Microstructure, mechanical properties, wear and corrosion behaviour of Al–Si/FLYASHP composite

Abstract

Aluminium based metal matrix composite containing 5, 10, and 15% by weight of flyash particulates was successfully synthesised using a stir cast method. The microstructure of these stir cast composites exhibited relatively uniform distribution of flyash particles. Mechanical properties such as density, hardness, and tensile strength were investigated. Sliding wear behaviour, slurry erosive wear behaviour, and fog corrosion behaviour of the composite were also investigated in the heat treated condition. The results of wear studies have shown that the resistance to wear increases with increasing percentage of flyash particulates. The addition of flyash particles showed appreciable change in overall density values. The bulk hardness and tensile strength increased with increasing flyash content. The presence of flyash particles appeared to initiate pitting corrosion.