Effect of Barium (Ba) Addition on Dry Turning of a Commercial Al-20Mg2Si-2Cu Metal Matrix Composite

The principle aim of this study was to observe the effect of machining parameters as well as the separate additions of 0.2wt% barium (Ba) on the machinability of Al-20%Mg2Si in situ metal matrix composite. Microstructure alteration, surface roughness and cutting temperature were taken into account as indices to examine the effect of modifier and machinability during dry turning. The results showed that addition of Ba as modifier reagent results in lower cutting temperature and better surface roughness due to the formation of Ba compound and modification of morphology of Mg2Si reinforcement particle.