Influence of graphite and copper in mechanical properties of aluminum silicon alloy

The present work deals with the mechanical behaviour of the Al-Si-Cu/graphite composite at different strain rates. Stir casting technique was used to fabricate the Al-Si alloy and composite. In order to improve the wettability of graphite with the alloy, graphite particulates were ball milled with Copper and preheated to 400°C. The uniaxial tensile tests were conducted at various strain rates in the range of 10^?4s^?1 to 10^?2s^?1. The ultimate tensile strength of the composite was higher than that of the alloy for all strain rates. The hardness of the composite was also better than that of alloy. The elongation of the alloy was more than that of composite for all strain rates. The uniform distribution of graphite and silicon particles were observed from the microstructure. The fracture mode of alloy and composite were analyzed.