Fabrication and Characterization of Aluminium-Rice Husk Ash Composite Prepared by Stir Casting Method

Abstract

Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) constitute an important category of design and weightefficient materials. This article highlights on the work where an attempt is taken to fabricate aluminium matrix composite reinforced with rice husk ash (RHA) particles, an agricultural byproduct with high amount of silica. RHA particles, upon analysis, are incorporated into the Al matrix melt by stir casting. Magnesium (~1%) is used as a wetting agent between matrix and reinforcement. 3, 6 and 9% wt. of RHA are added into the matrix. The microstructure analysis reveals the reinforcing particle distribution inside the matrix which indicates successful fabrication of the composites. The density and mechanical properties such as strength and hardness are measured for both unreinforced metal and composites. The results found in the tests show a decrease in density with increasing reinforcement while increasing yield strength, ultimate strength and hardness of the composites with increasing reinforcement from the unreinforced condition.

Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Metal Matrix Composites: A Review on the Role of Green Reinforcements and Processing Methods

“…Compo-cast AA6061 alloy based composites reinforced with rice husk ash particles showed that due to (i) uniform distribution (ii) good interfacial bonding and (iii) absence of interfacial reaction products, the addition of up to 8% rice husk ash particles (2-3 µm) improved the strength and hardness [49]. In another study, the use of Mg (1%) as a wetting agent ensured good interfacial bonding between the rice husk ash particle (105-420 µm) reinforcement and Al-matrix, along with uniform distribution, resulting in increased hardness and strength of the composite (Table 21) [50]. The properties of stir cast Al-Mg-Si matrix composites reinforced with (2 to 6 wt.%) rice husk ash particles and 10 wt.…”

The Study on Mechanical and Electrical Properties of AA6061/Snail Shell Composites

“…RHA can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions because trees ingest CO 2 as they develop, and this carbon is released when renewable energy from animals and plants is burned. In [17,18], the synthesis and mechanical characteristics of aluminium reinforced composites with RHA were investigated by the stir casting method. Mechanical testing was performed on both the monolithic metal alloy and the composite material.…”

Influence of agro-based reinforcements on the properties of aluminum matrix composites: a systematic review

“…Many researchers studied the influence of these agrowaste reinforcements on the mechanical properties of Al based composites. Ahamed et al [96] observed the decrease in densities of Al composites reinforced with RHA fabricated by stir casting technique;…”