Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, BMS Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, BMS Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Dept. of Chemistry, BMS Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Central Power Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Metal matrix composites ,Cu coated cenosphere ,Mechanical Properties ,

In recent years, a new class of materials known as metal matrix composites [MMC] is becoming increasingly popular and has been drawing the attention of engineers the world over. In particular, Aluminium based MMCs are extensively used due to their high specific strength, stiffness, hardness, ease of fabrication and easy availability. Many of the applications where Aluminium metal matrix composites [AMC] are desirable also require enhanced tribological performance. Aluminium matrix composites reinforced with ceramic particulates have attracted the interest of researchers due to their inherent good mechanical properties and low cost. However, it has been reported that cenosphere particles tend to float due to difference in density. Therefore, in the present investigation, composites have been produced with copper coated cenospheres of fly ash as reinforcement and eutectic Al–Si alloy as matrix. Stir casting route has been adopted to disperse the particles in the Aluminium alloy matrix. Varying percentages of Cu coated cenospheres of fly ash ranging from 1 % to 15 % by weight have been used in this investigation. The results indicate that with increasing percentage of reinforcement, the tensile strength, impact strength and wear resistance of composites increases up-to 10%, while the density and ductility decreases. The corrosion behavior is adversely affected due to addition of reinforcement.

4 , 5 , 2014