Evaluation of Fracture Toughness of Red Mud Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composite

Metal matrix composites are formed by combination of two or more materials (at least one of the materials is metal) having dissimilar characteristics. In the present investigation Red Mud Particle of average 90 mu m size was used as reinforcement and aluminum 8011 alloy was used as matrix material. Conventional stir casting method was employed to reinforce with the matrix. Metallographic studies carried out using optical microscope, reveal fair distribution of reinforcement in the matrix material. Prepared composite are then machined as per the ASTM standers to test Compact Tension (CT) and Single Edge Notched Bend specimen(SENB). Fracture toughness values are the compared against the pure matrix aluminum and reinforcement weight percentage. For Compact tension specimen, the value of Maximum load (P-max) increases by 35% at 12wt% red mud composite and gradually decreases at 16wt% compared to the base alloy, whereas the stress intensity factor K-1c increases by 6% at 12wt% and decreases 16wt% of reinforcement. For Single Edge Notch Bend specimen, the value of Maximum load(P-max) increases and stress intensity factor K-1c increases with the weight percent of composite, the Maximum load id increased by 45% and stress intensity factor is increased by 11 % at 16wt% of reinforcement. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.