Effect of Age Hardening Treatment on the Corrosion Resistance of AA6061, SiC and Fly ash Powder Metallurgy Composites

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S. Muthukumar

Abstract

Identification of corrosion resistance through electrochemical methods for silicon carbide and fly ash reinforced metal matrix composites in automobiles is mandatory. In the present work, the composite developed through powder metallurgy process is studied for corrosion resistance. The effect of constant proportion of fly ash (10% wt.) and varying proportion of silicon carbide (5% wt., 10% wt., 15% wt.) on electrochemical corrosion resistance of aluminium alloy AA6061 base material is investigated. The sintered hybrid composites as well as age hardened composites particles were examined under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM-EDS) to verify the elemental nature of the corroded material. The potentiodynamic polarization technique based corrosion rate measurements exhibited localized corrosion in the sintered hybrid composites. Severely corroded material closer to interface of reinforcements and matrix was observed in addition to attack on the matrix. Age hardening treatment improved the corrosion resistance of hybrid composites in which only general corrosion was observed.

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