Mechanical Behavior of Al6061-Al2O3 and Al6061-Graphite Composites

This work investigated the influence of Al2O3 and graphite on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of Al6061- Al2O3 and Al6061-Graphite composites. The investigation reveals the effectiveness of incorporation of Al2O3 and Graphite in the Al6061 alloy for studying mechanical properties. The composites were fabricated using liquid metallurgy route. The Al6061-Al2O3 and Al6061-Graphite composites were fabricated separately by introducing 9 wt. % of Al2O3 and graphite particulates by two stage melt stirring process. In this reinforcement particulates were added in two steps to increase the wettability. The characterization was performed through Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive Spectrum. The particle distribution was uniform in these composites. The grains were refined by addition of Al2O3 and Graphite particulates. The density, hardness, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and percentage elongation of both Al2O3 and Graphite composites were evaluated as per ASTM standards. Further, a comparative study has been made between the Al6061-Al2O3 and Al6061-Graphite composites. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.