness UTS Yield Strength Elongation Density
(BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (%) (Kg/m3)
5 35 94 77 6.38 2625.8
10 37 84 73 7.5 2648.18
15 39 82 71 6.2 2678.66
Table.(6.a)
4.6.2 Introducing MoS2 at 3% weight
Mo S2 At 3%
SiC wt.% Hardness UTS Yield Strength Elongation Density
(BHN) (MPa) (MPa) (%) (Kg/m3)
5 40 31 28 3.7 2628.11
10 33 58 32 6 2650.14
15 29 115 62 12.9 2684.21
Table.(6.b)
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Chapter 5
Density
2700
2680 Fig.(12 a)
Density (kg/m3)
2660
2640
2620
2600
2580
2560
0 2 4 6 8
Samples
3000
2500
Fig.(12 b)
Density(Kg/m3)
2000
1500
Legends
1000
A=SiC B=MoS2
500
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
AL+10%A+2%B
AL+10%A+3%B
AL+5%A+2%B
AL+15%A+2%B
AL+15%A+3%B
AL+5%A+3%B
AL
Fig. (12.b) Bar chart showing measured densities of matrix alloy and composites
Density values of hybrid composites increase with increasing weight fraction of both the
reinforcements. As we are increasing the weight % of reinforcement of SiC and MoS2, density
increases.
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5.2 HARDNESS OF THE COMPOSITE
Graph showing change in hardness due to addition of MoS2 at wt. 2% in fig.(13.a)
w.r.t to table (6.a)and change in hardness due to addition of MoS2 at wt. 3% in
fig.(13.b) w.r.t to table (6.b)
38
37
36 Fig.(13 a)
35
34
0 5 10 15 20
Reinforcements MoS2 Wt 2 %
30
25
20
Fig.(13 b)
15
10
5
0
0 5 10 15 20
Reinforcements MoS2 Wt 3 %
29
30
25
Fig.(13 c)
20
15
10
5 Legends
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 A=SiC B=MoS2
Reinforcemnts
AL+10%A+2%B
AL+10%A+3%B
AL+15%A+3%B
AL+15%A+2%B
AL+5%A+2%B
AL+5%A+3%B
AL
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Fig. (13.c) Bar chart showing Brinell Hardness Number of the matrix alloy and
composites
Above figure shows the Brinell Hardness Number values of AL 6063 Alloy, Al based
hybrid metal matrix composites at various proportions. It is noticed that at 2 wt. % of
MoS2 with increasing in Sic wt. % from 5, 10, 15% there is increase in hardness but in
case of 3wt % of MoS2 there is decrease in hardness with increase in percentage of SiC.
MoS2 in this case works as solid lubricant.
88
86 Fig.(14 a)
84
82
80
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Reinforcements MoS2 Wt 2%
120
Fig.(14 a)
100
UTS(MPa)
80
60
40
20
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Reinforcements- MoS2wt 3%
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UTS(MPa) v/s Reinforcements(%)
140
120
100 Fig.(14.c)
UTS(MPa)
80
60
40 Legends
20 A=SiC B=MoS2
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
AL+10%A+3%B
AL+15%A+3%B
AL+15%A+2%B
AL+10%A+2%B
AL+5%A+3%B
AL+5%A+2%B
AL
Fig. (14.c) Bar chart showing Ultimate Tensile Strength of the matrix alloy and
composites
On the increase of MoS2 content, led to the lowering of UTS values. Considerably at 2 wt. %
of MoS2 with increasing in Sic wt. % from 5, 10, 15% there is increase in hardness but in case
of 3wt % of MoS2 there is decrease in hardness with increase in percentage of SiC.
5.5 CONCLUSION
From the study, we found that with increase of MoS2 wt. % and SiC in HMMCs there is
increase in density. The hardness of HMMCs increases with 2 wt. % of MoS2 with varying wt.
percentage of SiC from 5-15% but the hardness decreases with increase the wt. % of SiC with
3% of MoS2. Ultimate tensile strength is opposite of hardness. The ductility goes on decreasing
with increasing the % of SiC with 2% MoS2 and increases with increase in SiC wt. % with 3%
MoS2.the reason for this phenomenon is due to MoS2 act as a solid lubricant in hybrid metal
matrix composite.
5.6 REFERENCES
[1] Kammuluri Baburaj and J Kuldeep, Manufacturing and Machining Challenges of
Hybrid Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites
[2] Mitesh Kumar and Ashok Kumar Mishra, Mechanical Behaviour of Al
6063/MoS2/Al2O3 Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites
[3] Azad Kumar Tribological Behaviour of Hybrid Al 6063 MMCs Reinforced with
Gr/MoS2 and SiC Particulates
[4] Kalidas D and Ragupathy K Experimental Investigations of Al6061/Sic/Mos2 Hybrid
Composites Wear Behavior by using Stir Casting Method
[5] K. Kanthavel, et. al, Study of Tribological Properties on Al/ Al2O3/ MoS2 Hybrid
Composite Processed by Powder Metallurgy
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[6] S.B. Rayjadhav and Dr. V. R. Naik Characterisation of Developed Al 6061- SiC Metal
Matrix Composites Produced by the Stir Casting Method
[7] S. Ajith Arul Daniel, et al, Study on Tribiological Behavior of Al/SiC/MoS2 Hybrid
Metal Matrix Composites in High Temperature Environmental Condition
[8] S. Nallusamy and A Karthik, Mechanical and wear behavior of Al/MoS2/SiC
[9] Er. Ankit Kumar, et al, Fabrication and Tensile Testing of Al6063 based Mono and
Hybrid Composites
[12] Mohd. Arif and Rohit Sahu, Characterization of aluminum metal matrix-
composite based on silicon carbide (SiC) Particles and Lubricated with molybdenum
disulphide (MoS2)
[13] Yogesh Kumar, et al, Investigation of Mechanical Behaviour of Al 6063 & SiC
composite materials
[14] https://www.wikipedia.com
[15] https://www.springer.com
[16] https://www.slideshare.net
[17] https://www.researchgate.com
[18] https://www.ijerest.com
[19] https://www.iaeme.com/ijmet/index.asp
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