Abstract:
The present study aims to optimise the process variables which are involved in the fabrication of Al 6063-SiC composite by squeeze casting process. The variables included squeeze pressure, melt temperature and silicon carbide (SiC) reinforcement. The effects of these variables on ultimate tensile strength and hardness were studied with the help of nine experiments. The analysis of variance confirmed the significance of the process variables. The optimal combination of process variables to maximise the ultimate tensile strength and hardness is achieved as 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) squeeze pressure, 850ºC (1562ºF) melt temperature and 15 weight percentage SiC reinforcement. The confirmatory test indicated the effectiveness of the employed technique to optimise the squeeze casting process variables for the development of aluminium matrix composites.