Development and Characterization of Stir Cast Aluminum-Brick Powder Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

Al 6061 possesses good mechanical properties, strength, hardness, weldability, and corrosion resistance. However, these properties of Al6061 can be sufficiently raised by making composites. The metal matrix composites (MMCs) are well known for their high strength, high hardness, and corrosion resistance. However, these properties depend on reinforcement materials added in the metal matrix. In present work, aluminum (6061)-based MMCs have been developed by stir casting. In these MMCs, brick powder is used as reinforcement material. Four MMCs have been developed by varying concentration and size of brick powders: MMC1, 2 h ball milled and 1% by weight; MMC2, 2 h ball milled and 7% by weight; MMC3, 4 h ball milled and 1% by weight; and MMC4, 4 h ball milled and 7% by weight. The successful formations of MMCs are examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that MMCs have been successfully developed. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.