Microstructural observation and mechanical properties behavior of Al₂O₃/Al6061 nanocomposite fabricated by stir casting process

Abstract

Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles are capable of improving the material characteristics if reinforced to soft and low strength material. The major limitation in the utilization of Al alloy 6061 in medium to heavy stress applications such as automobile, defense, transportations, and aerospace is low hardness and strength. In order to overcome the deficiency of Al6061, nano-Al2O3 reinforced Al6061 matrix nanocomposite (AMNC) was successfully fabricated on machinated aluminum stir casting furnace. Al2O3 nanoparticles in 2,4,6 and 8wt. % were reinforced in the Al6061 matrix and the effect on mechanical and microstructure behavior was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), hardness, and tensile testing methods. Higher magnification FESEM micrographs revealed that reinforcement of nano-Al2O3 leads to considerable grain refinement and uniform distribution with less porosity. The mechanical properties results showed enhancement in tensile strength (by 130%), hardness (by 156%), yield stress (by 360%) with reinforcement of nano-Al2O3 over the base alloy Al6061. It was observed that the nano size of Al2O3 particles, the quantity of reinforcement, and the stir casting process were effective factors on the microstructure and mechanical properties enhancement.

Enhanced microstructure and mechanical properties of Al6061 alloy via graphene nanoplates reinforcement fabricated by stir casting

“…The aluminum alloy-based composites with different micro and nanosized reinforcements such as Al 2 O 3 [19,20], ZrO 2 [21], SiO 2 [22], SiC [23,24], graphite [25,26], B 4 C [27,28], carbon nanotubes (CNTs) [29], TiB 2 [30], GO [31,32] and graphene [33,34] at various weight fractions improved microstructural characteristics and provided a new range of mechanical, physical, thermal, and electrical properties suitable for modern applications [35,36]. A major hurdle in nanocomposite fabrication is to obtain the necessary bond between reinforcement and the matrix required for load transfer between phases and the limited wettability of reinforcement [37,38].…”

Impact of AlN-SiC Nanoparticle Reinforcement on the Mechanical Behavior of Al 6061-Based Hybrid Composite Developed by the Stir Casting Route

“…In generally aluminium alloy hybrid composites are prepared by stir casting [22,23], squeeze casting [24,25] and powder metallurgy [26,27]. Stir casting has a number of advantages, including being trouble-free, supple, and affordable, as well as producing multifunctional, bulkmanufacturing, and contour composite components that are free of dangerous reinforcing particles.…”

Correlation of Structural and Mechanical Properties for Ultrasonically Stir Casted Al6061 Reinforced SiC-AlN Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites

“…In general, stir casting, 22,23 squeeze casting, 24,25 and powder metallurgy 26,27 are used to create aluminium alloy hybrid composites. Stir casting provides a lot of benefits, including making multifunctional, bulk-manufacturing, and contour composite components that are devoid of harmful reinforcing particles and being trouble-free, flexible, and fordable.…”