Mechanical and Welding Properties of A6082-SiC-ZrO2 Hybrid Composite Fabricated by Stir and Squeeze Casting

Abstract

Aluminium metal matrix composites having lightweight, high strength, high corrosive resistance, and toughness. Aluminium A6082 alloy has good mechanical properties and mainly used in structural applications. The reinforcement particles SiC and ZrO2 have high strength. In this paper, A6082/SiC/ZrO2 hybrid compositesare fabricated with different wt. % of reinforcement materials (0.5, 1 and 1.5wt.% ZrO2 and SiC constant for all composites) by using stir and squeeze casting process. A6082 alloy and A6082/SiC/ZrO2 hybrid composites prepared for mechanical and welding properties like hardness, impact, compression, welded tensile test and welded hardness test. SEM microstructures of A6082/SiC/ZrO2 Hybrid Composites have shown the uniform distribution of ceramic particles. The Charpy Impact strength of the composite materials increased with the addition of 1 wt. % ZrO2, which is 60% compared to base alloy. As-cast A6082 aluminum and composites joined by friction stir welding process with similar materials. Tensile test and hardness performed on welded plates. The ultimate tensile strength is increased up to 33 % at 0.5 wt. ZrO2 compared to the welded base alloy. UTS of 1 and 1.5 wt.% ZrO2 decreased and shown brittle failure. SEM Fractography of weld tensile fracture surface shown more dimples in 1 wt. % SiC and 0.5 wt. % of ZrO2 reinforced composite and fewer dimples; more cleavages shown in higher wt. % ZrO2, The hardness strength increased to welded composites of 1 wt. % SiC and 1 wt.% ZrO2, the hardness is increased up to 17% compared to base alloy.