Experimental Investigation of Carbon Short Fibers Reinforced with Al6061-ZrO2 Hybrid Metal Matrix Composite Using Stir Casting Method

Matrix composites (MMCs) are employed in automotive, industrial, and aerospace applications because of their lightweight, high strength, and structural stiffness. The Al6061 alloy offers exceptional mechanical characteristics and weldability. The purpose of this project is to create and compare the mechanical characteristics of Al6061-carbon short fiber composites and Al6061-carbon short fibers/ZrO2 hybrid composites. Samples prepared using Al6061 reinforced different volume concentrations of zirconium dioxide ZrO2 (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) and a constant volume of chopped carbon fibers (10%) with reinforcement preheat temperatures of 900 °C by the use of the stir casting process. Tensile, hardness, and corrosion testing were undertaken. The mechanical characteristics examination shows that tensile strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance vary with hybrid combinations. The findings indicate that the integration of ZrO2 increases the material’s hardness and corrosion resistance, whereas carbon fibers increase the material’s tensile strength.