LOW-COST, FLY-ASH-CONTAINING ALUMINUM-MATRIX COMPOSITES

In recent years there has been considerable activity in the development of metal-matrix composites, especially for aerospace, ground transportation, and the leisure industry. Short-fiber-reinforced pistons and cylinder blocks have been marketed by Japanese companies for several years. It is likely that in the near future cast particulate composites like aluminum-graphite, aluminum-silicon carbide, and aluminum-alumina will find widespread applications as brake rotors, drive shafts, cylinder liners, connecting rods, and wrist pins. The cost of metal-matrix composites has been one of the major barriers toward their widespread application. This paper describes the development of cast aluminum-fly ash particle composites (ash alloy). Incorporation of fly-ash particles, which are a waste by-product of coal-based power generation, reduces the cost of aluminum castings by acting as a filler; decreases their density; and increases their hardness, abrasion resistance, and stiffness. Several prototype castings have been made from aluminum-fly ash composites to demonstrate their castability. With sustained research and the support of manufacturing organizations, these alloys can find widespread applications as low-cost aluminum composite components.