EVALUATING THE TENSILE AND IMPACT STRENGTH OF SOLUTION HEAT TREATED AL6061/2%GR/0-6%AL₂O₃ COMPOSITES FOR PISTON APPLICATIONS

Abstract

This research evaluates the tensile and impact strength of Solution Heat Treated (SHT) Al6061/2%Gr/0-6%Al₂O₃ composites for piston applications. The associated mechanical loads on the piston crown may have severe consequences of lowered tensile strength and toughness value, which had led to overheating, leakage of oil with smoking exhaust; high fuel consumption rate and reduction in speed may have resulted into engine failure. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of varying amounts of Al₂O₃ (0%, 2%, 4% and 6%) on the tensile and impact strength of Al6061/2%Gr composites processed through solution heat treatment (SHT) that will be used as piston material; to evaluate the effect of solution hating and ageing temperatures on the composites and compare with the control sample. The Alumina powder (99.5% purity) was employed to strengthen the Al6061/Gr dual matrix composites and also improve its mechanical properties. Solution heat treatment was conducted at varying temperatures (400°C, 500°C, 600°C) and durations (1, 1.5, 2 hours), followed by ageing at varying temperatures (150°C, 175°C, 200°C) and durations (2, 4, 6 hours). The factors and optimal levels were identified using Minitab Result. The Taguchi L9 Orthogonal Array in Minitab was run using the factors and levels. The mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile and impact testing. The results reveal significant improvements in tensile and impact strength with higher Al₂O₃ content, offering insights into their suitability for high-stress applications, such as pistons.