Synthesis and Characteristics of Heat Treated Al6061-Zirconium Dioxide Metal Matrix Composites

Particulate reinforced metal matrix composites are extensively used in the manufacturing of aerospace and automotive components. Aluminium alloys are extensively employed in the automotive, defense, and aerospace industries owing to its superior mechanical characteristics when contrasted to other metals and alloys. Composites are extremely helpful for a variety of applications due to their inexpensive manufacturing cost and superior mechanical properties. The purpose of this experiment was to synthesize and characterize heat-treated Aluminium 6061-Zirconium dioxide composites using the stir casting process by altering the weight percentage of Zirconium dioxide particulates from 0 wt. % to 12 in 3 wt. % increments. Aluminium 6061 alloy and Aluminium 6061-Zirconium dioxide composites were heat treated for 2 h at 530° C solutionizing temperature, quenched in water medium, and then aged artificially for 6 h at 175° C. The samples were produced in accordance with ASTM standards for the determination of mechanical characteristics. The microstructure analysis demonstrated an uniform dispersion of Zirconium dioxide particulates in the Aluminium 6061 matrix alloy, and the heat treated composite exhibited a considerable enhancement in hardness and impact strength when contrasted to Aluminium 6061 alloy alone. The optimum value of Brinell Hardness Number of heat treated water quenched Al6061-ZrO2 composite is obtained at 9% of zirconium dioxide and is equal to 101.32. The optimum value of impact strength of heat treated water quenched Al6061-ZrO2 composite is obtained at 9% of zirconium dioxide and is equal to 0.17 J/mm2. © 2023, The Institution of Engineers (India).