Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Al6063 Hybrid Composites Reinforced with SiC/ZrO2 by Stir Casting and Thixoforming Process

Abstract:

Hybrid metal matrix composites new generation of engineering materials with better mechanical and tribological properties. Al6063 alloy has the matrix material and reinforcement SiC and ZrO₂ micro particles are selected for the study. In this work, Al6063/ SiC/ZrO₂ hybrid composite fabricated with different wt. % of reinforcements (0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt. % SiC and 1 wt. % ZrO₂ constant for all composites) by using stir casting process. The thixoforming process applied to casted composite. The SiC and ZrO₂ particle was distributed in the Al-matrix are visible in the SEM micrographs .The hardness value of the composite 34.75% increased due to the addition of constant 1 wt. % of ZrO₂ and varying SiC reinforcement particles. The charpy impact strength of Al composite was increased by 23.52 % with the addition of the constant 1 % wt. ZrO₂ and 1 wt. % SiC particles. Wear behavior of Al6063/SiC/ZrO2 hybrid composite was tested using pin-on-disc machine. The wear volume loss decreased for 1.5 % wt. SiC and 1 wt. % ZrO2 compared to other composite. The worn surface morphology has revealed that Al6063 base alloy with deep groove. The composite with 0.5%, 1% wt. SiC and constant 1 wt.% ZrO₂ showed more debris, dilamation and cleavage particles formed on the pin surface. The composite with 1.5 % wt. SiC and constant 1 wt.% ZrO₂ showed less wear loss and smooth surface formation.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 979)
• Pages: 47-51
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.979.47
• Online since: March 2020
• Authors: Kannan Sekar*, Pandian Vasanthakumar
• Keywords: Al6063 - SiC-ZrO₂ Hybrid Composites, Mechanical Properties, Microstructure, Stir Casting, Thixoforming Process, Wear Properties

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