Enhancing The Mechanical Performance of Al6061/Graphite Composites Reinforced with Sic and Aluminium Oxide Processed by Stir Casting

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 02 | Page : 66 74
    By

    Yamini Tamminana,

  • Vijay Miditana,

  • Jarubula Ranga Raya Chowdary,

  • Palavalasa Rohini Kumar,

  • Tara Sasanka C,

  • Sneha. H. Dhoria,

  1. Assistant Professor, Basic Science & Humanities Department, Vignan’s Nirula Institute of Science and Technology, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department. of Mechanical Engineering, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department. of Mechanical Engineering, R.V.R & J.C. College of Engineering, Chowdavaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department. of Chemical Engineering, R.V.R & J.C College of Engineering, Chowdavaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  5. Associate Professor, Department. of Mechanical Engineering, R.V.R & J.C College of Engineering, Chowdavaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department. of Mechanical Engineering, R.V.R & J.C. College of Engineering, Chowdavaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The study investigates the mechanical properties of aluminum alloy Al6061 reinforced with varying proportions of silicon carbide (SiC) (0 wt%, 4 wt%, 5 wt%, and 6 wt%) and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) (0 wt%, 4 wt%, 3 wt%, and 2 wt%), with a constant addition of 1 wt% graphite. The composites were fabricated using the stir casting process, an efficient and economical method for uniformly distributing ceramic reinforcements within the metal matrix. The primary objective is to evaluate how different reinforcement combinations influence the mechanical behavior of the composite material, offering insights into their suitability for various industrial applications. A comprehensive set of experimental techniques, including hardness testing, tensile strength measurement, elongation analysis, flexural and compressive strength assessment, and microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), was utilized to evaluate the composites. The results indicate that the addition of ceramic reinforcements significantly enhances the mechanical properties of Al6061. Notably, the composite with 6 wt% SiC, 2 wt% Al₂O₃, and 1 wt% graphite exhibited the best performance, demonstrating superior hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, and compressive strength, while maintaining an optimal balance of ductility. Microstructural analysis confirmed a uniform distribution of reinforcements, which contributed to the enhanced mechanical behavior by reducing defects and improving load transfer efficiency. The findings establish that the optimized composition of Al6061 + 1% Gr + 2% Al₂O₃ + 6% SiC is well-suited for demanding applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defense. These composites offer an excellent combination of lightweight properties, strength, wear resistance, and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for structural and high-performance components in engineering applications.

Keywords: Al6061, SiC, graphite, aluminium oxide, stir casting, hardness, tensile, microstructure.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

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How to cite this article:
Yamini Tamminana, Vijay Miditana, Jarubula Ranga Raya Chowdary, Palavalasa Rohini Kumar, Tara Sasanka C, Sneha. H. Dhoria. Enhancing The Mechanical Performance of Al6061/Graphite Composites Reinforced with Sic and Aluminium Oxide Processed by Stir Casting. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(02):66-74.
How to cite this URL:
Yamini Tamminana, Vijay Miditana, Jarubula Ranga Raya Chowdary, Palavalasa Rohini Kumar, Tara Sasanka C, Sneha. H. Dhoria. Enhancing The Mechanical Performance of Al6061/Graphite Composites Reinforced with Sic and Aluminium Oxide Processed by Stir Casting. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(02):66-74. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=198742


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 02
Received 10/12/2024
Accepted 11/01/2025
Published 23/01/2025
Publication Time 44 Days
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