EFFECT OF TUNGSTEN CARBIDE ON Al6061/SiC HYBRID METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

Aluminium matrix composites (AMC) are mostly preferred for their high specific strength, high ductility, corrosion resistance and creep resistance. Various experimental investigations are conducted in the field of AMCs, which are widely applicable in several fields like aerospace (especially aircraft structures and fittings), marine fittings, automotive industries (connecting rods, pistons, brake rotors, and engine blocks), etc. The current work presents the effect of a tungsten carbide (WC) reinforced Al6061/SiC hybrid composites. In this study, the WC particle (3 divided by 5 mu m) content is varied from 0 to 6 wt.% in steps of 2 wt.%, while keeping the SiC particle (63 mu m) content of 5 wt.% constant. The stir casting method was used to prepare these composites and the behaviour of the composites was studied to ascertain their mechanical and corrosion properties. From the obtained results, it was observed that the ultimate tensile strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance of the composites are enhanced by increasing the content of WC, whereas the wear loss (microns) decreased as the WC was increased up to 4 wt.%; later it increased drastically at 6 wt.% WC. The corrosion results reveal that the corrosion rate of the composites is lower than that of the monolithic alloy. SEM examination of the tensile fracture surface shows that there is a formation of larger shear lips in the base alloy and the composite with 5 wt.% SiC; however, they are reduced gradually by the additions of WC to the composite. The microstructure of the corroded surfaces reveals that the pit density was reduced for the composite with 6 wt.% WC compared to the other composites.