Preparation and properties of cast aluminium alloy-granite particle composites

With a view to develop light weight, low cost and abrasion resistant materi al cast aluminium alloy composites dispersed with granite particles were pr epared and their properties were evaluated. Natural mineral, granite was cr ushed and treated prior to its incorporation in the aluminium alloy. Liquid metallurgy technique was used to prepare composites involving the followin g steps: melting of aluminium alloy in graphite crucible, stirring of the m elt, addition of granite particles and reactive metal in the melt and pouri ng the composite melt into permanent moulds. Physical, mechanical, tribolog ical and metallographic properties of composites were studied. It was obser ved that there was reasonably uniform dispersion of granite particles in th e matrix. Hardness and tribological (abrasive wear) properties of the base alloy improved considerably due to addition of the granite particles into i t. This clearly indicates that these cast aluminium alloy based composites can be used as wear resistant materials. (C) 2000 Kluwer Academic Publisher s.