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Evaluation of Red Mud Reinforced Al-2024 MMC fabricated using Stir Casting
Technique
Abstract
In this paper Aluminium alloy (Al-2024) metal matrix Aluminum matrix composites are emerging as advance
composite (MMC) is fabricated with two different grain size engineering materials due to their strength, ductility and
toughness. Aluminium alloys are still the subjects of intense
and three different weight percentage of red mud particles
studies, as their low density gives additional advantages in
by Liquid metallurgical technique. Effects of red mud several applications [4]. Aluminium alloy 2024 has good
particles on the mechanical properties of the composite are machining characteristics, higher strength and fatigue
studied. Result reveal that tensile strength and hardness of resistance [5]. It is widely used in aircraft structures,
the composite increases with the decrease in particle size especially wing and fuselage structures under tension. It is
and increase in weight fraction of red mud particles. also used in high temperature applications such as in
Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations reveal automobile engines and in other rotating and reciprocating
parts such as piston, drive shafts, brake- rotors and in other
the uniform distribution of red mud particles in the MMC. structural parts which require light weight and high strength
XRF test confirms the presence of red mud particles in the materials [6].
developed MMC.
Among the various reinforcements used for developing
Keywords: Red Mud, Al-2024 MMC, Stir Casting, SEM, MMCs red mud is emerging because of its low cost and
XRF availability in huge quantity. Red mud emerges as the major
waste material during production of alumina from bauxite by
1. Introduction the Bayers process. It comprises oxides of iron, aluminium,
titanium and silica along with some other minor constituents
Metal matrix composites (MMCs) represent a new [7]. The addition of reinforcing phase significantly improves
generation of engineering materials in which a strong the tribological properties of aluminium and its alloy system
ceramic reinforcement is incorporated into a metal matrix to [8,9].
improve its properties including specific strength, specific
stiffness, wear resistance, excellent corrosion resistance and 2. Experiment procedure
high elastic modulus [1,2]. They usually consist of a
continuous phase called the matrix and discontinuous phase The MMC was manufactured using stir casting technique.
in the form of fibres, whiskers or particles called the Al-2024 aluminium alloy is used as matrix material and red
reinforcement [3]. mud is used as the reinforcement. The aluminium alloy was
fed into the muffle furnace and was melted at 800C. Red mud of required wt% and with grain size of 90 was first
preheated to 800C for 4 hrs and then
fed into the molten aluminium alloy. Stirring was done at was allowed to cool and solidify in the mould. The same
700 rpm constantly with a stirrer. Small amount of procedure was followed to prepare other samples of different
magnesium was added to increase the wettability. The melt wt % of red mud ranging from 5% to 15% with grain size of
with the reinforced particulates were then poured to a 90 and 150 respectively.
prepared cylindrical mould. After pouring is over the melt
Con Cu Mg Si Fe Mn Zn Ti Cr Al
2.1 Testing
4. Conclusion
0,2
0, 4
O KA1
0,6
1
Mg KA1
Al KA1
Si KA1
2
S KA1
Cl KA1
3
K KA1
Ca KA1
4
Ti KA1
5
V KA1
Cr KA1
Mn KA1
6
Fe KA1
7
Ni KA1
8
Cu KA1
Zn KA1
9
Ga KA1
Zr KA1
KeV
20