Mechanical characterization of aluminium 6061 hybrid metal matrix composites

Abstract

Bigger interest in utilizing Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) research on MMCs has provided not only new types of hybrid metal matrix composites, but also characterizations of their physical, thermo-mechanical, and tribological properties over the past 30 years. The main objective of this research is to produce MMCs with enhanced strength and wear resistance, that to replace the traditional heavy weight metals and alloys. In this research the parent material chosen was AA6061 aluminium alloy which has a wide commercial application and the reinforcements (SiCp/Fly ash/Glass Fibre) which can increase the wear tendency and in addition to that glass fibre is used to improve the biaxial strength of the prepared MMC. The work presented here uses Silicon carbide as the material, fly ash and glass fibre reinforced aluminium alloy (Al6061) composites, processed by stir casting route was used. The required quantities of silicon carbide (10 g and 15 g) and fly ash (10 g and 15 g) were taken in a powder container and the composites were prepared by using the stir casting process. This new material is evaluated through a limited mechanical test that Tensile, Hardness and Wear and to strengthen the experimental process SEM images are taken before and after the tests. The addition of reinforcement in Aluminium 6061 hybrid metal matrix composites, the tensile strength increases in the specimen 1 10 g of reinforcement mixed with A6061 and as well as in the specimen-2 15 g of reinforcement mixed with A6061 and wear resistance increases gradually and also wear and hardness in specimen 2 gives moderate result but the tribological behaviour is good.