Investigation on microstructural, physical and mechanical properties of AA6082/(SiC + + Graphite) hybrid composites

Abstract

The current research work prominences on the development of hybrid aluminium (AA6082) matrix composites (HAMC) reinforced with different weight percentages of (silicon carbide (SiC) + graphite (Gr)) ceramic particulates by conventional stir casting process. The weight percentage of combined ceramic powder is varied from 5 to 15 wt. % in a stage of 5 wt. %. The microstructures, physical properties such as density and porosity as well as mechanical properties like hardness and tensile strength of the fabricated hybrid composites are analyzed. The scanning electron micrographs reveal the uniform distribution of (SiC + Gr) ceramic particulates in the aluminium matrix. The uniform distribution of reinforcement particles has also been verifed with the help of elemental maps of different element present in the hybrid composites. Density and porosity of hybrid composite increases from 2,69 to 2,72 g/cm3and from 0,37 to 1,20 %, both the hardness as well as ultimate tensile strength have enhanced from 49,5 to 85 VHN and from 161,5 to 187 MPa respectively with a reduction in percentage elongationfrom 8,6 to 5,3 with rise in weight percentage of (SiC + Gr) ceramic particulates in the aluminium matrix from 0 to 15 wt. % respectively.Ill. 8. Ref. 49. Tab. 1.