Study of machinable SiC/Gr/Al composites

The effect of flaky graphite particles [with volume fraction (vf) 3-7%] on machinability and mechanical properties of SiC/Al composites were investigated. Results showed that the machinability was improved greatly with the increasing vf of graphite particles. When the vf of graphite particles was 7%, the tool life was prolonged by 130%, and the tensile strength and elastic modulus of SiC/Gr/Al composite were 365 MPa and 144 GPa, respectively. The presence of flake graphite particle acted as solid lubrication and promoted chip formation during cutting, resulting in an improved machinability.