MICROSTRUCTURE AND TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF ALUMINIUM REINFORCED WITH TUNGSTEN CARBIDE PARTICULATE AND FLYASH METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

Srikanth.B.G, Amarnath.G

Abstract: Metal Matrix Composites are formed by combination of two or more materials (at least one of the materials is metal) having dissimilar characteristics. In this present investigation, Aluminium (Al 6061) as base matrix metal and Tungsten Carbide (WC) particulate, Fly ash as reinforcements. Fabrication of MMCs was done by stir-casting process. The Tungsten Carbide particulate was added in proportions of 1%, 2%, and 3% and Fly ash was added in proportions of 2%, 4%, and 6% on mass fraction basis to the molten metal. The different combination sets of composites were prepared. The tribological property of Al metal matrix composites, reinforced with WC and fly ash particles is presented. Sliding tests were performed on a pin-on-disk apparatus under different contact loads. It was found that the reinforced WC and fly ash particles could effectively reduce the wear, especially under higher normal loading conditions. In order to further understand the wear mechanisms, the worn surfaces were examined under the scanning electron microscope.

Keywords: Aluminium metal matrix composite, Tungsten Carbide, Fly ash, Stir-casting, Wear, SEM

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2015.0405105