Influence of SiC and WC reinforcements on the mechanical characteristics of AA6061 hybrid metal matrix composites

Abstract

The stir casting process was used to prepare AA6061 hybrid aluminium composites with Silicon Carbide and Tungsten Carbide as reinforcement components in this study. For this analysis, five samples were taken with varied compositions of Silicon Carbide ( x) and Tungsten Carbide ( y) depending on weight fraction (x: y = 0: 0 percent, 4: 4 percent, 8: 8 percent). Prior to manufacturing, the reinforcing granules are ball milled and microscopically examined using SEM and laser-based particle size analysers to validate particulate micron size. The SEM images show that particle size is reduced following ball milling. Laser particle analysis reveals typical mean particle sizes of up to 4.2 microns in SiC and 5.9 microns in WC. XRD and EDAX tests were conducted to investigate the material compositions. The mechanical properties of unreinforced and reinforced hybrid composites, including hardness, tensile, compression, and impact behaviour, were examined. SEM Images of broken samples were analysed to investigate sample microstructure. Hardness, tensile strength, and compression rise as the proportion of reinforcements increases, but impact energy reduces as the percentage of reinforcements increases. Composites containing 8 percent Silicon Carbide and 8 percent Tungsten Carbide had the best mechanical properties, with an ultimate tensile strength of 232.62 MPa, an ultimate compressive strength of 569.3 MPa, an impact energy of 3.4 J, and a hardness of 97.8 HV. Because the material's mechanical properties have improved, it can be used to make parts of automobiles, machines, and spacecraft.