Synthesis, characterization and deformation of Al–4.5Cu/SiCp composites

Abstract Present study aims at producing silicon carbide particles (0, 3, 5 and 7 wt%) reinforced aluminium-copper based composites via stir casting route. The forging behavior of developed composites was studied by deforming the stir cast samples. Optical microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy with Energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to study the metallurgical changes in as cast and deformed samples. Microhardness and tensile strength of fabricated composites were measured to evaluate the mechanical behavior. Metallurgical studies revealed refinement and reduction in grain structure, which ultimately leads to improvement in mechanical properties of as cast and forged samples. Increment of 17.58 and 26.74% in microhardness for cast and forged specimens are reported. Ultimate tensile strength for cast specimens is reportedly improved by 28.39% with addition of ceramic particles in base matrix.