Prediction of mechanical properties of Al6061 metal matrix composites reinforced with zircon sand and boron carbide

Abstract

Abstract In this contribution, the influences of zircon sand and boron carbide on the mechanical properties of aluminum metal matrix composites (MMC) were predicted. Here, metal matrix composite samples were fabricated by stir-casting process. The prepared samples were tested for their tensile, flexural, impact and hardness strength. It was observed that the hardness of the prepared samples increased by adding Zircon sand and boron carbide particles as compared with pure aluminum alloy. Similarly, the impact and flexural strength increased as a result of the presence of the ceramic particles as compared with pure aluminum alloys. But, there was a decrease in the tensile strength due to an increase in hardness and porosity of the composites. It was clearly observed that the impact, flexural and hardness properties of Type III aluminum matrix increased to 3.89 J, 400.3 MPa and 141.7 BHN by increasing the weight percentage of reinforcements. These results have been compared with Al-Zr MMC and Al-B4C MMC and proved that the hybrid composite shows the better results. To study the topography of the samples, scanning electron microscope analysis was carried out. An innovative aspect of this MMC is that, it shows an increase in mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strength as well as hardness can find practical applications in the aerospace and automobile industries.