Microstructure Evaluation of Si3N4reinforced Al6082 Composites subjected to Severe Plastic Deformation

Abstract

In this research, work is carried out on Al6082 alloy because of its thermal stability and stiffness which can be used for strong structural application, here the hard ceramic particle of Si3N4 are reinforced with Al6082 for further enhancing its strength, stiffness. Stir casting technique is used to fabricate aluminum metal matrix composition with varying wt. % of Si3N4, this technique involves cost effective process and also results in homogenous mixture between the matrix and the reinforcement. The percentage of reinforcement varies from 0 and 9wt%. When subjected to severe plastic deformation it tends to change the grain size from micron to submicron level size in the grain structure by the application of load. The scanning electron microscope reveals the distribution of Si3N4 on the surface of the sample. The hardness value increased as compared to as-cast Al6082 alloy.