Mechanical properties of cast ZA-27/graphite particulate composites

Abstract

The aim of this present investigation is to study the mechanical properties of ZA-27 zinc-aluminium alloy/graphite particulate composites containing graphite particles of size 100-150 μm and of content ranging from 0% to 5% by weight. The 'vortex method' of production was employed in which the graphite particles were poured into the vortex created by stirring the molten metal by means of a mechanical agitator. The results of this study revealed that as graphite composition was increased, there were significant monotonic increases in the ductility, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), compressive strenght and Young's modulus of the composite while there was a significant monotonic decrease in the hardness of the material. An attempt is made in the paper to provide explanations for these phenomena. © 1996.