The focus of this paper aims at addressing the contemporary issues, i.e., agglomeration and nonuniform dispersion of reinforcement particles prevailing with stir casting method of fabricating metal matrix composites. Although it has been dealt with different approaches, viable optimal technique has not evolved so far. A novel encapsulate feeding technique aimed to accomplish uniform dispersion of ceramic reinforcement particles. In this research, we have chosen Aluminum Alloy 6061 (AA 6061) as a matrix material and cubic boron nitride (c-BN) as a reinforcement companion to form a unique combination of advanced aluminum composites to prove this innovative feeding technique. Two percent of Mg added in every casting as a wetting agent to improve binding nature between metals and ceramics. The Aluminum Boron Nitride (Al/BN) composites are fabricated through bottom type of pouring stir casting machine. Metallographic characterization ensures uniform particle dispersion. The composites are tested using pin-fin apparatus and Xe-flash laser setup and found enhanced (12%) thermal properties than pure AA 6061.
This elementary work aims to address agglomeration and non-uniform dispersion of reinforcement particles in stir casting using Al6061 alloy (AA 6061) as a matrix and Aluminium oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) as reinforcement particles. A novel combined feeding method of Encapsulate feeding technique & Two Step Stir Casting was developed & attempted to produce good quality composites by varying weight fractions of Aluminium Oxide (0 to 5 wt.%). The wetting agent Mg (2 wt.%) added in all castings to ensure better binding between ceramics and matrix. The SEM photomicrograph ensures homogenous dispersion of reinforcement particles by combined feeding method. The thermal properties of produced good quality composites are enhanced with increase in Aluminium Oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) from 0 to 5 wt.%.
14 July 2024 in Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals