Experimental investigation of mechanical and tribological behavior of al al2o3 bsa hybrid reinforced aluminium metal matrix composites

Abstract

The fabrication method of composite materials has significant influence on the mechanical properties of the materials. Establishment of proper bonding, dispersion and diffusion of reinforcement in the matrix are identified as principal characteristics which need to be taken care during the manufacturing of metal matrix composites. The current work highlights the impact of metal (Aluminum) mixed with dual size particle reinforcements Al2O3 (and#956;m) and BSA (and#956;m) in the composite system. A novel premixing process is discussed in the research work in order to enhance the bonding between reinforcements. The matrix alloy used in this work is AA6063 which holds the applications in the construction of structures, aircraft and automobile bodies. The composites are manufactured by stir casting method. The tensile, Impact, hardness, dry sliding wear tests and corrosion tests are conducted to characterize the mechanical and wear behavior of the prepared composites. The microscopes are used to analyze the morphology of the as-cast and fractured surfaces, respectively. Tensile characteristics [ultimate tensile strength (85 MPa to 97 MPa), Elongation (9% to 15%), and Impact (7 to 11 Joules)] are influenced by pre mixed BSA and Al2O3 particles and its volume fraction in composites. Hardness of the composites is dominated by single reinforcement with premixed Al2O3 particles. newline