Production of cast aluminium-graphite particle composites using a pellet method

Pai, BC and Rohatgi, PK (1978) Production of cast aluminium-graphite particle composites using a pellet method. In: Journal of Materials Science, 13 (2). pp. 329-335.

Preview

PDF fulltext.pdf_741.pdf Download (766kB)

Abstract

Copper- and nickel-coated graphite particles can be successfully introduced into aluminium-base alloy melts as pellets to produce cast aluminium-graphite particle composites. The pellets were made by pressing mixtures of nickel- or copper-coated graphite particles and aluminium powders together at pressures varying between 2 and 20 kg mm–2. These pellets were dispersed in aluminium alloy melts by plunging and holding them in the melts using a refractory coated mild steel cone, until the pellets disintegrated and the powders were dispersed. The optimum pressure for the preparation of pellets was 2 to 5 kg mm–2 and the optimum size and percentage of aluminium powder were 400 to 1000mgrm and 35 wt% respectively. Under optimum conditions the recovery of the graphite particles in the castings was as high as 96%, these particles being pushed into the last freezing interdendritic regions. The tensile strength and the hardness of the graphite aluminium alloys made using the pellet method are comparable to those of similar composites made using gas injection or the vortex method. The pellet method however has the advantage of greater reproducibility and flexibility. Dispersion of graphite particles in the matrix of cast aluminium alloys using the pellet method increases their resistance to wear.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Journal of Materials Science
Publisher:	Springer
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Springer.
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Mechanical Engineering
Date Deposited:	01 Jan 2010 10:49
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 05:49
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/24125

Actions (login required)

View Item