Al319-Fly Ash Hybrid Composites Fabricated Via Stir Casting

Abstract

The growing demand for lightweight, cost-effective, and high-performance materials in the automotive and aerospace sectors has spurred interest in aluminum matrix composites (AMCs). Among various aluminum alloys, Al319 has garnered attention for its excellent castability and mechanical strength. In this study, hybrid composites of Al319 reinforced with varying weight percentages of fly ash were synthesized using the stir casting technique. Fly ash, a low-cost industrial by-product, was selected due to its availability, low density, and potential to enhance wear resistance and stiffness. The fabricated composites were evaluated for microstructural characteristics, hardness, tensile strength, and wear behavior. The results revealed uniform distribution of fly ash particles, improved mechanical properties, and notable reduction in material cost. The study highlights the suitability of stir casting as a viable and economical method for producing Al319-based hybrid composites with enhanced performance, contributing to sustainable materials engineering.