MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ALUMINIUM METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES REINFORCED WITH MILLSCALE AND ALUMINA

The present investigation examines the mechanical properties of aluminium metal matrix composites (AMCs) that are reinforced with millscale and alumina. The composite materials were produced through a stir casting technique and analysed for density, porosity, hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, specific strength, percentage elongation and fracture toughness. The microstructure of the produced composites and the fractured surfaces of the composites were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The findings demonstrate that the addition of millscale and alumina improves the mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical testing reveals a gradual increase in tensile strength with a higher weight ratio of alumina, resulting in a maximum ultimate tensilestrength of 124.73 MPa for sample D. Moreover, hardness increases slightly with higher weight ratios of alumina, with sample D exhibiting the highest hardness value of 94.6 BHN. Fracture toughness varies with composition, and sample D displays a fracture toughness of 7.6 MPa m0.5. The incorporation of alumina enhances hardness, yield strength, and tensile strength. Whereas the presence of millscale leads to improved hardness and tensile strength. The incorporation of millscale and alumina markedly improves the specific strength of the composites. The analysis of the microstructure demonstrates the distribution and bonding properties of the reinforcement particles in the aluminium matrix. The findings indicate the potential of millscale and alumina as reinforcing materials for AMCs, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for diverse engineering applications.