Preparation and Characterization of Al-Cu Composite by Using Stir Casting Technique

Abstract-Composite materials have emerged as a critical area of research and development, rapidly gaining importance as structural materials. Among polymer applications, composite materials are poised for significant advancements. Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) are particularly favored in automotive and aerospace industries due to their exceptional mechanical properties, such as a high strength-to-weight ratio, superior wear resistance, increased stiffness, enhanced fatigue resistance, controlled thermal expansion, and stability at elevated temperatures. Stir casting is widely recognized as an efficient and cost-effective method for AMC fabrication. This study investigates the mechanical behavior of composites made from pure aluminum reinforced with copper, fabricated using the stir casting method. The composites were produced with reinforcement levels of 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%. Results indicate that the inclusion of copper particles significantly enhanced the hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance of the composites, though an increase in copper content resulted in decreased density. These findings highlight the potential of copper as a reinforcement material for aluminum-based metal matrix composites, offering valuable insights for diverse engineering applications.