Abstract: In a world where there is ever increasing demand for new materials, composite materials find the topmost spot. Knowledge of history and basic physical properties of these materials enables a better understanding of why they are used in specific applications. Composite materials find use in various fields like spacecrafts, construction, automobile etc. The present day needs focus on cheaper and flexible materials which perform at stringent conditions of high temperature and pressure, in highly corrosive environment, with higher strength but low weight, with wear resistance and longer durability. Over recent decades many new composites have been developed, some with very valuable properties. By carefully choosing the reinforcement, the matrix, and the manufacturing process that bring them together, engineers can tailor the properties to meet specific requirements. With this project an attempt has been made to study the mechanical properties of aluminum-iron oxide composite. I.e., taking aluminium 6061 as base metal and adding iron oxide in different proportions. Aluminum and iron oxide are compounded by gravity die cast process. Gravity die casting process is one of the most versatile and economic method to prepare a composite material. The materials prepared are subjected to various tests like tensile, micro structure, hardness, compression and systematically analyzed to study the behavior and variation of properties with respect to their composition. The results obtained from the tests have been documented in detail.

Keywords: Metal Matrix Composites, Al 6061, Hardness Testing.