Author(s): R. Meenakshisundaram, K. Arunkumar

Abstract: Metal matrix composites (MMC) have become leading materials in aerospace and automobile industries and particle reinforced aluminum MMCs have received considerable attention due to their excellent mechanical properties like hardness, high tensile strength etc. These materials are difficult to machine because of high hardness and abrasive nature of reinforcing elements like silica particles. The aim of this project is to improve the machinability of particle reinforced MMC with the addition of the solid lubricant graphite. Here 15% by weight of the silicon carbide particle with 5% by weight of the graphite particle are added to the aluminium alloy. This is known as hybrid metal matrix composite. To fabricate this, stir casting technique is used. After that, the machining parameter (tool force, tool wear, and surface roughness) in milling for various speed, feed, depth of cut and mechanical properties (impact strength, hardness, flexural strength) of the composite is checked and to optimize the machining parameter, Taguchi technique with L27 orthogonal array is used.