Studies on Bottom ash strengthened LM13 composite

Abstract

Recent times, the composite materials are extensively used due to their compliance to diverse circumstances and the virtual ease of amalgamation with supplementary materials to provide explicit functions and reveal enviable properties. The application of the same is ornamental to an immense level in any of the field including engineering field. Metal Matrix Composites in short MMCs with less expansive and low density increases the demand in various applications of industrial sector. The present work uses the Bottom ash as reinforcement in MMCs which is a low density and inexpensive spin-off procured during ignition of coal in thermal power plant. Bottom ash particles are prepared to a grain size of 74 nm to 114 nm using ball milling. Basic matrix LM13 alloy is reinforced with Bottom ash particles to prepare MMCs using stir casting method. Reinforcement of Bottom ash is done in terms of weight percentages ranging from 0 to 8 in steps of 2. Composite specimens are prepared as per ASTM standard using cast ingots. Micro-structural examination of composite specimens is carried out to know the dispersion of bottom ash particle in LM13 matrix using SEM and X-ray diffraction test. At the end, the mechanical properties such as tensile, compression and hardness of specimens is evaluated by varying percentage of Bottom ash and found significant improvement in the same.