ABSTRACT
This paper presents the early results of an investigation into three major aspects of the development of metal matrix composites: processing, properties and machining characteristics. The objective of the programme is to produce cost-effective manufacturing processes leading to the successful production of components for the sports and leisure industries. The characteristics of a powder-processed metal matrix composite, comprising a matrix of 6061 aluminium alloy reinforced with particulate silicon carbide, were investigated in terms of microstructure, mechanical properties, fracture and machining performance. The properties of the material were then compared with a composite of the same aluminium matrix but which contained copper-coated SiC particles. The investigation revealed very different deformation and fracture behaviour between the coated and uncoated particle composites, with the coated particle product exhibiting superior tensile strength and ductility. The machining trials demonstrated that silicon carbide reinforced aluminium matrix composites, loaded up to 25% by weight of reinforcement, can be successfully machined into complex three dimensional shapes using electro-discharge equipment. In fact, there appeared little difference in machining characteristics between a conventional aluminium alloy and the metal matrix composite tested.
