INVESTIGATION OF REINFORCEMENT RATE AFFECTING MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND MACHINABILITY IN Al-SiCp MMCs

Abstract

In this study, the effects of various rate of reinforcement materials (SiCp) addition to Al Si7 Mg2 metal matrix composite on mechanical properties and machinability were investigated. It was noticed that the mechanical properties increased with increasing added reinforcement materials rate in 5, 10 and 15 % SiCp reinforced metal matrix composite. The investigation of tool wear and surface roughness was carried out by using different cutting speeds (50, 100 and 150 m/min) and feed rate (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mm/rev) at constant depth of cut (1.5 mm) and reinforcement rates. It was observed that, tool wear and surface roughness increased when reinforcement material rate raised at using the same cutting speed and feed values. The tool life was a maximum when 15 % SiCp reinforced metal matrix composite was machined at 150 m/min of cutting speed. The highest surface roughness was also noticed at 15 % SiCp reinforced metal matrix composite machined at 50 m/min of cutting speed and 0.3 mm/rev of feed