Study on the influence of aluminium nitride particulates on the dry sliding wear behavior and mechanical properties of aluminium 6061 alloy developed using stir casting method

Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with hard ceramic particles is currently being widely used as a composite material for a range of industrial and technical applications. In the current study, melt stirring was employed to incorporate Aluminium nitride (AlN) particulates into the aluminium 6061 alloy. In this study AlN particles in different proportions 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% wt were used with Al6061 alloy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction were used to characterise the stir cast composites and the base alloy. SEM analysis confirmed the uniform distribution of AlN particles within the Al matrix. The impact of AlN concentrations on the mechanical properties of Al6061 matrix composites was investigated. Pin on disc machines were utilised to examine the dry sliding wear properties of the composites that were manufactured. The presence of very hard AlN elements in the Al6061 matrix alloy significantly improved the mechanical and wear characteristics of the AMCs. As compared to the Al6061 base alloy, the test results showed that the Al6061 with 8% weight percentage AlN composites had better wear resistance and hardness yield strength and the alloy with 2% AlN showed highest tensile strength of 368 MPa. The good interfacial adhesion between fillers and matrix prevents cracking and allows for effective load transmission to the reinforcing phase. This is mainly because AlN is a highly strong and stiff material, and its incorporation gives strong reinforcement as well as increased tensile, flexural, and hardness strength to the composite. This enhancement in mechanical properties suggests potential applications in high-wear industries such as automotive and aerospace.