In this research, graphene/Al6061 aluminum matrix nanocomposites (AMNCs) were fabricated by stir casting, and the influence of graphene nanoplates on microstructure and mechanical properties of the 6061 aluminum alloy were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), tensile and hardness testing analysis methods. The major limitation in the utilization of 6061 aluminum alloy in heavy stress applications such as airplane fuselages, wings, internal panels, and luxury vehicles chassis is low strength and hardness. This deficiency of 6061 aluminum alloy was tackled by successful reinforcement of graphene nanoplates in 2,4,6,8 and 10 wt.%, using the stir casting process. The FESEM micrographs showed that the graphene nanoplates were uniformly distributed in the 6061-aluminum matrix alloy and tensile strength, hardness, and yield strength enhanced remarkably as compared with unreinforced 6061 aluminum alloy. The as-cast tensile strength, hardness, and yield strength of the graphene/Al6061 nanocomposites were improved by 127%, 158%, and 402%, respectively, compared with the unreinforced Al6061 alloy. It is concluded that the nano thickness of graphene, reinforcement quantity, and manufacturing process are the major factors for the enhancement of microstructure and mechanical properties of graphene/Al6061 nanocomposites.

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.

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