Preparation and evaluation of mechanical properties of 6061Al-Al2O3 metal matrix composites by stir casting process

Abstract Aluminium oxide particle (0–4 wt%) reinforced Al6061 alloy metal matrix composites have been prepared using stir casting process. Mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength and compression of composites have been tested and the values are compared with Al6061 alloy. The results reveal that mechanical properties of MMC is greatly enhanced by the addition of Al2O3 particles in Al6061 alloy. Hardness, ultimate tensile strength and compression strength of Al6061 alloy increased with increasing weight fraction of aluminium oxide particles in aluminium matrix. This developed MMC can be used in automotive applications because of its excellent mechanical properties while compared to Al6061 alloy.