Effect of nano ZrB2 particles on physical, mechanical and corrosion properties of Al6061 metal-matrix nano composites through stir casting route
Priyadarsini Morampudi, V.S.N. Venkata Ramana, K. Sri Ram Vikas, R Rahul, Chitrada Prasad
Abstract
Abstract The present study investigated the microstructure, mechanical and corrosion behaviour of Al6061 alloy reinforced with nano zirconium diboride (ZrB 2 ) particles. The stir casting route is carried out to fabricate the Al6061 metal matrix nanocomposites (AMMNCs) by varying 0 to 2 Wt% of ZrB 2 nanoparticles. X-ray Diffraction (XRD)was used to study the crystalline size and phase distribution of AMMNCs. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis reveals the uniform dispersion of ZrB 2 nano particulates in AMMNCs. Ultimate tensile strength and yield strength, hardness of the AMMNCs were increased by 33.58%, 27.54%, and 40.57%, respectively, with the addition of ZrB 2 nano particulates, while the elongation decreased to 46.03%. with the increase in ZrB 2 Wt%. The corrosion rate of AMMNCs (2 Wt% ZrB 2 ) decreased by 86% compared to Al6061 alloy. Fracture analysis of the samples showed that the fracture behaviour of Al6061 matrix alloy changed from ductile intergranular fracture to cleavage. The results show that the developed nanocomposite enhances mechanical properties and corrosion resistance with an increase in Wt% of reinforcement.