Synthesis of Al-fly ash composites by modified two step stir casting method

Abstract

In the stir casting process, homogeneous dispersion of reinforcing particles within the matrix material is one such major problem, which influences on the properties of composites. In this research, an attempt has been made to study the influence of fly ash wt.% (10,15 and 20), ratio of the impeller outer dia to crucible inner dia (0.7,0.5 and 0.3) and processing method (liquid state stirring, two step stirring and modified two step stirring) on the mechanical properties and the distribution of fly ash particles in the Al matrix.Optimum parameters were identified for attaining the maximum mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength of composites by the application of Taguchi method, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the results were validated by confirmation test.The present work could provide a guide for the industrial preparation of composites. © (2012) Trans Tech Publications.