Microscopical and corrosion studies on Al6061 − 10% Al2O3 functionally graded metal matrix composites

Abstract

The objective of this work is to manufacture Aluminium reinforced with 10 wt% Alumina Functionally Graded Metal Matrix Composite (Al6061 − 10 wt% Al2O3 FGMMC) through horizontal centrifugal casting process and to investigate its microstructural and corrosion properties. The microstructure was examined along the radial direction of the FGMMC and it indicated that the gradient arrangement of reinforcements across the radial direction with supreme alumina particles reinforcement at the outer periphery. Corrosion tests were carried out on the samples cut from the outer periphery of the FGMMC using an acidic immersion corrosion test. The influence of corrosion parameters such as 1 M acidic solution (Sulphuric, Hydrochloric and Nitric acid) and immersion time (0 to 220 h) on corrosion rate was analyzed. The result revealed that the reinforcement had no effect on the corrosion rate and also the samples immersed in the hydrochloric acidic solution showed higher corrosion rate in the early period of immersion time due to the presence of chloride ions.