Mechanical properties and wear behavior of fly ash particle reinforced Al matrix composites

In this study, aluminum-based metal matrix composites containing 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% fly ash particles by weight have been fabricated using a stir casting route. Microstructural observations under an optical microscope suggest that fly ash particles in the cast composites are uniformly distributed throughout the matrix. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength and hardness of the aluminum alloy have enhanced significantly with the addition of fly ash. Wear behavior of base metal and its composite have been studied in dry sliding conditions using a pin-on-disc tribometer. Wear tests have been conducted at three different loads of 9.81, 19.62, and 29.43 N at a constant sliding velocity of 1.3 m s(-1). Microstructural observations of worn surfaces and wear debris suggest that wear mechanism in base metal is controlled by adhesion, whereas that for composites is abrasive. The least wear rate has been obtained in Al-10% Fly ash composite. The Al-10% Fly ash is observed to possess an optimum level of mechanical properties and wear behavior.