Microstructure and mechanical properties of rutile-reinforced AA6061 matrix composites produced via stir casting process

A novel process of fabricating aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) with requisite properties by dispersing rutile particles in the aluminum matrix was studied. A novel bi-stage stir casting method was employed to prepare composites, by varying the mass fractions of the rutile particles as 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% in AA6061 matrix. The density, tensile strength, hardness and microstructures of composites were investigated. Bi-stage stir casting method engendered AMCs with uniform distribution of the reinforced rutile particles in the AA6061 matrix. This was confirmed by the enhancement of the properties of AMCs over the parent base material. Rutile-reinforced AMCs exhibited higher tensile strength and hardness as compared with unreinforced parent material. The properties of the composites were enhanced with the increase in the mass fraction of the rutile particles. However, beyond 3 wt.% of rutile particles, the tensile strength decreased. The hardness and tensile strength of the AMCs reinforced with 3 wt.% of rutile were improved by 36% and 14% respectively in comparison with those of matrix alone.