Fabrication and analysis of AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites

Purpose Sound microstructure components are necessary for reliability and safety; hence, these components are used in aircraft, satellite, automobiles and ships, where many commercial alloys are not suitable. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites were fabricated using the stir-casting process considering 5, 10 and 15 vol.% of reinforcement particles. Density and porosity of AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites were calculated. Characterization was done using an X-ray (EDX) detector, attached to SEM. The effect of addition of Si3N4 and SiC particulates in the AA6082 was investigated. Findings Results showed that Si3N4 and SiC particulates had good wettability with AA6082 and were uniformly distributed in AA6082 matrix. No adverse effects of reactions were noticed in the microstructure of AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites. Research limitations/implications AA6082 with more than 15 vol.% of Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC reinforcement particles do not find industrial application where high hardness and tensile strength are required. Practical implications Components made from AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites find their application where high hardness with better tensile strength is required. Social implications Naturally and locally available materials are utilized for fabrication. Originality/value Little work is available in the literature on fabrication and characterization of AA6082/Si3N4 and AA6082/SiC composites. The authors have identified the process parameters at which proper fabrication is done and sound microstructure is obtained.