Effect of Zener–Hollomon parameter on the flow behaviour and microstructure evolution of Al alloy with organic–inorganic hybrid composites

Abstract

The hot deformation behaviour of aluminium A356 alloy with organic (RHA) and inorganic (fly ash) particulate was studied using hot compression tests at different temperatures and strain rates on the 150 Ton universal testing machine. The flow stresses and microstructure evolution are sensitive at a high temperature of 400–500 °C and at a low strain rate of 0.1–1 s−1. The flow stress exhibits stable flow with increasing strain rate and decreasing temperature represented by Zener–Hollomon parameter (Z). The A356/10%RHA–10% Fly ash hybrid composite achieves good hot workability and increasing lnZ parameter provides higher dynamic recrystallization grains superior to as-cast aluminium alloy. During hot deformation process, the behaviour of material was determined using flow stress data and microstructural evolution. Its aim is to utilize the waste materials not only beneficial for environment but also reduce the production cost of structural material for automobile and industrial sectors.