Abstract:

Objective-  The main objective of work is to  study the behavior of Al-Al2O3  and graphite metal matrix composites (MMC) of aluminum alloy of grade 6063 with addition of varying percentage composition of Alumina (Al2O3) and graphite made by stir casting technique. The tensile strength, Hardness, Density like mechanical properties will also be taken into consideration. To achieve the objective of present work, an experimental set up is prepared where all the inputs are made. The aim of the experiment is to study the effect of variation of the percentage composition to predict the mechanical properties of the metal matrix composites (MMC). The experiment was carried out by preparing the sample of different percentage composition by stir casting technique.

Methodology- The present research paper is based on comparing the mechanical properties of MMC and pure metal. Also microscopic studies of samples were also done to identify the change in structure.

Findings- The findings confirmed that stir formed Al 6063 with Alumina/Graphite reinforced composites is clearly superior to base Al alloy in the comparison of tensile strength, Hardness test as well as density. Aluminum matrix composites have been successfully fabricated by stir casting technique with fairly uniform distribution of Alumina/Graphite particles.

Limitations- This present work can be further extended by varying stirring speed and geometrical angle of stirrer. More results can be obtained by varying reinforced particle size. Further heat treatment can also be done to improve properties of final metal.

Practical Implementations- The new metal formed by this technique can cover a wide area in fabrication industry due to its high strength, light weight, corrosion resistant , good heat and electrically conductive nature. It can be used in aircraft industry, various pipes, aluminum flooring, automobile industry etc.

Keywords:  MMC , Al6063, Reinforcement, Stir casting, SEM, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy,