Synthesis of fly ash particle reinforced A356 Al composites and their characterization

A356 Al–fly ash particle composites were fabricated using stir-cast technique and hot extrusion. Composites containing 6 and 12 vol.% fly ash particles were processed. Narrow size range (53–106 μm) and wide size range (0.5–400 μm) fly ash particles were used. Hardness, tensile strength, compressive strength and damping characteristics of the unreinforced alloy and composites have been measured. Bulk hardness, matrix microhardness, 0.2% proof stress of A356 Al–fly ash composites are higher compared to that of the unreinforced alloy. Additions of fly ash lead to increase in hardness, elastic modulus and 0.2% proof stress. Composites reinforced with narrow size range fly ash particle exhibit superior mechanical properties compared to composites with wide size range particles. A356 Al–fly ash MMCs were found to exhibit improved damping capacity when compared to unreinforced alloy at ambient temperature.