MECHANICAL AND TRIBOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF STIR-CASTING Al2O3-SiC-Gr/Al6063 HYBRID COMPOSITE

Abstract

The mechanical characteristics of composite materials play a crucial role in advancing technology. The present investigation employed the stir-casting method to produce hybrid aluminum matrix composites. Silicon carbide and aluminum oxide were selected as reinforcements in order to improve mechanical performance. Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) were synthesized through the implementation of the stir-casting technique, incorporating varying volume percentages of aluminum oxide (10%, 15%, and 20%) with a consistent volume fraction of silicon carbide (15%) ang 10% graphite(G). The constructed AMCs were subjected to testing in order to evaluate their tensile strength (UTS), hardness (VHN), and wear rate (WR%). The wear rate was quantified across weights (10 N, 15 N, 20 N, and 25 N) and sliding velocities (0.3 m/s, 0.6 m/s, 0.9 m/s, and 1.3 m/s). In this study, a comparison was made between the mechanical characteristics of the manufactured aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) and those of the Al6063 alloy. The work outcomes indicated that the incorporation of silicon carbide and aluminium oxide resulted in a critical reinforcement of both the tensile strength and hardness properties. The tensile strength exhibited a notable rise, rising from an initial value of 590 MPa to a final value of 900 MPa. Similarly, the hardness of the material experienced an upward trend, ascending from an initial measurement of 70VHN to a final measurement of 90VHN. The wear rate exhibited a positive correlation with the magnitude of the applied load. Nevertheless, the variation in sliding velocity yielded distinct consequences. The velocity exhibited a quick increase until it attained a peak value of 0.9 m/s, then undergoing a sharp decline. KEYWORDS Aluminium matrix composites, aluminium oxide, and silicon carbide reinforcement, stir casting, wear testing.