Mechanical and microstructural characterization of aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with bottom ash and fireclay

In this experimental investigation, bottom ash and fireclay are added to reinforce aluminium 7075 (Al7075) making use of stir casting technique, at different compositions to generate flat castings. Three plates having Al7075, varying composition of fire clay and bottom ash will be developed. Upon fabrication, tests are done on the plates for evaluating the mechanical and microstructural properties. Mechanical properties like microhardness, ultimate tensile strength and yield strength are tested and then compared. Scanning Electron Microscopy Imaging (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction technique (XRD) are employed to investigate the distribution pattern of the reinforcement particles. The results of mechanical and microstructural evaluation will provide information whether there is an enhancement in properties with change in reinforcement composition.