Enhancement of Mechanical Properties in Eutectic Al-Si Alloy Matrix Composites Reinforced with Kyanite and Graphite via Stir Casting

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 02 | Page : 90 100
    By

    Rahul A Patil,

  • E.R. Deore,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SSVPS’s BSD College of Engineering, Dhule, Maharashtra, India
  2. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SSVPS’s BSD College of Engineering, Dhule, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to enhance the mechanical performance of a eutectic Al–Si alloy by incorporating hard ceramic (kyanite) and soft solid lubricant (graphite) reinforcements using a liquid-state stir casting route. Metal matrix composites were fabricated with kyanite contents of 2, 4, and 6 wt.% and a constant 2.5 wt.% graphite. Their microstructures and mechanical properties were systematically evaluated. The microstructure was examined using optical microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), which revealed that the reinforcement was evenly distributed and that the integration was successful. Vickers microhardness and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) tests revealed that increasing the kyanite content significantly improved both hardness and tensile properties. The optimum hybrid composition containing 6 wt.% kyanite and 2.5 wt.% graphite exhibited a Vickers microhardness of 107 HV which corresponding to a 16% increase over the base Al–Si alloy having microhardness of 92 HV and an ultimate tensile strength of 195 MPa i.e. an 18.2% improvement relative to the unreinforced matrix of 165 MPa. These results establish kyanite as a cost-effective ceramic reinforcement and demonstrate that stir-cast kyanite–graphite hybrid aluminum matrix composites offer a viable and economical route for developing lightweight, high-performance materials for structural engineering applications.

Keywords: Al-Si alloy, metal matrix composites, stir casting, kyanite reinforcement, mechanical properties

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer & Composites ]

How to cite this article:
Rahul A Patil, E.R. Deore. Enhancement of Mechanical Properties in Eutectic Al-Si Alloy Matrix Composites Reinforced with Kyanite and Graphite via Stir Casting. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):90-100.
How to cite this URL:
Rahul A Patil, E.R. Deore. Enhancement of Mechanical Properties in Eutectic Al-Si Alloy Matrix Composites Reinforced with Kyanite and Graphite via Stir Casting. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):90-100. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=240419


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 02
Received 21/02/2026
Accepted 02/03/2026
Published 12/03/2026
Publication Time 19 Days
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