CHARACTERISATION OF ALUMINIUM FLY ASH COMPOSITES USING STIR CASTING TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) possess significantly improved properties including high specific strength, specific modulus, damping capacity and good wear resistance compared to unreinforced alloys. There has been an increasing interest in composites containing low density and low cost reinforcements. Among various discontinuous dispersoids used, fly ash is one of the most inexpensive and low density reinforcement available in large quantities as solid waste byproduct during combustion of coal in thermal power plants. Hence, composites with fly ash as reinforcement are likely to overcome the cost barrier for wide spread applications in automotive and small engine applications. It is therefore expected that the incorporation of fly ash particles in aluminum alloy will promote yet another use of this low-cost waste by-product and at the same time, has the potential for conserving energy intensive aluminum and thereby, reducing the cost of aluminum products. Now a days the particulate reinforced aluminum matrix composite are gaining importance because of their low cost with advantages like isotropic properties and the possibility of secondary processing facilitating fabrication of secondary components. The present investigation has been focused on the utilization of abundantly available industrial waste fly-ash in useful manner by dispersing it into aluminum to produce composites by stir casting method.