Influence of AlN particles on microstructure, mechanical and tribological behaviour in AA6351 aluminum alloy

In the current trend, the hard ceramic particles reinforced aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) is extensively being exploited as a composite which shall be utilized for various engineering applications. In the present research, the Al-Si-Mg (AA6351) composite incorporated with aluminium nitride (AlN) filler were prepared via novel and low cost melt stirring process. This study was conducted using AA6351 aluminum alloy in conjunction with AlN particles whose percentages of incorporation were 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20 wt% in the ascending. The stir casted composites and the base alloy were characterized via scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX). EDAX pattern proves the occurrence of AlN filler contents in the synthesized AMCs. SEM studies exhibit the even dispersion of the reinforcement particles in the Al matrix. The effects of AlN contents on the mechanical characteristics of AA6351 matrix composites were examined. The dry sliding wear characteristics of the prepared composites was tested employing pin on disc machine. The mechanical and wear behavior of the AMCs had shown a great enhancement by the incorporation of AlN particles into AA6351 matrix alloy. The test outcomes discovered that Al/20 wt% AlN composites had revealed superior wear resistance, hardness, yield strength and tensile strength than the AA6351 base alloy.