Abstract—In recent times the application of Aluminum based composites are increasing in various industries, owing to their improved mechanical properties. These materials are of much interest to the researchers from past four decades. In this paper it is aimed to present the experimental results of the studies conducted regarding effect of a case hardening process like Nitriding on mechanical properties of Al6061-Graphite composites. The composites are prepared using the liquid metallurgy technique, in which graphite particulates were dispersed in the base matrix in steps of 0, 3 and 5 wt.%. The experimental results showed that, after Nitriding of the Graphite reinforced Al6061 metal matrix composite material, the values of the mechanical properties like Brinell's hardness, Tensile strength, Young’s modulus and % elongation compared to those values without Nitriding were found to be improved.

Index Terms—Al6061, Graphite, Case hardening, Nitriding, Composites, Mechanical properties

Cite: K Kiran Kumar Rao, Pradeep G R C, and K Prabhakar, "Case Hardening Effects on Mechanical Properties in Graphite Reinforced Al6061 MMCS," International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, Vol.3, No.4, pp. 292-298, October 2014.