Processing and Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Matrix Composites Reinforced With Nano Scaled Boron Nitride

Abstract

In this research were investigated the mechanical characteristics and microstructural characterization of metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with nanoscale boron nitride (BN) particles made of aluminum (Al6061). Al6061 was used as the basic matrix and nano boron nitride as the reinforcing phase in the stir casting technique used to create the composites. To examine its influence on the composite's behavior, the volume proportion of BN reinforcement was varied between 0% and 4%. This study's main goal was to assess how nano BN reinforcements affected the Al6061 matrix's microstructure and mechanical performance. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to undertake microstructural investigation in order to evaluate the phase distribution and dispersion of the reinforcing particles inside the matrix. Vickers microhardness tests, tensile strength measurements, and wear rate studies were all part of the mechanical characterisation process. Results showed that, according to SEM imaging, BN nanoparticles were evenly dispersed throughout the Al6061 matrix. As the amount of BN in the composites increased, so did their microhardness. In particular, with 4% BN reinforcement, the greatest microhardness value measured was 119 Vickers Hardness Number (VHN), which is a 28.81 improvement over the base alloy. The addition of reinforcements also increased the composite's tensile strength, which peaked at 341 MPa at 4% BN, or 13.89% higher than the original Al6061 alloy. These results demonstrate that adding nano boron nitride to Al6061 MMCs greatly improves their hardness and tensile strength. When compared to the unreinforced Al6061 matrix, the produced composites showed noticeably higher hardness and lower wear rates due to the nano boron nitride reinforcement. Significantly, the composite with 4 weight percent nano BN showed the best mechanical performance, suggesting that adding nano-scale reinforcements successfully increases the base alloy's durability and wear resistance.