Characterization of Al/WC/Fly ash Metal Matrix Composites

Metal matrix composites are formed by combination of two or more materials (at least one of the materials is metal) having dissimilar characteristics. In this present investigation, aluminium (Al 6061) as base matrix metal and tungsten carbide (WC) particulate, fly ash as reinforcements. Fabrication of MMCs was done by stir-casting process. The Tungsten Carbide particulate was added in proportions of 1%, 2%, and 3% and Fly ash was added in proportions of 2%, 4%, and 6% on mass fraction basis to the molten metal. The different combination sets of composites were prepared. Mechanical properties like tensile strength and hardness were studied for both reinforced and unreinforced Al 6061 samples. Microstructure examination was carried by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to obtain the distribution of tungsten carbide particulate and fly ash in base matrix. From the results, it was found that the tensile strength and the hardness of the prepared metal matrix composites increased with increase in tungsten carbide and fly ash content. The Scanning Electron Micrographs of the samples indicated uniform distribution of tungsten carbide and fly ash particles in the base matrix without voids before testing and with voids after testing. Nithin K"Characterization of Al/WC/Fly ash Metal Matrix Composites" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-2 | Issue-3 , April 2018, URL: http://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd10937.pdf http://www.ijtsrd.com/other-scientific-research-area/other/10937/characterization-of-alwcfly-ash-metal-matrix-composites/nithin-k