Mechanical and morphological properties of high density polyethylene-Al-SiC hybrid composites

Hybrid composite refers to as an attractive structural material due to its ability to provide a better combination of properties with respect to single-particle-containing composite. Composites were prepared by using customised extruder machine at five levels (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt%) of aluminium powder and silicon carbide loading. Microstructural analysis utilising scanning electron microscope and optical microscope was performed to observe the cohesiveness and distributions of matrix and reinforcement in the composites. Tensile, flexural, impact and hardness tests were conducted for the purpose of mechanical characterisation. Tensile strength increased up to 40 wt% particles loading and then decreased in 50 wt% particles loaded composite. Young's modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and hardness increased with the increase of aluminium powder and silicon carbide reinforcement loading. On the other hand, impact strength showed an opposite trend. Based on the particle loading and uniformity, 40 wt% aluminium powder and silicon carbide reinforced composite revealed the best set of mechanical properties.