Effect of Hot Rolling on Al-4.5%Cu Alloy Reinforced Fly Ash Metal Matrix Composite.

Abstract

Today’s world has an increasing interest in composites containing low density and low cost reinforcements. However, these materials endure from poor distribution of the reinforcement in matrix and increase in porosity level. Fly ash is one of the low density reinforcement available in abundant and going as waste from thermal power plants. This paper is concerned with characterization of samples cast from an Al-4.5wt.%Cu alloy reinforced fly ash particles. The composite materials were casted by liquid metal stirring technique with 10wt.% fly ash were reinforced in the base matrix. The composites fabricated by stir casting were rolled at four different reductions of 20, 40, 60 and 80%. The results showed decreased porosity with improved hardness, tensile strength and wear resistance with increase in percentage of rolling reduction. Optical micrograph indicates uniform distribution of fly ash particles and refined grain structure by increasing the rolling reduction.