Influence of Artificial Aging on the Stir Cast Al6061-SiC Metal Matrix Composites under Different Aging Conditions
Corresponding email: gowrishankarmc@gmail.com
Published at : 29 Oct 2016
Volume : IJtech
Vol 7, No 6 (2016)
DOI : https://doi.org/10.14716/ijtech.v7i6.1951
Shankar, G., S., S.S., Kini, A., Praksh, S., Gurumurthy, 2016. Influence of Artificial Aging on the Stir Cast Al6061-SiC Metal Matrix Composites under Different Aging Conditions. International Journal of Technology. Volume 7(6), pp. 1000-1008
| Gowri Shankar | Departement of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India |
| Sharma S. S. | Departement of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India |
| Achutha Kini | Departement of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India |
| Shiva Praksh | Departement of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India |
| Gurumurthy | Departement of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India |
The present work aims to improve the microstructure and hardness related
properties of age hardened Al6061-SiC reinforced composites produced by a two stage stir casting method. Three composites with
2, 4, and 6wt. % (35-40?m) of SiC reinforcement are subjected to
microstructural examination and hardness test at different locations to analyse
the uniform distribution of the reinforcements in the matrix. As-cast
composites are solution-treated at 558°C, followed by an aging treatment conducted at 100, 150, and 200°C, during which peak hardness values are noted. The peak aged
samples are subjected to hardness and wear tests. In line with the objectives, ranges from 80-100% and 120-145% additional increase in hardness
values are observed over as-cast alloy during the aging treatment conducted at 100, 150 and 200°C, respectively. Lower temperature aging shows
substantial improvement in hardness and wear resistance over high temperature
aging in each respective group. Also
higher weight percentages of reinforced composites show excellent wear
resistance, due to the presence of eroded iron particles from
the counter surface which is regarded as a beneficial effect during the wear test. The presence of SiC particles provides more sites for the nucleation of fine
precipitates. These fine precipitates hinder the movement of dislocation and
thus increases hardness as well as wear resistance after the precipitation hardening treatment.
Aging temperature; Aging time; Al 6061 alloy; Precipitation hardening