Fabrication and characterization of high performance aluminium composites for automotive components

Aluminum composites with hybrid reinforcements are well-known for their excellent durability and can be used in a variety of industries such as aerospace, automobile, medical, military, and construction. To extend its applications and benefits, an investigation was conducted on AA6061 (Aluminium 6061) metal matrix reinforced with Zirconium oxide (2, 4, & 6 % wt) and Red mud (2% wt) fabricated through stir-casting. The specimens were tensile tested to determine their mechanical properties and compared to the base alloy of AA 6061. The tensile properties of the composites are in line with the automobile grade aluminium alloys and have potential to be used in brake liners, engine mountings, frames and bodies of automotive chassis.