Effect of graphite on fracture toughness of 6061Al-graphite

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Doddamani, Saleemsab^a; | Kaleemulla, Mohamed^b

Affiliations: [a] Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jain Polytechnic, Davangere, Karnataka, India | [b] Department of Studies in Mechanical Engineering, University B.D.T. College of Engineering, Karnataka, India

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: +919886668936; E-mail: saleemsabdoddamani@gmail.com

Abstract: This paper exhibits the investigative work conducted on the fracture toughness and microstructure of 6061Al-graphite particulate composites. The requisite specimens were prepared using stir casting technique with graphite proportions ranging from 3 to 12% by weight. The microstructure and interfacial bonding of 6061Al-graphite particulate composites were studied. Fracture toughness investigations were carried out on 6061Al-graphite for 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% of graphite by using single-edge notch bend (SENB) specimens. The maximum fracture toughness was found for 6061Al-9%Gr for a∕W = 0.45 and the value is 17.94 MPa √m. Examination of specimen surface of 6061Al-graphite was done using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Due to good interface bonding and uniformity in distribution, improved fracture toughness properties are achieved.

Keywords: Aluminium-graphite particulates MMC, SEM, fracture toughness, SENB

DOI: 10.3233/SFC-180230

Journal: Strength, Fracture and Complexity, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 295-308, 2018