International Journal of Emerging Research in Engineering, Science, and Management
Vol. 3, Issue 3, pp. 51-58, July-Sep 2024.
https://doi.org/10.58482/ijeresm.v3i3.9

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Al6061 Composite by Stir Casting Method

Allu Venkata Satyanarayana

Yerubandi Venkata Ramana Murthy

Mohd Aqib AslamChandra Mouli V.S.A

 

P.G. Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bonam Venkata Chalamayya Engineering College (Autonomous), Odalarevu, Andhra Pradesh, India

Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bonam Venkata Chalamayya Engineering College (Autonomous), Odalarevu

Principal, Bonam Venkata Chalamayya Engineering College (Autonomous), Odalarevu

Abstract: Aluminium alloy-based metallic matrix composites (MMC) have recently gained popularity in various aerospace and automotive applications. Aluminium has been utilized as a matrix material due to its high mechanical qualities, superior formability, and diverse industrial applications. The Al6061 alloy system becomes harder, stronger in tension, and more wear-resistant when TiB₂-SiC-Rh is added as reinforcement. Al6061–TiB₂-SiC-Rh composites were created in this study using a liquid metallurgical method, with TiB₂-SiC-Rh added in percentages ranging from 2% to 8% by weight in increments of 2%. The cast matrix alloy and its composites were treated with solutionizing at 500°C for 1 hour before being quenched in different media like air, water, and oil. After quenching, the samples were aged both artificially and naturally. Microstructural analysis was conducted to understand the relationship between structure and mechanical properties. Mechanical characteristics, including microhardness and abrasive wear experiments, were performed on matrix Al6061 and Al6061-TiB₂-SiC-Rh composites before and after heat treatment. Under the same heat treatment conditions, the Al6061-TiB₂-SiC-Rh composites exhibited improved microhardness, tensile strength, and reduced wear compared with the Al matrix alloy.

Keywords: Al6061, Al6061–TiB2-SiC-Rh, Heat Treatment, Metallic Matrix Composites, Stir Casting.

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