Fabrication of Low Cost of Aluminium Matrix Composite Reinforced with Silica Sand

The fabrication and testing of aluminium-silica particulate composites (Al-SiO2) have been prepared by using powder metallurgy method. Two grades of silica particulates were used, i.e. silica sand and commercial silica. Silica content in the composite was 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 vol. %. Mixing of Al-SiO2 was performed using planetary mill for 2 hours with ball to powder weight ratio of 10:1. Powder compaction was conducted at 200 MPa pressure and sintering was performed under flowing argon gas for 5 hours at 600oC. Results showed that Vickers hardness and modulus of rupture of Al-SiO2 composite increased with the increasing of silica content phase up to 30 vol. % and finally drop when 40 vol. % of silica was incorporated. Aluminium matrix composites reinforced with silica sand showed that the mechanical properties were slightly better than composites reinforced with commercial silica, which is beneficial in reducing the material cost