WEAR STUDIES ON THE HEAT TREATED AL6061-µSIC AND AL6061-NSIC METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have a potential for enhanced wear conflict in excess of the unreinforced aluminum alloy and are the most capable in achieving enhanced mechanical properties. In the present investigation, composites of Aluminum 6061(Al6061) matrix material is reinforced with micron size Silicon carbide (µSiC) reinforcement with 5, 10 and 15 weight percentages (wt.%) and nano size SiC (nSiC) with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt.% are fabricated by stir casting technique. The stir casted composites are further heat treated and the specimens are prepared as per ASTM standards to conduct hardness and wear tests. The fabricated and heat treated nano composites showed enhancement in hardness and wear resistance more than the micro composites. The microstructure of the worn out specimen are examined by scanning electron microscope. Taking into contemplation all the factors, it can be concluded that aluminum based composite with 1.0% by weight nano SiC reinforcement acquire superior wear resistance properties as compared to micro SiC reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites