Experimental investigation of mechanical and fracture behaviour of casted alumina (AA6061-SiC-flyash) metal matrix composites

Metal matrix composites (MMC's) are most voluminously used in defense, automobile and many other engineering-based applications as a substitute for wide elemental range. High durability in combination with excellent corrosive, fire and radiation resistance are the highlighting benefits of the MMC's. The present experimental study, investigates the effect of %wt variation of SiC (Silicon carbide), Fly-ash (FA) i.e. 5, 10 and 15 %wt and AA6061 on mechanical and fractural properties of alumina MMC's. Mechanical properties are improved with addition of %wt of FA and with constant %wt of SiC in the alumina matrix. Besides, high amount of impact energy i.e. 86 J was observed at 15% wt SiC and 10 %wt FA. All the fabricated alumina specimens showed smooth and bright fracture surfaces on the failure ends of the tensile specimens confirming brittle mode of fracture formed due to the variation of stress thereby leading to formation of rapid propagation of crack in the direction of stress. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 2nd International Conference on Manufacturing Material Science and Engineering.