Effect on the Mechanical Properties of Aluminum-Based Hybrid Metal Matrix Composite Using Stir Casting Method

Abstract

Al based-Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites (HMMC) are becoming widely popular in the Automobile industry due to its highly attractive characteristics of enhanced hardness. The heterogeneous mixture formed due to the presence of reinforcement particles adds to the strength, wear resistance, hardness etc. to the specimen. In this research, fine ashes of bagasse (sugarcane), banana, and jute (coconut covering) were used, produced by burning the above in free atmosphere. The sample was sieve tested to 200 mesh size and ball milled in the presence of SiC with weight ratio of 1:2. Stir casting of the composite was performed in the melting furnace to produce different specimens of Al6061 consisting of different types of reinforcement. The specimens were then exposed to various tests to determine Ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, and percentage elongation. The best results termed out with the specimen reinforced with banana ash at the cost of loss in ductility exhibiting Ultimate tensile strength 115.4 MPa, Yield Strength 76.4 MPa, Vickers hardness 55-77 HV and Percentage elongation 21%.