A Review on Mechanical and Tribological Behaviors of Stir Cast Aluminum Matrix Composites.

In the past few years the global need for low cost, high performance and good quality materials has caused a shift in research from monolithic to composite materials. In case of MMC's, aluminum matrix composite due their high strength to weight ratio, low cost and high wear resistance are widely manufactured and used in structural applications along with aerospace and automobile industry. Also a simple and cost effective method for manufacturing of the composites is very essential for expanding their application. Reinforcements like particulate alumina, silicon carbide, graphite, fly ash etc can easily be incorporated in the melt using cheap and widely available stir casting method. This paper presents a review on the mechanical and tribological properties of stir cast aluminum matrix composites containing single and multiple reinforcement. Addition of alumina to aluminum has shown an increase in its mechanical and tribological properties. Organic reinforcement like fly ash, coconut ash also improved the tensile and yield strength. Self-lubricating property of graphite improved the machinability of aluminum. Many authors have also reported about modified stir casting route.