Mechanical And Tribological Studies On Aluminium Metal Matrix Nano Composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT newline newline newlineComposites can be defined as a combination of two or more individual materials with distinct characteristics when combined together result in a material with characteristics different from that of the individual components. Particulate reinforced aluminium metal matrix composites (AMMC) provides superior permutation of properties and hence are tried and used in several applications. Analysis of literature in this area provided a lot of scope for further research in aluminium metal matrix composites. newline newlineIn this study, aluminium 6061 metal matrix composite reinforced with micro and nano silicon carbide / titanium dioxide (SiC/TiO2) reinforcements were fabricated using stir casting technique under varying process parameters. All the fabricated composites were later subjected to T6 heat treatment. The mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive, impact and micro hardness of the fabricated composites were evaluated. Tribological test was conducted on pin-on- disc wear testing machine to measure the wear loss. The worn out surfaces of the wear test specimens were analysed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). A detailed microstructural examination was carried out using optical and scanning electron microscope. To predict the output variable a nonlinear regression equation was developed using SPSS software. newline newlineThe results showed an improvement in mechanical and tribological properties of the fabricated composites as compared to the base material. The microstructural analysis revealed uniform distribution of micro/nano SiC/TiO2 in the aluminium 6061 matrix newline newline newlinematerial. The dispersion of SiC and TiO2 particulates broadened with the increase in weight fraction of micro and nano sized SiC and TiO2 dispersions. Worn out surfaces of the composites were characterized by narrow wear grooves, a heavy flow of materials, micro pits. Both adhesive and abrasive wear modes were observed. X-ray diffraction te