Experimental Investigations on Microstructure, Mechanical and Wear Behavior Under Dry Sliding of Al6061 with Particulate-Reinforced SiC and TiB₂ Metal Matrix Composite Developed by Stir Casting

In recent years, the auto industry has been widely using the aluminum alloy in lightweight vehicles. Aluminum-alloying components like pistons, cylinder heads, brake rotor, carburetors, transmission housings, and wheels are used. Most of the work in automobile sector is on reduction of weight, especially in case of braking system. Brake rotors, which are available, are in heavyweight. Al6061 alloy has many applications in the transportation sector. Excellent mechanical properties can be achieved for Al6061 in addition to good ceramics like SiC and TiB₂ as a reinforcement, due to which the alloy finds a wide range of applications (or many applications). Al6061 + SiC and Al6061 + TiB₂ are the two particulate metal matrix composites, which are fabricated with different weight proportions (3, 5, and 7%) by in situ stir casting technique. With addition of ceramics (or the ceramics mentioned above), the alloy properties are highly improved. In contrast to the microstructure, mechanical and wear behavior on these two AMMCs will give the best material for manufacturing of a brake rotor.