Production and characterization of SiC reinforced aluminum alloy matrix composites from waste beverages cans

Abstract

In the study; SiC reinforced (1-12 wt. %) aluminum matrix composites from waste beverage cans were fabricated by stir casting method. The effect of reinforcement ratio on the experimental density, hardness, the compressive and tensile strength of the composites was investigated. The crystal structures and microstructure of the composite materials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) method and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the results, the hardness of composites increased from 70,81 HV (pure Al alloy) to 89,80 HV (for 9 wt. % SiC). The compressive and tensile strengths were performed as 763,69 MPa (for 5 wt. % SiC) and 201,79 MPa (for 1 wt. % SiC) compared with pure aluminum alloy ( 620,35 MPa and 154,71 MPa).