Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization of Aluminum-Based Composite Materials for Lightweight Engineering Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69855/science.v3i4.881Keywords:
Aluminum Matrix Composite, Stir Casting, SiC/Al₂O₃ Hybrid Reinforcement, Mechanical Properties, MicrostructureAbstract
Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) are studied as lightweight materials for automotive and aerospace applications, yet the optimal hybrid SiC/Al₂O₃ content differs between base alloys, and Al6061 has not been evaluated systematically. This study determined how SiC content affects the density, porosity, microstructure, hardness, tensile properties, and impact toughness of Al6061-based hybrid composites. Compositions containing 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 wt% SiC with a constant 2 wt% Al₂O₃ were produced by stir casting, and five specimens from one casting per composition were tested. Porosity rose from 0.4% to 4.2% with SiC content. Hardness and ultimate tensile strength peaked at 9 wt% SiC (112 HV and 224 MPa; 80.6% and 47.4% above the unreinforced alloy) and declined at 12 wt%, where particle clustering and porosity increased. Elongation and impact toughness fell steadily, from 12.4% to 3.6% and from 18.2 J to 6.2 J. Differences are descriptive, not statistically tested, and not generalized to independent castings. Because the control contained no Al₂O₃, comparisons with it reflect the combined hybrid reinforcement. Selecting 9 wt% SiC as optimal depends on ductility and toughness requirements.
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