EFFECT OF SiC, FLY ASH IN AA6061 MMC

Aluminium and its alloys possess excellent properties such as low density, good plasticity and ductility. Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) find extensive applications in aeronautics, astronautics, automobile and high-speed train fields due to their low density and low-cost reinforcements. SiC particle reinforced Aluminium (Al), are one of the widely known composites because of their superior properties such as high strength, hardness, stiffness, wear and corrosion resistance. Among various other discontinuously dispersed solids used, fly ash is one of the most inexpensive and low-density reinforcement available in large quantities as solid waste by-product during combustion of coal in thermal power plants. Hence, composites with fly ash as reinforcement are likely to overcome the cost barrier for wide spread applications in automotive and small engine applications. To produce Al matrix cast particle composites, wettability of the ceramic particles by liquid Al is essential. To improve wettabilty, elements such as Mg and Si are added into Al melt to incorporate the ceramic particles.