A Review on AA 6061 Metal Matrix Composites Produced by Stir Casting

Abstract

In recent years, many alloys as well as composites of aluminium were developed for enhanced material performance. AA 6061 is an aluminium alloy that has extensive applications due to its superior material characteristics. It is a popular choice of matrix for aluminium matrix composite (AMC) fabrication. This study provides a review on AA 6061 aluminium alloy matrix composites produced through the stir-casting process. It focusses on conventional stir-casting fabrication, process parameters, various reinforcements used, and the mechanical properties of the AA 6061 composites. Several research studies indicated that the stir-casting method is widely used and suitable for fabricating AA 6061 composites with reinforcements such as SiC, B4C, Al2O3, TiC, as well as other inorganic, organic, hybrid, and nanomaterials. The majority of the studies showed that an increase in the reinforcement content enhanced the mechanical and tribological properties of the composites. Furthermore, hybrid composites showed better material properties than single reinforcement composites. The usage of industrial and agricultural residues in hybrid composites is also reported. Future studies could focus on the fabrication of AA 6061 nanocomposites through stir casting and their material characterisation, since they have great potential as advanced materials.

Effect of the Particle Size and Matrix Strength on Strengthening and Damage Process of the Particle Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites

“…Particles reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs), with its remarkable mechanical properties including high elastic modulus, specific strength, stiffness, good fatigue, and wear resistance, are attractive alternatives to lightweight applications in automobile and aviation industries [1][2][3][4]. To meet the needs for the development of advanced composites, many types of particles have been added into the metal matrices as reinforcements, such as oxides (e.g., Al 2 O 3 [5,6]), nitrides (e.g., BN [7,8]), and carbides (e.g., B 4 C, TiC, SiC [9][10][11]).…”

The Effect of Different Fly Ash and Vanadium Carbide Contents on the Various Properties of Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloys-Based Hybrid Nanocomposites

“…The reasons behind Al-Si alloy being considered the best choice as a matrix for such desirable nanocomposites are its low ductility coupled with high strength compared to pure Al. When two or more reinforcements are added to this alloy, the resulting hybrid nanocomposite achieves superior properties such as outstanding mechanical properties, wear behavior and thermal expansion coefficients [4,5].…”

Corrosion Behaviour of High-Strength Al 7005 Alloy and Its Composites Reinforced with Industrial Waste-Based Fly Ash and Glass Fibre: Comparison of Stir Cast and Extrusion Conditions

“…7XXX series Al alloy possesses intrinsic properties such as high strength-to-density ratio, high-specific stiffness, and toughness characteristics making it an ideal candidate material for structural parts in automotive and aerospace applications [16,17]. The addition of reinforcement (organic, inorganic, industrial and agriculture waste, carbides, nitrides, oxides, CNTs, compounds) to aluminium matrix resulted in multiphase materials (composite materials) which improve the specific properties and attract engineering applications [18][19][20][21]. Silicon carbide reinforcements with different sizes and volumes, added to Al-Cu-Mg alloy resulted in improved strength in composite parts [22].…”