Investigation on the Microstructural, Mechanical, Tribological and Corrosive Behavior of Al6061 with Varying Proportion of Tin Inclusion

Bagavathi .S, Manikanda Prabhu

Abstract: Aluminum alloys have high strength, durability, low density, cost and machinability. These properties make it a very attractive compared to other materials.. Aluminum matrix composites are among the most promising materials for wear and structural applications due to their low cost, light weight and the ease of fabrication. In this research effect of tin on Aluminum 6061based on the various mechanical, tribological and corrosive behavior with tin additions as an alloying element in as cast condition is investigated. Varying weight percentage of tin (5%, 10% and 15 wt %) is effectively alloyed with Al-6061 aluminum alloy through stir casting technique. The casted Al-Sn alloy is machined by WEDM in accordance to the ASTM standards for micro structural, mechanical, tribological and corrosive characterization. The micro structural characterization has to be carried out which explains the grain refinement and modifications that takes place with the addition of tin elements. Mechanical characterization involves the micro hardness and mechanical strength which has to be carried out as per ASTM standards. Tribological behavior of the developed alloy and the influence of tin element with respect to its addition in wear rate and coefficient of friction are investigated employing pin-on-disc equipment. It has been studied based on literatures that tin element enhances the corrosion resistance of the developed alloy and the investigation of the same is carried out and the results obtained through an electrochemical workstation

Keywords: Aluminum alloys ,composites, structural characterization