v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract i
Abstrak ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Table of Contents x
List of Tables viii
List of Figures ix
List of Abbreviations xii
List of Symbols xiii
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Research Background 1
1.2 Purpose of Research 2
1.3 Problem Statements 2
1.4 Objectives 2
1.5 Scope of Study 3
1.6 Research Question 3
1.7 Hypothesis 3
2. LITERATURE REVIEW 4
2.1 Composites 4
2.1.1 Composite properties 5
2.2 Matrix 6
2.2.1 Metal Matrix Composites 7
2.2.2 Polymer Matrix Composites 8
2.2.3 Ceramic Matrix Composite 9
2.3 Reinforcement 10
2.3.1 Fiber Reinforcement 10
vi 2.3.2 Particulate Reinforcement
11 2.3.3 Whiskers Reinforcement
12 2.4 Aluminum
14 2.5 Carbon Steel
15 2.5.1 Low Carbon Steel
15 2.6 Mechanical Properties of MMC
16 2.6.1 Strength and Stiffness
16 2.6.2 High Temperature Properties
16 2.6.3 Fracture and Toughness
17 2.6.4 Thermal Properties
17 2.7 Lamina and Laminate
18 2.8 Manufacturing Technique of MMC
19 2.8.1 Liquid State Processing
19 2.8.1.1 Stir Casting
20 2.8.1.2
Infiltration 20
2.8.1.2.1 Gas Pressure Infiltration 19
2.8.1.2.2 Pressure Die Infiltration 21
2.8.1.2.3 Squeeze Casting Infiltration 22
2.8.2 Solid State Processing 23
2.8.2.1 Sintering 23
2.8.2.2 Diffusion Bonding 24
2.8.3 Deposition Technique 25
2.8.3.1 Spray Co-Deposition 25
2.8.3.2 Chemical Co-Deposition 26
2.8.3.3 Vapor Co-Deposition 26
2.8.4 In – Situ Processes
27 2.9 Previous Research on Metal Matrix Composites
28 2.9.1 Processing of MMC Reinforced with Small-size Particles
28
2.9.2 Strength Differential Effect in PM 6061AL-15 vol. SiCw Composites with Different Whisker Orientation and Distribution
29
vii
3. METHODOLOGY 30
3.1 Introduction 30
3.2 Material Selection 32
3.3 Material Preparation 32
3.4 Identification of Process Parameter 33
3.5 Mould Fabrication 34
3.5.1 Mould Design 35
3.5.2 Material Selection for Mould Material 36
3.5.3 Fabrication Process of the Mould 36
3.5.4 Finishing 37
3.5.5 Cleaning 38
3.6 Composite Fabrication 38
3.7 Testing 41
3.7.1 Tensile Test 41
3.7.1.1 Material Geometry 42
3.7.1.2 Experimental Apparatus and Procedure 43
3.7.2 Impact Test 44
3.7.2.1 Material Geometry 44
3.7.2.2 Experimental Apparatus and Procedure 45
3.7.3 SEM Surface Observation 46
3.7.3.1 Material Geometry 46
3.7.3.2 Experimental Apparatus and procedure 47
4. RESULT 48
