Influence of h-BNNS Reinforcement on the Mechanical Properties of Pure Al-6082 Nanocomposite Fabricated using Stir Casting Method

Due to their exceptional physical and mechanical properties, metal matrix composites (MMCs) are widely utilized across various sectors. Aluminum (Al) is particularly versatile and finds extensive applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and biomedical. This study utilized a stir casting technique followed by ultrasonication to fabricate Al-6082 nanocomposites reinforced with hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h-BNNS). Different weight percentages (wt.) of h-BNNS (0.5, 1, and 1.5) were incorporated into the Al-6082 matrix. Mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile testing, while optical properties were examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Increasing the wt. of h-BNNS led to morphological changes in the Al-6082 nanocomposites, including crack development and agglomeration, particularly evident at 1.5 wt. h-BNNS. A hardened segment was also observed, resulting in reduced flexibility. In the tensile tests, Al-6082 nanocomposites exhibited improved yield strength and ultimate tensile strength up to 1 wt. h-BNNS. Specifically, the sample with 1 wt. h-BNNS demonstrated the highest enhancements in ultimate tensile strength (57.52) and yield strength (157.88) compared to all other samples. Moreover, a higher elongation (28.02) was achieved with 0.5 wt. h-BNNS, surpassing the maximum elongation of pure Al-6082. Overall, the addition of 1 wt. h-BNNS to the Al-6082 matrix proved to be the most effective in achieving favorable mechanical properties.