Influence of rice husk ash and B4C on mechanical properties of ADC 12 alloy hybrid composites

Abstract

In recent new generation metal matrix composites reinforced with rice husk ash(RHA) Particulates have bound to considerable interest because of their excellent mechanical properties like, tensile strength, compression strength, machinability, hardness, wear resistance etc. and low production cost. In the present study an attempt has been made to explore the possibilities of reinforcing ADC12 with RHA particles in the range of 3-12 % by weight and varied insteps of 3% . Boron carbide particulates of 5wt% were also used to develop hybrid composites using a stir casting technique. SEM is used to analyze distribution of reinforcements and to study micro structural features.Experimental results of the present study reveals that the reinforcements were enhanced the tensile strength at the cost of ductility. Compression strength and hardness of the developed composite increased significantly with increase in RHA. This may be due to presence of dispersed hard ceramic particulates in the composites.