THE EFFECT OF GLASS FIBER AND SILICA SAND NANOPARTICLES ADDITION ON ALUMINUM BASED HYBRID COMPOSITES

Metal matrix composites are a unique class of weight efficient structural materials that are encouraging every field of engineering applications especially aerospace and automobile industries. The present study focused on the development of the silica sand nanoparticlesglass fiber reinforced aluminium based hybrid composites. Composites were developed by compocasting method using 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 wt. % of silica sand nanoparticles and glass fibers. Variation in tensile properties was evaluated using universal testing machine and the hardness profiles were measured using Micro Hardness Tester (HMV). A significant improvement in tensile strength and micro hardness was observed. However a decrease in impact strength was observed with increase in reinforcement. The homogenous dispersion of silica sand nanoparticles and pulling of glass fibers from the aluminium matrix was verified using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).