Characterstics of Al-15% graphite composites

Aluminum-15wt% graphite metal matrix composites were prepared by powder metallurgy technique. Powders of aluminum (Al) and graphite were weighed in the required proportions and mixed in a mixing chamber. The powder compositions were compacted at 100MPa compaction pressure to prepare billets. The prepared billets were sintered at 500, 530, 560 and 590°C for duration of 45 and 90 minutes. The sintered compacts were tested for its hardness, density, and radial crushing strength.