Chemical and Materials Sciences: Research Findings Vol. 8

The growing demand for lightweight, high-strength materials in automotive and aerospace applications has driven research into aluminium-based metal matrix composites. This study investigates the mechanical behaviour of AL6063 aluminium alloy reinforced with tungsten carbide (WC) and magnesium (Mg) particles. Hybrid metal matrix composites were fabricated using crucible casting — one with 2.5% WC and the other with 5%, both of which included 1% Mg. Mechanical tests such as Hardness, tensile strength, compressive strength, and impact energy were conducted. Hardness increased from 39 HRB (pure AL6063) to 47 HRB and 53 HRB for 2.5% and 5% WC composites, respectively. Similarly, ultimate tensile strength improved from 75.4 MPa to 103.15 MPa and 135.7 MPa, while compressive strength increased from 229.28 MPa to 230.78 MPa and 279.52 MPa. However, impact strength decreased from 11 J (base alloy) to 7 J and 9 J for the reinforced composites, indicating reduced toughness due to increased brittleness and particle agglomeration. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed relatively uniform particle distribution at lower reinforcement levels and clustering at higher WC content. The results demonstrate that the addition of WC significantly enhances strength and hardness, although with a trade-off in impact resistance, making these composites suitable for applications requiring a high strength-to-weight ratio.