COMPARATIVE STUDY ON INDIVIDUAL AND COMBINED EFFECTS OF ZIRCONIUM DIOXIDE AND GRAPHITE REINFORCEMENTS ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF AL 6061 COMPOSITES

Harish B R, A K Shaik Dawood, Nagabhushan A, Santosh Pimpale, C V Raja Reddy

Abstract: Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) are commonly used as break pad materials for engineering applications because of the unique characteristics it possess which fit the necessary requirements. In this work, individual and combined effects of zirconium dioxide and graphite reinforcements on mechanical properties of Al 6061 composites were investigated. The matrix combination with Al6061 as base was varied in terms of weight percentages of zirconium dioxide (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) and graphite (1% and 3%) separately and hybrid composite with zirconium dioxide(1 to 6%) and graphite(1%) producing specific test specimens suitable to specific test conditions. Experiments, such as, micro-structure, micro-hardness, tensile test, and izod impact test which determine mechanical behaviours were conducted both on the base metal (Al 6061) as well as on the composites. These results provide insight view of effects of reinforcements on particulate reinforced composites,

Keywords: Stir Casting, Aluminum 6061, Zirconium Dioxide, Tension Test, Izod Inpact Test, Hardness Test.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2016.0516090