Effect of nano ZrB2 particles on physical, mechanical and corrosion properties of Al6061 metal-matrix nano composites through stir casting route

The present study investigated the microstructure, mechanical and corrosion behaviour of Al6061 alloy reinforced with nano zirconium diboride (ZrB2) particles. The stir casting route is carried out to fabricate the Al6061 metal matrix nanocomposites (AMMNCs) by varying 0 to 2 Wt% of ZrB2 nanoparticles. X-ray Diffraction (XRD)was used to study the crystalline size and phase distribution of AMMNCs. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis reveals the uniform dispersion of ZrB2 nano particulates in AMMNCs. Ultimate tensile strength and yield strength, hardness of the AMMNCs were increased by 33.58%, 27.54%, and 40.57%, respectively, with the addition of ZrB2 nano particulates, while the elongation decreased to 46.03%. with the increase in ZrB2 Wt%. The corrosion rate of AMMNCs (2 Wt% ZrB2) decreased by 86% compared to Al6061 alloy. Fracture analysis of the samples showed that the fracture behaviour of Al6061 matrix alloy changed from ductile intergranular fracture to cleavage. The results show that the developed nanocomposite enhances mechanical properties and corrosion resistance with an increase in Wt% of reinforcement.