Study on Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Based Metal Matrix Composites by Hybrid Reinforcement

Abstract

Now a day’s Hybrid Metal Matrix composites has a large number of applications in automobiles, aircrafts and structural applications like brake rotors, engine parts and cylinder liners. The aim of this study is to determine the mechanical properties of boron carbide (B4C) and zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) particulate reinforced with AA6063 alloy composites. In this experimental study, B4C and ZrSiO4 particulates reinforced with AA6063 composites were manufactured by stir casting technique. Mechanical properties of these composite materials were investigated by different weight percentages, 3%, 6%, 9% of boron carbide (B4C) and 9%, 6%, 3% of zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) respectively. The mechanical properties evaluation reveals variations in hardness and the tensile strength values with the composite combinations investigated in this work. From the experimental studies, the optimum volume fraction of hybrid reinforcement in AA6063 alloy on the basis of mechanical properties and SEM analysis is also determined.