Microstructural characterization and investigation of thermal conductivity behaviour of Al 6061-SiC-Gr hybrid metal matrix composites

Abstract

Metal matrix composites have been regarded to be one of the most principal classifications in composite materials. Microstructural analysis and metallography is one of the predominant terms commonly used in the research of materials. The thermal characterization of composite materials has received broad deliberation and has become governing in materials science and engineering. In this paper, the microstructural investigation of Al 6061, silicon carbide (SiC) and graphite (Gr) hybrid metal matrix composites with varying percentage reinforcements 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% have been carried out. The analysis of these hybrid compositions have been accomplished by using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy that benefits to accomplish thermal characterization and analysis of composite material. Aluminium based composites reinforced with silicon carbide and graphite particles have been prepared by stir casting technique. It has been observed that, dispersoid concentration of the reinforcements has been homogeneous and negligible porosity has been noticed. The formations of grain boundary, interdendritic segregation, porosity and particle size have been characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope. Elemental characterization has been achieved by using energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS).The investigation of thermal conductivity behaviour of hybrid composites with varying percentage reinforcements at lower proportions have been emphasized.