3. Design of Recycled Alumix-123 Based Composites Reinforced with γ-Al₂O₃ through Combined Method; Sinter + Forging

Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites (AMMCs) have very light weight, high strength, and show better resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and wear. Impact resistance is an especially important property of these AMMCs which is essential for automotive applications. In this study, recycled aluminium matrix composites were designed through the powder metallurgy route. As matrix, fresh scrap aluminium chips (Alumix-123), by-product of machining coming from the French aeronautical company, were used. Fine -alumina particles (γ-Al₂O₃, 10 wt %), were used as main reinforcement element for the present work. As secondary reinforcements, Mo and Cu were added in the matrix. In this study, a typical low cost but high performance metal matrix composite was designed by using recycled aluminum chips (Alumix-123). This process comprises of the mixing, blending and compacting of aluminum chips through press moulding and pre-sintering and finally forging. In the final stage, material parameters were optimized for improving physical and mechanical properties of these composites. Further, the influence of reinforcement’s type and content on the mechanical properties has also been reviewed and discussed. Damping capacities and damage were analysed by drop weight and quasi static compression tests. Microstructures were analysed by the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).