Thermal analysis on Al7075/Al 2 O 3 metal matrix composites fabricated by stir casting process

Abstract. Metal matrix Composites (MMC’s) have evoked a keen interest in recent times for
various applications in aerospace, renewable energy and automotive industries due to their
superior strength , low cost, easy availability and high temperature resistance [1]. The crack
and propagation occurs in conventional materials without any appreciable indication in a short
span. Hence composite materials are preferred nowadays to overcome this problem [2]. The
process of metal matrix composites (MMC’s) is to unite the enviable attributes of metals and
ceramics. The Stir casting method is used for producing aluminium metal matrix composites
(AMC’s). A key challenge of the process is to spread the ceramic particles to achieve a defect
free microstructure [2]. By carefully selecting stir casting processing specification, such as
stirring time, temperature of the melt and blade angle, the desired microstructure can be obtained. The focus of this work is to develop a high strength particulate strengthen aluminium metal matrix composites, and Al7075 was selected which can offer high strength without much disturbing ductility of metal matrix [4]. The composites will be examined using standard metallurgical and mechanical tests. The cast composites are analysed to Laser flash analysis (LFA) to determine Thermal conductivity [5]. Also changes in microstructure are determined by using SEM analysis.