Influence of processing conditions and reinforcement on the surface quality of finish machined aluminium alloy matrix composites

Fibre/particle reinforced aluminium alloy matrix composites appear to have a good future as candidate material for engineering components. However, their machinability is poor and surface quality is not established. The influence of finishing operation (mainly grinding) upon the surface quality of some experimental aluminium alloy matrix composite materials manufactured by different methods was systematically investigated. These materials contained different type, size and amount of hard reinforcements. Surface quality was evaluated and the relative influence of processing and reinforcement was mapped using profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In most instances surface damage in terms of particle/fibre pull out and cavity formation, detrimental in applications involving friction and corrosion, was observed.