RETRACTED ARTICLE: Microstructure and mechanical behavior of A356/SiC/Fly-ash hybrid composites produced by electromagnetic stir casting

Electromagnetic stir casting is one of the simplest ways of producing defect free aluminum matrix composites. This work focuses on the fabrication of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with various weight percentages of SiC particulates and Fly-ash by modified electromagnetic stir casting route. The distribution of SiC and Fly-ash particles in the matrix was improved by providing externally argon gas into the melt during electromagnetic stirring. Five samples of hybrid composite with different combination of Fly-ash and SiC (25 μm) were prepared by electromagnetic stir casting method. Mechanical properties (tensile strength, hardness, toughness and fatigue strength) and microstructure of all five samples were analyzed. Microstructure presents that the reinforcements (SiC particulates and Fly-ash) are uniformly distributed in the matrix (A356). The results reveal that sample of A356/15 %SiC/5 % Fly-ash shows best result among all the selected samples. Density, porosity, specific strength and thermal expansion were also calculated to see the effect of Fly-ash addition.