Effect of age hardening in the synthesis of Alx-Ni and Alx–Fe reinforced aluminium metal matrix composites. (2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abuthakir, J.; Subramanian, R.; Kavitha, M.; Sathishkumar, T.; Venkatesh, G.; Manikandan, P.
• Is Part Of: Materials today. Volume 39:Part 4(2021)
• Page Start: 1762
• Page End: 1766
• Publication Date: 2021
• Subjects: Al MMCs -- Ni & Fe powders -- Hardness -- Grain refinement -- AlxNi and AlxFe reinforcements - adhesive wear; Materials science -- Congresses -- Periodicals; 620.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.06.497
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-7853

Abstract

Abstract: Al Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) reinforced with intermetallics have been receiving wide attention in the recent research works due to their superior properties compared to conventional ceramic reinforcements. In the present work Ni and Fe powders were added in to the AA6061 Al alloy through stir casting route. Cast samples were subjected to solutionizing and age hardening (T6) to form intermetallic reinforcements. Composite samples were characterized using optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Age hardened samples exhibited peak hardness values for 16 h and 6 h of ageing at 180° C for Ni and Fe based intermetallics reinforced samples respectively. Tribological studies reveal that wear rate decreased with increasing weight fractions of powders and Alx -Fe reinforced composites exhibited lower wear rate than Alx Ni reinforced composites and adhesive wear was found as the major operative wear mechanism.