Fabrication and mechanical properties of copper and silicon carbide-reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites processed by powder metallurgy

Tito Endramawan; Adi Kusmayadi; Dedi Suwandi; Ayatullah Hudayef

doi:10.30811/jpl.v23i2.6238

Fabrication and mechanical properties of copper and silicon carbide-reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites processed by powder metallurgy

Tito Endramawan, Adi Kusmayadi, Dedi Suwandi, Ayatullah Hudayef

Abstract

Metal-matrix composites (MMCs) offer superior mechanical properties, making them ideal for advanced engineering applications. However, achieving optimal strength and hardness remains a challenge. This study investigated the role of copper (Cu) reinforcement in enhancing the mechanical performance of aluminum-silicon carbide (Al-SiC) composites fabricated via powder metallurgy. Composites were synthesized with 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% Cu and sintered at 500Â°C, 550Â°C, and 600Â°C. The results indicate that increasing Cu content significantly improved hardness and bending strength, with the 80%Alâ€“10%Cuâ€“ 10%SiC composition exhibiting the highest hardness (96.86 kg/mmÂ²) and bending strength (29.08 MPa) at 600Â°C representing a 37.86% and 74.03% increase, respectively, compared to the 5 wt.% Cu composites. Microstructural analysis confirmed uniform Cu and SiC dispersion, improved matrix bonding, and reduced porosity at elevated sintering temperatures. These findings highlight the potential of Cu-reinforced AlSiC composites for high-performance applications, particularly in wearresistant and structural components.

Keywords

Metal matrix composites, aluminum-silicon carbide, copper reinforcement, powder metallurgy, mechanical properties enhancement

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30811/jpl.v23i2.6238