The effect of ageing duration on the mechanical properties of Al alloy 6061-garnet composites
A well-consolidated composite of Al alloy 6061 reinforced with 4, 8 and 12 wt% garnet was prepared by a liquid metallurgy technique, the composite was heat treated for different ageing durations (T6 treatment), and its mechanical properties were determined by destructive testing. The results of the study indicated that, as the garnet particle content in the composites increased, there were marked increases in the ultimate tensile strength, compressive strength and hardness but there was a decrease in the ductility. There was an improvement in the tensile strength, compressive strength, and hardness with ageing due to precipitation. Precipitation in Al alloy 6061, with and without garnet particulate reinforcement, was studied using transmission electron microscopy. The fracture behaviour of the composites was altered significantly by the presence of garnet particles and the crack propagation through the matrix, and the reinforcing particle clusters resulted in final fracture.