PRODUCTION OF METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES BY ELECTOMAGNETIC STIR CASTING PROCESS

Abstract

The combination of high strength material with better corrosion resistant reinforcement leads to formation of metal matrix composites (MMCs) that are beneficial for a large scale of engineering applications. Given that there are variety in the reinforcement type, quantity and form with variation in the matrix characteristics, MMCs can be fabricated for wide area of applications according to the purpose required. One major factor that has restricted the usage of composites in large quantities is due to its high production cost. Methods like stirring casting, squeeze casting and the combination of both are most widely used techniques that are used for making MMCs. But it has certain limitations in it that affects the characteristics of the fabricated composites. Now, to overcome these limitations researched are being done to develop various techniques to produce the MMCs that will be simple, more effective than the conventional methods and will be cost effective. One such method that is yet to be explored is Electromagnetic Stir Casting (ESC) process. The main difference in ESC process with the conventional methods is that it uses electromagnetic stirring, which is a non- contact type stirring process, for the mixing of reinforced particles into the metal matrix whereas in the conventional methods mechanical stirrers are used, i.e., physical contact of stirrer with the molten metal at the time of mixing. Thus, this work is focused on the facility of the ESC process and after that fabrication of MMCs is done. Furthermore, characterisation of the composite produced is done and the results attained are conferred