Abstract
This study describes the impact of single- and dual-sized Fe slag particles as reinforcement on an Al alloy composite microstructural and mechanical property. These composite samples were fabricated through a liquid metallurgy method (stir casting). Optical microscopy analysis was performed to investigate the distribution of Fe slag particles along with microstructure modifications upon adding Fe slag. The primary Si has been refined compared to the base LM30 alloy. The study combines fine (F) and coarse (C) slag particles. LM30 + 15 wt.% (F:C-4:1) Fe Slag reinforced composite shows the maximum microstructure refinement. Further, mechanical tests such as stress-strain analysis and impact testing were performed to evaluate fabricated samples strength, ductility, and impact resistance. The maximum increment in yield and ultimate tensile strength has been observed that is, ∼32% and ∼33%, (respectively) compared to base alloy. However, increased Fe slag content reduces ductility (∼62%) due to enhanced hindrance to defect mobility. Dual-range composites exhibited higher mechanical strength than single-range Fe slag reinforced composites, attributed to microstructure refinement. Surface analysis of the fractured sample indicates brittle fracture behavior with stress concentrations around Fe slag particles. Impact strength decreases (∼25%) with higher Fe slag content, reflecting increased brittleness of the composite sample compared to base alloy.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
Supplementary Material
Please find the following supplemental material available below.
For Open Access articles published under a Creative Commons License, all supplemental material carries the same license as the article it is associated with.
For non-Open Access articles published, all supplemental material carries a non-exclusive license, and permission requests for re-use of supplemental material or any part of supplemental material shall be sent directly to the copyright owner as specified in the copyright notice associated with the article.
