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Enhancement of mechanical properties of AA6061 composites reinforced with snail shell powder and processed by friction stir welding.

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Title: Enhancement of mechanical properties of AA6061 composites reinforced with snail shell powder and processed by friction stir welding.
Authors: Kishore, P. Naveen1 (AUTHOR) naveenkishoremecs@gmail.com, Raju, D. Linga2 (AUTHOR)
Source: Welding International. Jan2026, Vol. 40 Issue 1, p38-46. 9p.
Subjects: Composite materials, Snail shells, Mechanical behavior of materials, Aluminum alloys, Mechanical efficiency, Microhardness, Tensile strength, Friction stir welding
Abstract: This study explores the development of AA6061 metal matrix composites reinforced with snail shell powder (SSP) added in varying weight fractions of 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16%, using particles sized around 75 µm. Elemental analysis revealed that increasing SSP content raised Ca from 0.112% to 0.151%, and Fe from 1.273% to 2.403%, while Mg decreased from 0.676% to 0.424%. Slight increases in Si and Cr were also observed, indicating compositional changes linked to SSP addition. Mechanical testing showed that tensile strength improved significantly with increasing SSP, reaching a maximum of 134.6 MPa at 12 wt.% compared to 116 MPa for the base AA6061 alloy. Strength slightly declined at 16 wt.% due to particle agglomeration reducing ductility. Microhardness followed a similar trend, peaking at 79.6 HV for 12 wt.% SSP and slightly dropping to 78.5 HV at 16 wt.%. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of the 12 wt.% SSP composites further enhanced tensile strength to 139.63 MPa, while microhardness slightly decreased to 76.6 HV due to recrystallization effects but remained above that of the base alloy. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed uniform dispersion of SSP particles up to 12 wt.%, with minimal porosity. At 16 wt.% SSP, particle clustering and microvoid formation were observed, explaining the drop in mechanical properties. These results demonstrate that 12 wt.% SSP is the optimal reinforcement level for AA6061 composites, providing improved strength, hardness, and microstructural integrity. The combined use of SSP and FSW offers a promising, sustainable approach for fabricating lightweight, high-performance aluminum matrix composites for engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
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Abstract:This study explores the development of AA6061 metal matrix composites reinforced with snail shell powder (SSP) added in varying weight fractions of 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16%, using particles sized around 75 µm. Elemental analysis revealed that increasing SSP content raised Ca from 0.112% to 0.151%, and Fe from 1.273% to 2.403%, while Mg decreased from 0.676% to 0.424%. Slight increases in Si and Cr were also observed, indicating compositional changes linked to SSP addition. Mechanical testing showed that tensile strength improved significantly with increasing SSP, reaching a maximum of 134.6 MPa at 12 wt.% compared to 116 MPa for the base AA6061 alloy. Strength slightly declined at 16 wt.% due to particle agglomeration reducing ductility. Microhardness followed a similar trend, peaking at 79.6 HV for 12 wt.% SSP and slightly dropping to 78.5 HV at 16 wt.%. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of the 12 wt.% SSP composites further enhanced tensile strength to 139.63 MPa, while microhardness slightly decreased to 76.6 HV due to recrystallization effects but remained above that of the base alloy. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed uniform dispersion of SSP particles up to 12 wt.%, with minimal porosity. At 16 wt.% SSP, particle clustering and microvoid formation were observed, explaining the drop in mechanical properties. These results demonstrate that 12 wt.% SSP is the optimal reinforcement level for AA6061 composites, providing improved strength, hardness, and microstructural integrity. The combined use of SSP and FSW offers a promising, sustainable approach for fabricating lightweight, high-performance aluminum matrix composites for engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:09507116
DOI:10.1080/09507116.2025.2561858