Abstract
The AA6061 is reinforced by adding SiC at various volume fractions and, the mixture is hot compacted at different processing temperatures. The influences of such parameters are investigated on the product relative density along with its relevant Vickers hardness using quantitative and qualitative formulation approach. Empirical relationships are established to relate each of the controlling (independent) parameters (SiC% and hot compaction (HC) temperature), to the composites relative density and the hardness, as dependent variables. The developed models are examined for its adequacy and significance using several statistical criteria. Response surface and contour graphs are established to reflect the relevant function interrelations and, to provide a data base source for the prior design stage. Within the specified experimental domain, first order and nonlinear models are found independently adequate and significant to grasp the functional dependence between the relative density and both SiC and HC temperature. However, second order multiple model with quadratic components of SiC percent is found to best suit the hardness-SiC%-temperature functional relationship. Increasing SiC content is found to reduce the relative density of the composites regardless the hot compaction temperature while, up to about 18 vol.% SiCp relative ratio, it enormously and nonlinearly increases the composite hardness. Further increase in SiC% addition seems not to affect the composite hardness. Relative density of the resulting composite is decreased by increasing HC temperature.
Highlights
Aluminum alloys are notable by vast diversity in industrial application thanks to their many advantages regarding specific strength, corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, low density, and good workability
Different volume fractions of SiC are added to the monolithic aluminum AA6061
Mixture is hot compacted at various HC temperatures and both the relative product density and Vickers hardness are recorded
Summary
Aluminum alloys are notable by vast diversity in industrial application thanks to their many advantages regarding specific strength, corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, low density, and good workability. Aluminum is the most common metal used in MMCs; in particular, particles reinforced Aluminum-based MMCs are focal composites grasping an increasing attention recently thanks to their lightness, higher specific strength, and wear resistance (Senapati et al, 2014; Zakaria, 2014; Mohanakumara et al, 2014). Al2O3 and SiC reinforcements are two widely used types of reinforcing agents in aluminum metal matrix composites (AMCs) Their use is focused mainly in automotive and aircraft industries due to the importance of material tribological properties in these applications (Senapati et al, 2014; Mazahery & Shabani, 2013). Particle-reinforced MMCs possess distinct advantages over fibre reinforced composites regarding low cost and isotropic mechanical properties considerations They are relatively easier to process via powder compared to AMCs reinforced with ceramic whiskers and fibers (Mazahery & Shabani, 2012). Response surface in terms of three dimensions and contours representations are introduced as database reference to help in the design stages
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