Oxidation behavior of 6061 aluminium/albite composites at high temperature

Abstract

This paper analyses the oxidation behaviour of 6061A1 and 6061A1-based composites reinforced with 1, 2, 3, and 4% by weight of albite particles at temperatures ranging from 500 to 800 K. The composites were fabricated using the 'compocasting' technique. Oxidation of the matrix material was seen to be very rapid during the initial stages of exposure to the high temperatures but subsequently slowed down due to the formation of a protective surface layer of oxide. Addition of reinforcement albite particles enhanced this oxidation because they provided sites for oxidation initiation. The oxidation was especially severe above 600 K.