Mechanical, tribological and microstructural characterization of stir cast Al-6061 metal/matrix composites-a comprehensive review

Aluminum 6061 is a heat-treated, extruded alloy used for various engineering and structural components such as wings and fuselage of aircraft, railings, window frames, driveshaft and valves, etc. Al-6061 is widely used amongst its 6000 aluminum series because of its outstanding properties like medium to high strength, excellent environmental resistance, low density, high elongation at break and superior machinability. This paper aims to review the mechanical, tribological and microstructural characterization of stir cast Al-6061 metal/matrix composites (MMCs). In this review article an attempt has been made to demonstrate the effect of different reinforcements on metallurgical behavior of Al-6061 MMC. The particulates reinforcements like SiC, Al2O3, Gr, B4C, TiC, fly ash, bagasse ash and red mud were dispersed with Al-6061 alloy through stir casting route as single, dual and triple reinforcements. The experimental results showed significant improvement in tribological and mechanical properties of Al-6061 MMC as compared with Al-6061 alloy. The overall characterizations of Al-6061 MMC are summarized with key findings, which will provide a methodical approach for researchers in selecting optimized parameters for the fabrication of aluminum-based MMC.