Microstructure study and mechanical testing of Al 6061-Si3n4 metal matrix composites

Abstract

In these days exceptional properties are needed for wide range of applications like aerospace, medical, and automobile to improve strength, corrosive resistance and weight reduction. For these purposes composites have been developed. Metal matrix composite (MMC) is one of them, and aluminium composites have been using in various fields because of its less weight, thermal and electrical conduction and corrosive resistance. Here we are introducing silicon nitride (Si3N4) as reinforcement which is a ceramic in aluminium 6061 which is effectively used in many applications these days. Our composite has been made using Stir casting method for proper dispersion. Mechanical testing methods like Brinell’s, Charpy impact tests are carried out to identify properties of composite and microstructure is also been figured out through SEM. Properties of both 5% and 15% Si3N4 powder composition of MMC are compared with each other and discussions are made.