Influence of Hot Extrusion Process on Tensile Properties and Microstructures of Aluminium 6061 Hybrid Composite

In this research, the aim is to investigate the tensile properties and microstructures of Aluminium 6061 hybrid composite before and after extrusion. Aluminium 6061 Hybrid composite was fabricated using Stir casting technique with 6 Weight % silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) coated with nickel and 1Weight % carbon fiber (C_f) coated with copper as reinforcements followed by extrusion process. The tensile properties and microstructures of extruded hybrid composite was investigated and compared with as-cast hybrid composite. The microstructure of the hybrid composite showed excellent bonding between matrix and reinforcements interface. The hot extruded hybrid composite exhibited enhanced yield strength (44%), ultimate tensile strength (33%) and % elongation (20%) when compared with as-cast hybrid composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques were used to observe the fracture surfaces of tensile testing specimens.