Evaluating the Impact of Si3N4 on the Metallurgical and Mechanical Behaviour of Stir Cast Cu-Sn/Si3N4 Metal Matrix Composite for Potential Automobile Application

The current research was performed to determine the mechanical, metallurgical, and physical performance of regular bronze alloy (Cu-Sn) alloy reinforced with silicon nitride (5, 10, 15 wt%). The metal matrix composite was fabricated through a stir casting technique which was then poured into a metal mould to produce cast rods of dimensions 32mm x 140 mm in length. The metallurgical study was conducted on all the samples using field emission scanning electron microscopy, XRD analysis, and transmission electron microscopy analysis on 5 wt% reinforced composites. It was observed that metal matrix composite reinforced with 5 wt% of Si3N4 revealed uniform distribution, pore-free, and perfect bonding of reinforcement with the matrix. The same sample showed a high hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, and low ductility value compared to regular bronze alloy. It was also noted that adding 10 and 15 wt% of ceramic reinforcement to the bronze matrix decreased the mechanical characteristics of the fabricated composites owing to the development of clusters and agglomerated state of Si3N4 ceramic particles in the matrix. The fabricated 5 wt% of Si3N4-based metal matrix composite showed enhanced performances suggesting its use in manufacturing several parts for the automotive and marine industry.