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
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