Influence of Si content on the mechanical and wear behavior of Al-xSi-0.4Mg-10Fly ash metal matrix composite

The present work deals with the fabrication of composite by varying the silicon weight percentage and keeping the fly ash constant at 10 wt% to obtain hypoeutectic, eutectic and hypereutectic aluminium metal matrix composite. The microstructure, worn out surface and change in morphology of the developed composite were studied by using a scanning electron microscope. In addition to this, the hardness and tensile properties of the developed composites were discussed. It is observed from the present study that the hardness and tensile values of the composite increases with an increase in wt. % Si. The wear rate of the different composites was determined by pin-on-disk wear testing apparatus and the corresponding wear rate was calculated by varying the different wear testing parameters. It is observed from the wear results that the wear rate of the developed composites decreases as the sliding velocity increases and the wear rate increases with an increase in the applied load. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.