Experimental investigation on mechanical properties of TiB2 reinforced AA6061 metal matrix composites fabricated by stir casting process

Abstract

As the need for lightweight constructions rises in everyday life, metal matrix composites (MMCs) made of aluminum are used in a range of fields, including sports equipment, automotive, aerospace, and defense. Stir casting technique is the most often utilized commercially in industries among the several ways to create metal matrix composites based on aluminium because it is a quick and inexpensive process. In the present study, lightweight AA6061-TiB2 composites with varied levels (0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 wt%) of reinforcement were created using the stir casting procedure. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the specimens were studied. The microstructure studies revealed the distribution of black Mg2Si particles along with Al-Mg-Si eutectic in alpha aluminium matrix along with of fine and small TiB2 particulates. The hardness as well as tensile characteristics of composites were dramatically improved by the addition of TiB2 particles.