The Effect of Milling Time on Microstrucutre and Hardness of the Aluminium Silicon Carbide (Al-10 wt % SiCp) Composite

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop Al – 10 wt % SiCp composite by powder metallurgy technique. Aluminium and SiC powder were mixed by ball milling and it was then sintered at 550° C for 5 hours. The parameter to control the microstructure of the composite is milling time.Microstructure and hardness of the composites were investigated. The results showed that hardness of the composite has increased as the milling time increased. The maximum value of hardness can be obtained at 5 hours milling time. After 5 hours milling time, the hardness starts to drop. Microstructure plays important role in controlling the hardness of the composite.