Effect of Particle Size on Properties of Industrial and Agro Waste-Reinforced Aluminum-Matrix Composite

Al-6061 alloy-based metal-matrix composite samples processed by the stir casting method have been investigated experimentally. Fly ash, an industrial waste byproduct, or rice husk ash, an agricultural waste, was used as the reinforcing material, collected from local sites and sieved to three different sizes. These sets of each type of composite were prepared with 15 wt.% of fly ash or rice husk ash particles of varying sizes (0 mu m to 53 mu m, 54 mu m to 74 mu m, and 75 mu m to 105 mu m). Mechanical properties such as the compressive strength, tensile strength, and hardness of the prepared samples were investigated. Characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The results revealed that the Al-fly ash composites exhibited better mechanical properties as compared with the rice husk ash-reinforced composite or base aluminum alloy. The mechanical properties were enhanced in the composites prepared with particles of 0 mu m to 53 mu m as compared with larger sizes.