The effects of periwinkle shell reinforcement in a grey cast iron metal matrix composite (using powder metallurgy)

Abstract

Grey cast iron is widely used in various engineering applications because of its cost effectiveness and beneficial properties. However, due to the presence of graphite in its microstructure its capacities are limited. Various engineering methods such as compositing are researched into that may minmize these limitations and give the metal a wider scope of application. In this project, periwinkle shell reinforced grey cast iron composites were manufactured using the powder metallurgy method. The weight percentage of periwinkle shell in the composite was varied in the following pattern: 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 % and 25 %. The manufactured samples were subjected to various tests namely: wear test, hardness test, tensile test, impact test and compressive test. It was observed that the reinforcing grey cast iron with periwinkle shells improved the wear rate, tensile strength and impact toughness of the matrix but has adverse effects on its hardness and compressive strength.