An investigation of the tensile and compressive properties of Al6061 and its nanocomposites in as-cast state and in extruded condition

Aluminum–matrix composites (AMCs) have the potential to offer desirable properties suitable for numerous applications in aerospace, automobile, and military industries. In this work, Al6061/Al2O3 nanocomposites with different Al2O3 weight percentage 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt% were fabricated by the developed stir-casting process. The nanocomposites were then extruded at 550 °C. Mechanical test results indicated that in as-cast state, tensile and compression strength increased while ductility decreased with increasing particle content. The extrusion process effectively caused the improvement of mechanical properties and ductility especially in the nanocomposites with high percentage of reinforcement. Moreover, fracture surface results showed that in as-cast state, composites represent interdendritic fracture mode while in extruded condition they represent a mixed mode including ductile and brittle fracture.