Experimental investigation of mechanical properties of AA6063/ZrO2 metal matrix composites

The experimental investigation of AA6063/ZrO 2 metal matrix composites was made by a stir casting method by differing the weight fraction of zirconium dioxide such as 0 wt%, 2 wt%, and 4 wt% and the mechanical properties are studied successfully through various test methods such as microhardness , tensile, and wear. The AA6063/ ZrO 2 metal matrix composites of hardness, UTS, and wear test specimens were prepared as per the ASTM standard. From the hardness and UTS test results, the maximum hardness of 71.0 HV, and the maximum ultimate strength of 168.384Mpa were obtained in the sample of AA6063 with 4 wt% ZrO 2 composites. A Pin-on-Disc wear test result revealed the lower wear rate of 2.5*10 -6 mg/m identified in the test sample of AA6063 with 4 wt% ZrO 2 composites. The morphology of AA6063/ ZrO 2 composites was studied with help of an SEM test and from its microstructure, uniformly distributed ZrO 2 particulates are identified.