Comparative Study between SiC Reinforced Al 64430 Metal Matrix Composites and RHA Reinforced Al 64430 Metal Matrix Composites
The excellent mechanical properties of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites find applications in a variety of engineering applications in the automotive, aerospace and heavy machinery industries. This study aims at synthesis and characterization of Al 64430 reinforced with SiC particles and Rice Husk Ash (RHA). Rice husk ash is an agricultural waste which is produced in millions of tons worldwide. Aluminium was used as the base metal. With liquid metallurgy technique the metal matrix composites were prepared. The MMCs were synthesized with 3 % weight percentage RHA in Al metal matrix and the mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength and structural properties of MMCs were studied. The microstructure of the synthesized composites was examined by optical emission microscope and XRD. The Vicker’s microhardness test was performed on the composite specimens from base of the cast. The synthesized MMCs were found to have increased tensile strength, hardness, increased ultimate strength. The density of MMCs was observed to be decreased. This study indicates that RHA can be used as reinforcement material to synthesize light weight composites with increased hardness, tensile strength, Young’s modulus for various industrial applications.