Ceramic particulate filled ZA-27 metal matrix composites: comparative analysis

In the present article, processing and characterisation of ZA-27 alloy reinforced with two commonly used and easily available hard ceramic particulate filler (i.e. alumina and silicon carbide) are taken into consideration. In the present work, ZA-27 metal matrix composites reinforced with ceramic particles are prepared by stir casting method. Pretreated ceramic particles are reinforced into the molten ZA-27 in different weight proportions (0, 3, 6 and 9 wt-%) with a continuous stirring action. Some of the major properties of these two different types of composites are compared in the present analysis. These composites possess a very low amount of porosity and improved microhardness, tensile strength and impact strength. However, they exhibit slightly inferior flexural strengths than those of the pure ZA-27 alloy. It also reveals that SiC possesses better filler characteristics compared to Al2O3 as it shows more improvement in most of the properties of the composites.