Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mechanical and Tribological Properties of AA6061/SiC/Aloe Vera Powder Hybrid Al Composites Fabricated by Stir Casting

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Silicon Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMC) are fabricated through the stir casting route is more beneficial in comparison with other techniques since the methodology is inexpensive, easier in fabrication with mass production capabilities. Two types of AA6061 composites were produced by stir casting route namely AA6061 alloy reinforced with SiC particles and mixture of SiC & natural reinforcement of aloe vera particles (hybrid). FESEM and XRD analyses were conducted for the estimation of the presence of reinforcement particles in the composites. Microhardness, tensile properties and wear properties of composites were evaluated, results establish that composite samples are superior than cast AA6061 alloy. The lowest wear rate of 0.1874 10−3 g N−1 m−1 with a lower coefficient of friction (COF) 0.242 were found in hybrid AA6061 composite. The hard SiC ceramic particles acted as load-bearing elements while aloe vera particles enhanced the tribological behavior of composite by forming thin lubricating film during wear test. Results showed that aloe vera as a natural reinforcement is compatible with SiC to fabricate aluminium composites with impressive tensile, microhardness, and wear characteristics.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

References

  1. Ramanathan A, Krishnan PK, Muraliraja R (2019) A review on the production of metal matrix composites through stir casting – Furnace design, properties, challenges, and research opportunities. J Manuf Process 42:213–245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2019.04.017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Prasad Reddy A, Vamsi Krishna P, Narasimha Rao R, Murthy NV (2017) Silicon carbide reinforced aluminium metal matrix nano composites-a review. Mater Today Proc 4:3959–3971. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2017.02.296

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Singh J, Jawalkar CS, Belokar RM (2020) Analysis of mechanical properties of AMC fabricated by vacuum stir casting process. SILICON 12:2433–2443. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-019-00338-8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Li Y, LI Q lin, LI D, et al (2016) Fabrication and characterization of stir casting AA6061—31%B4C composite. Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (English Edition) 26:2304–2312. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(16)64322-4

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Khalili V, Heidarzadeh A, Moslemi S, Fathyunes L (2020) Production of Al6061 matrix composites with ZrO2 ceramic reinforcement using a low-cost stir casting technique: Microstructure, mechanical properties, and electrochemical behavior. J Market Res 9:15072–15086. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2020.10.095

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Manoj Kumar G (2021) Characterization of Al-6063/TiB2/Gr hybrid composite fabricated by stir casting process. Met Powder Rep 76:S30–S38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mprp.2020.06.063

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Sajjadi SA, Ezatpour HR, Beygi H (2011) Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Al2O3 micro and nano composites fabricated by stir casting. Mater Sci Eng, A 528:8765–8771. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2011.08.052

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Butola R, Yuvaraj N, Singh RP et al (2022) Evaluation of microhardness and wear properties of Al 6063 composite reinforced with yttrium oxide using stir casting process. World Journal of Engineering 19:361–367. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJE-12-2020-0645

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Shayan M, Eghbali B, Niroumand B (2019) Synthesis of AA2024-(SiO2np+TiO2np) hybrid nanocomposite via stir casting process. Mater Sci Eng, A 756:484–491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2019.04.089

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Prasad SV, Asthana R (2004) Aluminum metal-matrix composites for automotive applications: Tribological considerations. Tribol Lett 17:445–453. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:TRIL.0000044492.91991.f3

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Uthayakumar M, Aravindan S, Rajkumar K (2013) Wear performance of Al-SiC-B4C hybrid composites under dry sliding conditions. Mater Des 47:456–464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2012.11.059

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Samal P, Surekha B, Vundavilli PR (2022) Experimental investigations on microstructure, mechanical behavior and tribological analysis of AA5154/SiC composites by stir casting. Silicon 14:3317–3328. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-021-01115-2

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Kumar J, Singh D, Kalsi NS et al (2021) Investigation on the mechanical, tribological, morphological and machinability behavior of stir-casted Al/SiC/Mo reinforced MMCs. J Market Res 12:930–946. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2021.03.034

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Kumar MS, Begum SR, Pruncu CI, Shahedi Asl M (2021) Role of homogeneous distribution of SiC reinforcement on the characteristics of stir casted Al–SiC composites. J Alloys Compd 869:159250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2021.159250

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Manivannan I, Ranganathan S, Gopalakannan S, Suresh S (2018) Mechanical properties and tribological behavior of Al6061–SiC–Gr self-lubricating hybrid nanocomposites. Trans Indian Inst Met 71:1897–1911. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12666-018-1321-0

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Suresh S, Gowd GH, Deva Kumar MLS (2019) Tribological behavior of Al 7075/SiC metal matrix nano-composite by stir casting method. Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series D 100:97–103. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40033-018-0167-2

  17. Soltani S, Azari Khosroshahi R, Taherzadeh Mousavian R et al (2017) Stir casting process for manufacture of Al–SiC composites. Rare Met 36:581–590. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-015-0565-7

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Hima Gireesh C, Durga Prasad KG, Ramji K, Vinay PV (2018) Mechanical characterization of aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with aloe vera powder. Mater Today Proc 5:3289–3297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2017.11.571

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Suleiman IY, Salihu SA, Mohammed TA (2018) Investigation of mechanical, microstructure, and wear behaviors of Al-12%Si/reinforced with melon shell ash particulates. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 97:4137–4144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-018-2157-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Alaneme KK, Sanusi KO (2015) Microstructural characteristics, mechanical and wear behaviour of aluminium matrix hybrid composites reinforced with alumina, rice husk ash and graphite. Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal 18:416–422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jestch.2015.02.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Gosangi NR, Dumpala L (2019) Characterization of friction stir welded AL6063/nano fly ash composite. Mater Res Express 6:. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ab179b

  22. Panwar N, Chauhan A (2019) Parametric behaviour optimisation of macro and micro hardness for heat treated Al 6061-red mud composite. J Market Res 8:660–669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2018.04.018

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Hassan SB, Aigbodion VS (2015) Effects of eggshell on the microstructures and properties of Al–Cu–Mg/eggshell particulate composites. Journal of King Saud University - Engineering Sciences 27:49–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksues.2013.03.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Rozhbiany FAR, Jalal SR (2019) Influence of reinforcement and processing on aluminum matrix composites modified by stir casting route. Adv Compos Lett 28:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/2633366X19896584

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Kumar BP, Birru AK (2017) Microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminium metal matrix composites with addition of bamboo leaf ash by stir casting method. Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (English Edition) 27:2555–2572. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(17)60284-X

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Vinod B, Ramanathan S, Ananthi V, Selvakumar N (2019) Fabrication and characterization of organic and in-organic reinforced A356 aluminium matrix hybrid composite by improved double-stir casting. Silicon 11:817–829. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-018-9881-5

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Coyal A, Yuvaraj N, Butola R, Tyagi L (2020) An experimental analysis of tensile, hardness and wear properties of aluminium metal matrix composite through stir casting process. SN Appl Sci 2:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-2657-8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Kanth UR, Rao PS, Krishna MG (2019) Mechanical behaviour of fly ash/SiC particles reinforced Al-Zn alloy-based metal matrix composites fabricated by stir casting method. J Market Res 8:737–744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2018.06.003

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Atuanya CU, Ibhadode AOA, Dagwa IM (2012) Effects of breadfruit seed hull ash on the microstructures and properties of Al-Si-Fe alloy/breadfruit seed hull ash particulate composites. Results Phys 2:142–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinp.2012.09.003

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Venkatesh L, Arjunan TV, Ravikumar K (2019) Microstructural characteristics and mechanical behaviour of aluminium hybrid composites reinforced with groundnut shell ash and B4C. J Braz Soc Mech Sci Eng 41:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40430-019-1800-1

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Chaitanya S, Singh I (2018) Ecofriendly treatment of aloe vera fibers for PLA based green composites. International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing - Green Technology 5:143–150. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40684-018-0015-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Alam MT, Azhar M, Rafat Y (2022) Physical, mechanical and morphological characterization of A356/Si3N4 nanoparticles stir casting composites. Journal of Engineering Research. https://doi.org/10.36909/jer.16205

  33. Tanwir Alam M (2021) Physical, corrosion and microstructural analysis of A356/SiC nanocomposites fabricated through stir casting process. Mater Sci Forum 1034:73–86. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.1034.73

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Vedabouriswaran G, Aravindan S (2019) Wear characteristics of friction stir processed magnesium RZ 5 composites. J Tribol 141:. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4042039

  35. Arora G, Sharma S (2017) A review on monolithic and hybrid metal–matrix composites reinforced with industrial-agro wastes. J Braz Soc Mech Sci Eng 39:4819–4835. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40430-017-0910-x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Verma AS, Cheema MS, Kant S, Suri NM (2019) Porosity study of developed Al–Mg–Si/Bauxite residue metal matrix composite using advanced stir casting process. Arab J Sci Eng 44:1543–1552. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-018-3613-4

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Hynes NRJ, Sankaranarayanan R, Tharmaraj R et al (2019) A comparative study of the mechanical and tribological behaviours of different aluminium matrix–ceramic composites. J Braz Soc Mech Sci Eng 41:1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40430-019-1831-7

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Madhukar P, Selvaraj N, Rao CSP, Veeresh Kumar GB (2019) Tribological behavior of ultrasonic assisted double stir casted novel nano-composite material (AA7150-hBN) using Taguchi technique. Compos B Eng 175:107136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.107136

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Karthik A, Srinivasan SA, Karunanithi R et al (2021) Influence of CeO2 reinforcement on microstructure, mechanical and wear behaviour of AA2219 squeeze cast composites. J Market Res 14:797–807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2021.06.056

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Prasad Reddy A, Vamsi Krishna P, Rao RN (2019) Tribological Behaviour of Al6061–2SiC-xGr Hybrid Metal Matrix Nanocomposites Fabricated through Ultrasonically Assisted Stir Casting Technique. SILICON 11:2853–2871. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-019-0072-9

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Sardar S, Karmakar SK, Das D (2020) Experimental investigation on two-body abrasion of cast aluminum-alumina composites: influence of abrasive size and reinforcement content. J Tribol 142:1–21. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4045378

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Jojith R, Radhika N (2021) Reciprocal dry sliding wear of SiCp/Al–7Si-0.3 Mg functionally graded composites: Influence of T6 treatment and process parameters. Ceram Int 47:30459–30470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.07.225

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of the article.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, 110042, India

    N. Yuvaraj & Plash Issar

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Delhi, Delhi, 110016, India

    Yashwant Koli

  3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, NSUT (East Campus), Delhi, 110031, India

    G. Vedabouriswaran

Authors
  1. N. Yuvaraj
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Yashwant Koli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. G. Vedabouriswaran
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Plash Issar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Conception and design of study: N. Yuvaraj and Plash Issar, Acquisition of data: Yashwant Koli and Plash Issar, Analysis and/or interpretation of data: Yashwant Koli, Drafting the manuscript: N. Yuvaraj and Yashwant Koli, Revising the manuscript: G. Vedabouriswaran, N. Yuvaraj and Yashwant Koli.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yashwant Koli.

Ethics declarations

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects.

Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

The authors declared that the manuscript ethics is approved as per the journal.

Consent to Participate

Not applicable.

Consent for Publication

The authors give full consent for the publication of this research work.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Yuvaraj, N., Koli, Y., Vedabouriswaran, G. et al. Mechanical and Tribological Properties of AA6061/SiC/Aloe Vera Powder Hybrid Al Composites Fabricated by Stir Casting. Silicon 15, 2451–2465 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-022-02168-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-022-02168-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation