Microstructural and mechanical evolution of AA6063/SiC/WC composites under aging and rolling conditions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/revmetalm.e270.1675Keywords:
AA6063/SiC/WC, Aging, Mechanical properties, Rheo stir casting, Rolling, Scanning Electron MicroscopeAbstract
This work seeks to enhance the rheo-stir casting method for the fabrication of an aluminium alloy 6063-based metal matrix composite, reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) and tungsten carbide (WC) in different weight proportions—SiC from 2% to 6% and WC from 0.2% to 1%. Subsequent investigation was conducted on the AA6063 composite reinforced with 4% SiC and 0.6% WC, examining the effects of varying processing parameters during solution heat treatment and rolling on the material's characteristics. Microstructural investigation demonstrated that the incorporation of SiC and WC particles into the AA6063 matrix induced a pinning effect, resulting in a refinement of the grain structure through a reduction in grain size. With the augmentation of SiC and WC proportions, the composite demonstrated enhanced mechanical capabilities. The sample with 6% SiC and 1% WC attained the maximum microhardness (110 Hv), ultimate tensile strength (215 MPa), and yield strength (146 MPa), enhancements ascribed to the strengthening impact from the uniform distribution of the reinforcements. The rheo-stir casting method markedly improved the compaction and uniform dispersion of reinforcing particles in the AA6063/SiC/WC composites. Hardness increased due to precipitation hardening, resulting from the dissolution of secondary phases during homogenization. The specimen subjected to cryo-rolling achieved the maximum hardness of 170 Hv among all rolling techniques, despite an 80% loss in thickness, due to the inhibition of dynamic recovery. The experimentally obtained yield strength exceeded the projected theoretical value when accounting for the impacts of multiple strengthening mechanisms.
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