Investigation On Mechanical Properties Of Red Mud And Fly Ash Particulate Reinforced Al6061 Metal Matrix Composite

Composite material given different direction to explore new material, which can fulfil all needs. They can be used in varies field from automobile to aeronautical field. Composite material is used to fabricate chasse of automobile and outer most body of space shuttle which can sustain a large temperature variation due to its low temperature coefficient property. Composite consist of two main constituent i.e., matrix and reinforcement. Matrix is a monolithic material into which the reinforcement is embedded. The new material may be preferred because they are stronger, lighter and have a low coefficient of thermal expansion; good wear resistance etc., when compared to other materials[1][4]. In most of the application metal matrix composites (MMC) are used due its low cost and ease of fabrication. Metal matrix composites are composed of an element or an alloy matrix in which a second phase is embedded and distributed to achieve some property improvement [8]. They have outstanding benefits due to the combined metallic and non-metallic properties, there by yielding improved physical and chemical properties. Among the various types of MMC’s, particulate reinforced composites are the most versatile and economic one. Metal matrix composites are increasingly found in the mobile industry, these materials use a metal such as Aluminium as a matrix, and reinforce with fibres [2]. Matrix is major constitute in composite material so selection of matrix plays important role in enhancement in mechanical properties [2]. Common used matrix materials are Aluminium, Magnesium and Titanium metals and its alloys. Aluminium and its alloys are having unique properties such as high strength to weight ratio, low density, good in tensile strength, corrosion resistance, etc.; hence they have wide range of application in aerospace, auto mobile industry, used Abstract: Composite are widely used in modern days, that to Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) for varies application such as aerospace, automobile, industries, etc., Mechanical properties of MMC can be enhanced by adding reinforcement. In this study, Al6061 metal composite were produced by adding Red mud and Fly ash which are main industrial by-products. These specimens were casted with help of stir casting method to study microstructure and mechanical properties. Al6061 is melted at about 800 degree Celsius temperature with help of electric arc furnace. Red mud and fly ash are pre-heated at about 200 degree Celsius to remove moisture contain from it. During stirring to enhance the wetability small quantities of Magnesium (0.2wt% to 0.5wt %) and solid hexachloroethane (C2Cl6) to release all the absorbed gases were added to the melt. Optical micrographs show fairly uniform distribution of Red mud and Fly ash in Aluminium matrix. Composites containing 5%wt Red mud and 5%wt Fly ash showed highest compressive strength(592.67 N/mm2) and 5%wt fly ash and 2.5%red mud depicted highest tensile strength(187.5 N/mm2) compared to that of base material(Al6061 alloy).