Assessing the effect of heat treatment and tempering conditions on the properties of graphene/B ₄ C reinforced Al6061 composites

Lightweight materials with excellent mechanical and structural properties are crucial for advanced applications in the aerospace and automotive industries. However, achieving a balance between weight reduction and enhanced performance remains a significant challenge. To overcome these challenges, the researchers are reinforcing the aluminium alloys with ceramic particles, graphene, graphite, CNT, and other alloying elements with varying percentages. This research study aims to reinforce the Al6061 alloy with graphene (0.5 wt.%) and B4C (6 wt.%) via the powder metallurgy route. After the sintered samples underwent different tempering processes like T4, T6, and T651 to understand the effect of heat treatment on the microstructural and mechanical properties of the Al6061/Graphene/B4C hybrid metal matrix composites. After the T651 temper condition, the internal residual stress was reduced from 43 MPa (compressive) in the T6 condition to 32 MPa (compressive) in the T651 condition without compromising the hardness and tensile strength. The T651 tempered composite has higher hardness and ultimate tensile strength than other T4, T6, and fabricated samples. The values are 96.7 HV and 205.45 MPa with 8.5% elongation. This Al6061/0.5%Graphene/6%B4C-T651 condition could be viable for the forming and machining operations compared to other temper conditions.