Investigation of mechanical & tribological properties of LM6 – fly ash metal matrix composites

Abstract

Composite materials assume a significant part in auto, aviation, marine and defense applications due to its unique properties. Aluminum alloys have certain advantages than other alloys. In this paper the composite material comprises of Aluminum Alloy LM6 and fly ash (150 – 175 μm) has been picked as lattice and supporting materials individually. Magnesium is added to lessen the surface pressure and evades the dismissal of the particles from the melts. Liquid state processing through Stir casting procedure was adopted for fabrication of mmc into necessary shape and size according to the ASTM principles by energetically mixing at consistent speed and time. The fly ash with various syntheses (2%, 4%, 6%) were added with LM6 combination. XRD, EDAX were used to examine the structural analysis of MMC and optical microscopy & SEM were used to investigate the microstructure on MMC. Wear test also carried out on MMC to ascertain the wear rate and cof of different MMCs. There is substantial improvement of mechanical properties like tensile strength, micro hardness & density of the composite.