Comparison of mechanical properties of Al6063 alloy with ceramic particles

Aluminium metal matrix composite was fabricated by stir casting. Aluminium alloy Al6063 was chosen as the matrix material and zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4), titanium diboride (TiB2) as the reinforcement materials. The reinforcement material is stirred with molten metal in a furnace with a stirring speed of 250 rpm for about 10 minutes. Three specimens were fabricated by varying the composition of both the reinforcements in the range of 5% ZrSiO4, 3 % TiB2 and 8% ZrSiO4, 5 % TiB2. The prepared specimens were subjected to mechanical tests like hardness test, impact test and corrosion test. Under Brinell hardness test and corrosion test, specimen of 87% Al6063, 8% ZrSiO4, 5 % TiB2 exhibited superior results. But under impact test, the specimen of 87% Al6063, 8% ZrSiO4, 5% TiB2 exhibited lower impact energy when compared with the remaining specimens. It is because the ceramic reinforcement particulates are brittle in nature when compared with the monolithic parent metal. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.