Microstructure and some properties of aluminium alloy AA6061 reinforced in situ formed zirconium diboride particulate stir cast composite

摘要

The objective of this work is to fabricate aluminium alloy AA6061 reinforced with ZrB_2 particles (10 wt-%) by the in situ reaction of K_2ZrF_6 and KBF_4 salts with molten aluminium. The microstructure, tensile strength, wear resistance and corrosion rate of the fabricated composite were compared with those of matrix alloy. The in situ formed ZrB_2 particles were uniformly dispersed in the aluminium matrix predominantly concentrated in inter granular regions and refined the microstructure of the matrix alloy. The incorporation of in situ formed ZrB_2 particles into the aluminium matrix improved tensile strength and wear resistance but reduced ductility and corrosion resistance.