Physical properties of Al/Calcined Dolomite Metal Matrix composite by Powder Metallurgy Route

Abstract

Calcined dolomite is dolomite powder that had been calcined at high temperature. This paper describes the fabrication of aluminum metal matrix composite reinforced with calcined dolomite by powder metallurgy route. The effect of weight percent of reinforcement (10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%) on physical properties of Aluminum composites are studied and presented in this paper. Calcined dolomite was synthesis from dolomite powder at 1100°C for 4 hours. After weighed, mixed and blended in planetory ball mill, the powders were compacted at 300 MPa and heated in tube furnace under nitrogen environment at sintering temperature 610°C. After 7 hours heated in furnace, it was cooled in furnace until room temperature. The results of the study showed that, the hardness increased with the increment of dolomo content. Study also showed that the density decreased upon increasing the calcined dolomite content.