Investigation of microstructure, mechanical, and tribological properties of SiC/h-BN/Gr hybrid reinforced Al6061 matrix composites produced by hot extrusion method

Abstract

In this study, new generation hybrid composite materials were produced by adding SiC, h-BN and Graphite (Gr) to the Al6061 alloy, which has light, corrosion resistant, good formability and weldability properties, giving it abrasion resistance and high strength properties. Five different reinforced and non-reinforced samples were produced, namely Al6061, Al6061%10SiC, Al6061%8SiC%2 h-BN, Al6061%8SiC%2Gr, and Al6061%8SiC%1 h-BN%1Gr, by the hot extrusion method. The density, hardness, microstructure, tensile strength, transverse rupture strength (TRS), and abrasion properties of the synthesized samples are reported in this study. While small ag-glomerations were observed in the composite materials (10%SiC) produced with a single reinforcement element, it was almost absent in the hybrid composite materials. The hardness of the SiC-and h-BN-containing composites were higher than those of Al6061. The tensile strength and TRS improved relative to those of the reinforcement elements. The addition of h-BN and Gr improved the wear properties.