Effect of Fly Ash Particles on the Mechanical Properties of Zn-22% Al Alloy via Stir Casting Method

In the present investigation, a Zn-22%Al alloy is used as the matrix material and fly ash as the filler material. The composite is produced using powder metallurgy techniques. The fly ash is added in 2%, 4%, and 6% by wt% to the sintering metal. The composite is tested for hardness, density and tensile strength test. Microstructure examination is done using a high resolution optical microscope to obtain the distribution of fly ash in the Zn-Al matrix. Test results indicate that as fly ash content is increased, there is a onsiderable increase in hardness and tensile strength but decrease in density.