Abstract
This work studies the mechanical and quasi-static compression behaviour of AA6082/Metakaolin composites hybridized with nano-silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) particles. Hybridization with nano- Si₃N₄ particles was intended to improve the ductility of the composites. The composites were manufactured using an ultrasonication-assisted stir casting process. The weight fraction (wt.%) of Metakaolin was maintained as 7.5 wt.%, and the nano-Si3N4 particles were added by varying their wt.% from 0.5 to 2.5 % at the increment of 0.5 %. A premixing technique was adopted to blend the Metakaolin and Si₃N₄ reinforcements to improve their wettability and dispersion in the matrix. The tensile properties and microhardness of the composites improved with the incorporation of nano- Si₃N₄ particles up to 1 wt.%. The compressive strength was higher for the AMC with 1.5 wt.% Si₃N₄. The workability of hybrid composites was studied by the cold upsetting process where the composites were subjected to quasi-static compression.

Key words
hybrid aluminum composites, Metakaolin, silicon nitride, ultrasonication, tensile properties, workability

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