Materials Characterisation and Fracture Mechanism of Recycled Aluminium Alloy AA6061 Reinforced with Alumina Oxide

Abstract

This manuscript characterises the tensile behaviour and fracture mechanism of recycled aluminium alloy AA6061 reinforced with alumina oxide undergoing finite strain deformation of a uniaxial tensile test. The tests are conducted at three different strain rates of 6×10−3s−1, 6×10−2s−1, and 6×10−1s−1, at room temperature. The specimens are primarily examined in terms of stress-strain curves and microstructural analysis. The stress strain curve analysis is compared with the primary aluminium alloy AA6061. In general, the flow stress of both materials increases with increasing strain rate. The microstructures are investigated using Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The analysis on the deformed specimens showed that the deformation is driven by a ductile fracture mechanism via voids nucleation, and sensitive to the strain rate changes. The results of this work provide valuable information to improve the existing recycling process before an appropriate engineering application can be established in relevant areas.