Deep Cryogenic Treatment of Copper Chill Plates in Stir Casting of Al6061-Silicon Carbide Composites

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 06 | Page : 116 126
    By

    Alok Kumar,

  • Shiv Kumar Ray,

  • Rashique Arif,

  • Sunny Chandra,

  • Ashish Kumar Aman,

  • Rajesh Kumar,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nalanda College of Engineering, Chandi (Nalanda), Bihar Engineering University, Patna, Bihar, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bihar Engineering University, Patna, Bihar, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering College, Jehanabad, Bihar Engineering University, Patna, Bihar, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bihar Engineering University, Patna, Bihar, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering College, Baxar, Bihar Engineering University, Patna, Bihar, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sandip University, Sijoul, Madhubani, Bihar, India

Abstract

Aluminum-Silicon Carbide Metal Matrix Composites (Al/SiC MMCs) represent advanced materials created through the integration of aluminum matrices with silicon carbide particle reinforcement. These composites demonstrate superior characteristics compared to conventional aluminum alloys, establishing their relevance across diverse engineering applications. This experimental investigation focuses on developing composites using aluminum as the base matrix while incorporating SiC particles (40-50μm particle size) as reinforcing agents. The reinforcement content was systematically varied from 3 to 12 weight percent in incremental steps of 3 weight percent. Composite fabrication utilized sand mold casting techniques incorporating specialized chill blocks, including Deep Cryogenic Treatment (DCT) processed copper and standard copper alternatives, with subsequent evaluation of resulting material characteristics. Experimental findings revealed that Al/SiC composites achieved maximum tensile strength when produced using DCT copper chill blocks, whereas specimens manufactured with conventional copper chills exhibited reduced strength values. Enhanced thermal conductivity properties of the chill plates directly correlate with improved strength characteristics. Additionally, increased composite hardness contributes to superior tensile strength through the development of refined grain structures during rapid solidification processes. Microstructural analysis conclusively demonstrated that specimens produced using DCT-copper chill plates exhibited significantly refined grain structures, while those manufactured with conventional copper chills displayed notably coarser grain formations. Comparative microstructural examination confirmed that DCT-copper chills produce substantially finer grain sizes compared to conventional copper chills, which generate coarser grain structures.

Keywords: Aluminum-silicon carbide composites, deep cryogenic treatment, copper chill plates, enhanced cooling rates, thermal conductivity.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

How to cite this article:
Alok Kumar, Shiv Kumar Ray, Rashique Arif, Sunny Chandra, Ashish Kumar Aman, Rajesh Kumar. Deep Cryogenic Treatment of Copper Chill Plates in Stir Casting of Al6061-Silicon Carbide Composites. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):116-126.
How to cite this URL:
Alok Kumar, Shiv Kumar Ray, Rashique Arif, Sunny Chandra, Ashish Kumar Aman, Rajesh Kumar. Deep Cryogenic Treatment of Copper Chill Plates in Stir Casting of Al6061-Silicon Carbide Composites. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):116-126. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=229237


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 06
Received 17/09/2025
Accepted 29/09/2025
Published 09/10/2025
Publication Time 22 Days
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