Effect of Hydrated Mg-Al-silicate Ceramic Particle on Microstructure and Compressive Properties of Al6063 MMC

Abstract

In this paper Hydrated Mg-Al-silicate ceramic particles are used as reinforcement to fabricate a low density, low cost metal matrix composite (MMC) with Al6063 (Aluminum Alloy) as base metal via the stir casting technique is explored. Weight percentages of the reinforcements used to fabricate different density composites are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The microstructures as observed by Olympus optical microscope and SEM revealed a uniform mixture of the particles and the matrix material. The density has been reduced by about 20% and porosity is increased by 16% when compared to pure Al6063 for 5% weight addition of the reinforced particles. Impact energy absorption has increased by 2 times as compared to pure Al6063 Alloy as measured by Izod impact test. The compressive stress strain curves at strain rate of 0.1mm/sec for 5% addition shows a plateau region over a wide strain rate which emphasizes the potential use of the composite for energy absorption application. The plateau stress is 50MPa and energy absorbing capacity is 22.5MJ/m3 for 5% weight addition. Moreover the plateau stress 50Mpa is maintained over a strain range of 20-50% hence the composite is promising for energy absorbing applications.