Mechanical, Tribological, Thermal Properties of Aluminium – 7075 Reinforced with Red Mud/Fly Ash Metal Matrix Composite: A review

Abstract

The term Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) refers to composites with metallic matrix having reinforcing constituent mostly in the form of ceramic. Reinforcement is normally nonmetallic. Aluminium alloy matrix (AMCs) composite and reinforcements by ceramic find widely applications in industries like aerospace and defense, automotive sector as it possesses high ratio of strength to weight, impact strength, stiffness, resistance to wear etc as compared with the steel alloy-based counterparts.  The major problem associated with reinforcement of MMC is the cost of reinforcement. Fly ash can be explored as reinforcement as it has a lower density, and offer better physical properties and it is available at lesser cost as compared to that of other reinforcements used presently. Use of fly ash into aluminium alloy will potentially reduce the pollution   of environment. Products can also be manufactured at low cost with better properties. Red mud is another cheap, waste material obtained during Bayer’s process to extract alumina from bauxite. Oxidized iron which is present in to the extent of 60 % is responsible for the red colour of the red mud. Red mud contains majorly iron oxide, aluminium titanium and silica in remaining percent. Red mud also contains other constituents as minor content. In order to improve the tribological, thermal and mechanical properties of Aluminium – 7075 reinforced by red mud/fly ash metal matrix composite a detailed review is presented in this paper. The research regarding the thermal, mechanical and tribological properties of base metal Aluminium – 7075 composite using reinforcement as fly ash and red mud manufacturing stir casting process needs to be undertaken as per the gap identified.