CHARACTERIZATION OF Al 6061/Al2O3/SiC COMPOSITES WITH CERIUM OXIDE: CORROSION ANALYSIS AND MICROSTRUCTURAL INSIGHTS

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the corrosion characteristics of Al 6061/Al2O3/SiC composites when cerium oxide (CeO2) is incorporated, employing electrochemical analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. This study investigated the impact of cerium oxide on the corrosion behavior and assessed the hydrophobic properties of the composite surface in corrosive environments using contact angle measurements. The experimental methodology comprised several key components, like the selection of specific materials, the production of hybrid composites by the stir casting technique, the analysis of corrosion using the potentiodynamic polarization method, and the characterization of surface wettability. The metallographic analysis of the composites provided insights into the impact of various reinforcements on the microstructural properties. The incorporation of cerium oxide served to mitigate agglomeration and augment grain refinement within the composites. The utilization of potentiodynamic polarization analysis revealed enhanced corrosion resistance in hybrid composites containing cerium oxide in comparison to the Al 6061 alloy. The corrosion current density exhibited a decrease as the content of CeO2 increased. The findings indicate that cerium oxide can effectively prevent corrosion in aluminum hybrid composites. These composites show potential for use in corrosion-prone applications.