Publication

Abstract : The objective of this work is to reinforce Tungsten Carbide onto the surface of AA 6063 using Gas Tungsten Arc (GTA) as heat source and investigate the effect of reinforcement on the improvement of hardness and wear properties of AA 6063 aluminium alloy. Except the heat source current and the work speed the remaining parameters are kept constant. Based on the number of trials, the optimum GTA parameters were finalized with reference to the proper fusion of base metal. In order to improve the properties, the alloy was subjected to heat Treatment. The Micro hardness of the surface modified and aged AA 6063 was increased by 50% with respect to base metal. The wear resistance of the modified surface is improved by 52%. Characterization techniques like SEM, EDX and XRD was done, and the presence of WC on to the surface of AA 6063 was confirmed. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd.