Enhancement in Hardness and Influence of Artificial Aging on Stir Cast Al6061-B4C and Al6061-SiC Composites

Present investigation focusses on individual effect of B4C and SiC on the improvement in hardness with an average size of 35-40 mu m and various weight percentage of (2, 4 and 6) Al6061 alloy composite. Composites are produced by stir casting process. The precipitation hardening effect at 100, 150 and 200 degrees C on the mechanical properties was also investigated. Optical micrographs and Brinel hardness number have been discussed. Transmission electron microscope shows precipitation of finer inter-metallic in both Al6061 alloy and its composites. Increase in percentage of both B4C and SiC reinforcement from 2-6% wt. and artificially aged at 100 degrees C shows enhancement in hardness by 150-175% due to the precipitation of intermetallic phases of alloying elements. Al6061-B4C composites show improvement in hardness as compared to Al6061-SiC composites. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and Peer-review under responsibility of International Conference on Advanced Materials and Applications (ICAMA 2016).