Investigation on physical and mechanical properties of Al6061-Silicon Carbide (SiC)/Coconut shell ash (CSA) hybrid composites

Abstract

In this study, Al6061-Silicon Carbide (SiC)-Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) hybrid composites were produced by double stir casting method. Initially, Al6061-SiC composite were prepared by adding 10 wt% of SiC into Al6061 melt. Then, five hybrid composites were produced by adding 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% CSA into Al6061-SiC melt composite. The morphology, distribution of reinforcement materials and elements present in the composites were analyzed. The mechanical properties and wear characteristics of hybrid composites were measured and compared with those of Al6061 and Al6061-SiC composites. The density of Al6061-SiC-10% CSA hybrid composite is 6.58%, which is lower than Al6061-SiC composite. The hardness and tensile strength of Al6061-SiC-8% CSA hybrid composite increased by 46% and 47.31% respectively. However, the addition of 10% CSA decreases the hardness by 5% and tensile strength by 14.80% when compared to hybrid composite containing 8%CSA. The wear loss of hybrid composites is lower due to the cushioning effect of CSA particles.