Analysis of physical, mechanical and tribological behavior of Al7075-fly ash composite for lightweight applications

Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMCs) have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional specific strength and stiffness compared to monolithic metals. Fly ash particulates are a commonly utilized and economically viable reinforcement for AMCs. This research discusses the influence of fly ash particulates on the microstructure assessment, physical characteristics, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of a stir-cast Al7075-fly ash composite. XRD analysis showed that the fly ash was uniformly distributed throughout the aluminium matrix without producing any intermetallic compound. UTS and Hardness of Al7075-fly ash composite increased with increasing % of fly ash reinforcement, going from 140 to 173 MPa and from 66 to 75 HV, respectively, and the error analysis is also presented. Results from studies of the microstructure of the aluminium alloy show that its fly ash component is evenly distributed throughout the material. The wear rate of a casted aluminum matrix composite was measured using the pin-on-disc tribotest with no lubrication. With a fixed sliding velocity of 300 rpm and a covering distance of 2000 mitres against an EN31 steel disc, wear tests were conducted at weights of 10, 20, and 30 N.