Mechanical and Morphological Studies of Al6061-Gr-SiC Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

Abstract. In recent years, Aluminium alloy based metal matrix composites (MMC) are gaining wide spread acceptance in several aerospace and automobile applications. These composites possess excellent wear resistance in addition to other superior mechanical properties such as strength, modulus and hardness when compared with conventional alloys. The hybrid composites are new generation of composites containing more than one type, shape or sizes of reinforcements giving superior combined properties of reinforcements and the matrix. In the present work, Al6061 has been used as matrix material and the reinforcing materials selected were SiC and Graphite particulates of 10 to 30µm size. Composites Al6061-Gr (2- 8 wt. %), Al6061-SiC (2 -10wt. %) and Hybrid composites with Al6061 matrix alloy containing 3wt% graphite and varying composition of 2-10wt% SiCp were prepared by stir casting technique. The cast matrix alloy and its composites have been subjected to solutionizing treatment at a temperature of 530 ± 20C for 6 hours, followed by ageing at a temperature of 175 ± 20C for 6 hours. The mechanical properties of as cast and T6 heat treated composites have been evaluated as per ASTM standards and compared. Addition of Graphite particulates into the Al6061 matrix improved the strength and ductility of the composites. Significant improvement in tensile strength and hardness was noticed as the wt. % of SiCp increases in Al6061-SiC composites. Addition of Graphite into Al6061-SiC further improved the strength and ductility of hybrid composites. The heat treatment process had the profound effect in improving the mechanical properties of the studied composites. The microstructural studies revealed the uniform distribution of SiC and Gr particles in the matrix system.