Synthesis, Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Characterization of AA6061/B4C/TiO2 Hybrid Composites

Aluminium alloys are the most popular and widely used materials in the industrial field because of their significant economic range and lower-density nature. In order to extend its utilization, it is necessary to enhance its mechanical properties. As a result, an attempt was made in this work to synthesize an AA6061 aluminium alloy reinforced with stir cast hybrid combinations of 2.5 wt% boron carbide (B4C) and 2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt% titanium oxide (TiO2) microparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis are used to characterize the fabricated AA6061 hybrid composites. SEM visuals of prepared hybrid composites certified the consistent distribution of B4C and TiO2 microparticles in the AA6061 matrix. The EDS spectra and XRD pattern are used to analyse the presence of hybrid reinforcements in the matrix. The physical and mechanical properties such as tensile, hardness, and impact are tested for the hybrid composites as per ASTM standards. The tensile fractured samples are also analysed by using SEM. The highest tensile, hardness, and impact test results were obtained for the AA6061/2.5wt%B4C/7.5wt%TiO2 sample. The present study indicates that the presence and concentration of reinforcement addition correspondingly increased the mechanical strength of the hybrid composites and is observed up to 7.5 wt% of TiO2 reinforcements. The fabricated AA6061/2.5wt%B4C/7.5wt%TiO2 hybrid composite attained better performances and is promising for use in automotive and its structural parts applications.