Effect of Nano-SiO2 on the Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Stir-cast Composites
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 14, No 4 (December 2025) pp. 113-119
Abstract
Aluminum metal matrix composites (AMMCs), which are promising lightweight engineering materials, possess exceptional properties. Several industries make use of AMMCs, especially in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, marine, and defense, where lightweight structures with enhanced mechanical performance are essential. Innovative technological developments have enabled the incorporation of nanoscale reinforcements into aluminum alloy matrices. Compared with microscale reinforcements, nanoscale reinforcements provide superior enhancements to the properties of the base matrix. This study focuses on AA6061 composites synthesized using the stir-casting technique and reinforced with nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2) particulates. The weight fraction of nano-SiO2 was varied at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 wt.%. Mechanical properties, including tensile, compressive, and impact strengths, as well as micro-Vickers hardness, were measured for both the composites and the fabricated plain alloy. The results indicated that increasing the reinforcement content enhanced the mechanical properties of the base matrix up to an optimal level.
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Reference
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