Comparative Studies on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag and Fly Ash Reinforced AA 2024 Composites

Abstract

Composites are most promising materials of recent interest. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) possess significantly improved properties compared to unreinforced alloys. There has been an increasing interest in composites containing low density and low cost reinforcements. In view of the generation of large quantities of solid waste by products like fly ash and slags, the present expensive manner in which it is discarded, new methods for treating and using these solid wastes are required. Hence, composites with fly ash and granulated blast furnace (GBF) slag as reinforcements are likely to overcome the cost barrier for wide spread applications in automotive and small engine applications. In the present investigation, AA 2024 alloy-5 wt% fly ash and GBF slag composites separately were made by stir casting route. Phase identification and structural characterization were carried out on fly ash and GBF slag by X-ray diffraction studies. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy EDS was used for microstructure analysis. The hardness and compression tests were carried out on all these alloy and composites. The SEM studies reveal that there was a uniform distribution of fly ash and GBF slag particles in the matrix phase and also very good bonding existed between the matrix and reinforcement. Improved hardness and mechanical properties were observed for both the composites compared to alloy; this increase is higher for Al-fly ash composite than Al-GBF slag composite.

Applicability of Industrial Wastes in Metal Matrix Composites Production – A Review

“…A composite was created using the stir casting technique by adding 5 weight percent of slag to the matrix alloy. In comparison to their non-reinforced counterparts, the resultant composites had increased compressive strength and hardness, and the particles were [65] distributed evenly inside the matrix. However, these properties lagged behind those found in the composite reinforced with 5 wt% fly ash.…”

Characterization of physical and mechanical properties of aluminium based composites reinforced with titanium diboride particulates

“…Therefore the microstructure consists of primary grains (a) and a mixture of (a þ CuMgAl 2 ) eutectic grains. 36 Figure 7(b) shows the SEM micrograph of Al2024-3% TiB 2 composite. Figure 7(b) reveals the existence of titanium diboride particles in Al2024 matrix alloy and further confirms its uniform distribution.…”

Influence of Micro and Nano Particles on Mechanical Behaviour of Slag Reinforced AA7075 Composites

“…In earlier research works different types of solid wastes like blast furnace slag, red mud, and fly ash are used as reinforcement into the aluminium metal matrix. Results of these composites reported uniform particles distribution along with enhanced hardness and mechanical properties; though at the sacrifice of ductility [11]. Metal matrix composites are strengthened not only by the reinforcement addition; it also depends on various parameters like particles size, shape, orientation, volume fraction, interfacial bonding between matrix and reinforcement and finally the distribution of particles in a given matrix.…”