Experimental Investigation of Nano Sic Reinforced AA6063 Composite by Vacuum-Assisted Stir Casting

The present investigation is focused on the fabrication of nano Silicon Carbide (nSiC)-reinforced AA 6063 alloy composites through vacuum-assisted stir casting. The composites are subjected to varying SiC weight percentages (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%). The specimen’s mechanical behaviour and morphology were evaluated in accordance with ASTM standards (ASTM E8, E9, D790, and E23-07). In comparison to the base alloy, the mechanical parameters of ultimate tensile strength, compressive strength, and flexural strength are enhanced by 21.73%, 22.80%, and 22.88%, respectively, at 4% of the weight fraction of nano SiC. When nano SiC is incorporated into the base alloy, this phenomenon transpires. Furthermore, the impact strength is increased by 42.84 percent when 6% nano silicon carbide is applied in comparison to the base alloy. The specimen’s morphology was investigated using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and an optical microscope. The material’s microstructure indicates that it is a matrix alloy with consistently distributed reinforcing particles and non-existent residual pores. The morphology investigation of synthesised Aluminium alloy nanocomposites demonstrates that ceramic hard particles are unable to be distinguished and instead manifest as small cuboidal entities at elevated temperatures. Major Findings: Mechanical characterization of 4wt% nanocomposites shows better properties compared to all other composites. The microstructural analysis shows uniform distribution of nanoparticles up to 4wt%.