Evolution of the Physical, Mechanical and Electrical Properties of SiC-Reinforced Al 6061 Composites Prepared by Stir Cast Method

Abstract

Metal matrix composites show attractive physical properties which strongly dedicated to achieving enhanced mechanical properties. So that, the Al6061 alloy matrix composites were synthesized by different weight percentages, up to 4 wt.%, of SiC reinforced nanoparticles prepared by stir cast process. The mechanical properties, including microhardness and tensile properties like ultimate strength, yield strength, ductility, and strengthening efficiency, were evaluated. Moreover, longitudinal velocity, shear velocity, elastic, Young’s, shear and bulk moduli, and Poisson’s ratio were measured by ultrasonic nondestructive technique. Furthermore, the relative density, apparent porosity, and electrical conductivity are also measured. The results showed remarkable improvements in the mechanical properties of all examined alloys by adding SiC nanoparticles. The microhardness, ultimate strength, Young’s modulus of the composites containing 4 wt.% SiC increased to 945.2 MPa, 246.6 MPa, and 97.3 GPa, respectively, while the ductility decreased to 20.8 % compared to un-reinforced Al alloy. Furthermore, the bulk density and the apparent porosity increased with increasing SiC contents, while the conductivity decreased.