Fabrication characteristics and mechanical behavior of Rice Husk Ash-Silicon Carbide reinforced Al-6061 alloy matrix hybrid composite

From an engineering standpoint, materials have always been preferred which offer high strength at a low cost. This study focuses on the fabrication characteristics and mechanical behaviour of a particular alloy of Aluminium, which is the Al-6061 alloy, reinforced with Silicon Carbide and Rice husk ash, an agro waste derivative. This was aimed at assessing the viability of developing high performance Al matrix composites at a reduced cost. The ratios of RHA and SiC in the composite were 1:4, 2:3 and 0:1 with a weight percentage of 8%. The composites were prepared using the Stir casting method. The density and the percent porosity were determined. SEM and EDX were utilised to get proper microstructure images as well as Tensile test, Impact test, Hardness test, Machinability test were performed to obtain the mechanical characteristics of the new found material. The results showed that the less dense Al/RHA/SiC hybrid composites have estimated percent porosity levels as low as <2.86% porosity. Additionally, it was observed that there is a slight reduction in tensile strength and %elongation with increase in the RHA content in the reinforcement. Taking everything into consideration, this combination of hybrid composite, though not as strong as other materials in the world, is a low-cost, stronger alternative to simple Aluminium metal. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and/or Peer-review under responsibility of International Conference on Materials Manufacturing and Modelling (ICMMM - 2017).