Abstracto

Machinability of A356/Al2O3 cast aluminum metal matrix nanocomposites (MMCs)

E.Y.El-Kady, T.S.Mahmoud, M.H.G.Ghaith

The aim of the present investigation is to study the machinability ofA356/ Al2O3 nanocomposites under dry machining conditions. The A356/Al2O3 nanocomposites specimens were originally fabricated using a combination between the rheocasting and squeeze casting routes. The nanocomposites were reinforced withAl2O3 particulates having 60 and 200 nmhaving different volume fractions up to 5 vol.-%. The machinability of the A356/Al2O3 nanocomposites was investigated through measuring the cutting force components (Fa, Fr and Fc), tool flank wear, surface roughness of the machined specimens and the chip deformation ratio. The machinability parameterswere obtained under differentmachining conditions. The insertsmanufactured fromcoated carbideswere used formachining the nanocomposites. The results revealed that themachinability of nanocompositeswas improved by increasing the volume fraction and/or decreasing the nanoparticulates size. However, the cutting force components as well as the flank tool wear increase with increasing the volume fraction and/or the nanoparticulates size.