Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Al6063 Hybrid Composites Reinforced with SiC/ZrO2 by Stir Casting and Thixoforming Process

Abstract

Hybrid metal matrix composites new generation of engineering materials with better mechanical and tribological properties. Al6063 alloy has the matrix material and reinforcement SiC and ZrO2 micro particles are selected for the study. In this work, Al6063/ SiC/ZrO2 hybrid composite fabricated with different wt. % of reinforcements (0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt. % SiC and 1 wt. % ZrO2 constant for all composites) by using stir casting process. The thixoforming process applied to casted composite. The SiC and ZrO2 particle was distributed in the Al-matrix are visible in the SEM micrographs .The hardness value of the composite 34.75% increased due to the addition of constant 1 wt. % of ZrO2 and varying SiC reinforcement particles. The charpy impact strength of Al composite was increased by 23.52 % with the addition of the constant 1 % wt. ZrO2 and 1 wt. % SiC particles. Wear behavior of Al6063/SiC/ZrO2 hybrid composite was tested using pin-on-disc machine. The wear volume loss decreased for 1.5 % wt. SiC and 1 wt. % ZrO2 compared to other composite. The worn surface morphology has revealed that Al6063 base alloy with deep groove. The composite with 0.5%, 1% wt. SiC and constant 1 wt.% ZrO2 showed more debris, dilamation and cleavage particles formed on the pin surface. The composite with 1.5 % wt. SiC and constant 1 wt.% ZrO2 showed less wear loss and smooth surface formation.