Influence of Rutile Nano TiO2 on Thrust Force, Mechanical, Wear and Microstructural Behavior of Al–SiC Composites

Abstract

We studied microstructure, mechanical and wear properties of Al6061 SiC reinforced with Rutile Nano TiO2 (1, 2 and 3 wt%) composites. Al MMCs were fabricated by stir casting process and strength of the composite was measured by thrust force using drilling process. Drilling parameter, such as drill diameter, speed of spindle and feed rate produced thrust force on Rutile Nano TiO2 reinforced Al–SiC Composite. Results indicated that thrust force increased due to increased feed rate and drill diameter and was reduced by increasing the spindle speed. Surface of drilled area of given composite was investigated by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). Tensile, Compressive and Micro hardness were found to increase (16.2%, 33.2% and 22%) by increasing the Nano TiO2 in Al–SiC composites. Moreover, it was also observed that density (2.66%) and impact strength (22.4%) also decreased. Wear test was conducted using pin on disc method and the result showed that the wear rate (14%) was decreased by adding Nano TiO2. Wear tested composite was examined by SEM and indicated that abrasive, cavity, fragmentation and oxidation were the predominant wear mechanisms.