Evaluation of microstructure and mechanical behavior of a strengthened Al 5083 hybrid composite fabricated by squeezed assisted liquid metallurgy technique

The Aluminium (Al) 5083 matrix composite is extensively employed in the shipbuilding sector, automobile body parts, and structural components due to its favourable weight-to-strength ratio, low wear rate, and exceptional resistance to corrosion in seawater. This study examines the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of Al 5083 matrix- SiC, Al₂O₃, B₄C, and graphite reinforced hybrid composite. A two-stage squeeze stir casting technique was used to fabricate the hybrid matrix composite to ensure a consistent dispersion of the reinforcement particles within the Al matrix. The study also evaluated the materials’ microstructural changes, mechanical properties, and nanoindentation performance to ascertain the integrity of the produced hybrid composites. The primary objective of this study was to combine these four distinct reinforcements to achieve a broader range of material properties. The study sought to identify the most suitable composition for the hybrid composite by comparing the acquired values and considering both mechanical and microstructural properties. A nanoindentation test was also performed on each sample, and we analysed the micromechanical properties like Young’s modulus of elasticity and depth of penetration on the applied load. The microstructural analysis of the Al matrix revealed a uniform distribution of reinforcements, encompassing SiC, B₄C, Al₂O₃, and Graphite. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated the absence of any formation of intermetallic compounds on the specimen’s surface. The fabricated composite exhibited significant enhancements in hardness and tensile strength, showing improvements of approximately 68% and 35%, respectively, compared to the base-squeezed alloy.