ABSTRACT

Composites have been developed with great success by the use of reinforcement. Monolithic materials cannot possess all the properties to be obtained hence, the need to employ the use of composite materials. Aluminum is generally utilized as a basic material particularly in the aerospace industry in view of its light weight property Be that as it may; the low quality and low melting point were continuously an issue.However due to these limitations, intense exploration on the use of metallic matrices has ensued, particularly with respect to aluminium. Metal matrix composites reinforced with particles such as SiC provides significantly improved mechanical properties, high bonding strength and high wear resistance. In this study the effect of rice husk ash and graphene reinforcement in the Aluminium (Al) matrix was investigated.

Rice husk ash (RHA) with high silica content up to 97,095% was used for the study with the RHA varied from 5vol% - 15vol% at intervals of 5vol% at different weight sizes of 150µm, 300µm and 600µm in aluminium alloy as reinforcement. Also graphene of constant volume percentage of 0.5vol% was used for the study. The mechanical properties of the composites including tensile strength, impact strength, hardness and fatigue strength were investigated also with the microstructure test, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) Analysis and Phase analysis (XRD Analysis). The aim of the paper is to fabricate Metal matrix composite (MMC) of aluminium alloy reinforced with rice husk ash and grapheme and reducing the negative environmental impact on the society due to improper disposal, improving the economic utilization of rice husk and aluminium matrix composite and developing new materials with superior mechanical properties. In conclusion the melting point, Stiffness, and wear resistance was improved maintaining its lightness.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACES

Cover page

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Table of content

List of tables

List of figures

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

1.2 Statement of the problem

1.3 Aims and objectives of the study

1.4 Justification of the study (significance)

1.5 Scope of study

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Background history of metal matrix composite (MMC)

2.2 Composites

2.3 Classification of composites

2.3.1 Matrix

2.3.2 Fiber (Reinforcement)

2.3.3 Interface

2.4 Factors to be considered in selecting matrix, fiber and interface

2.5 Metal matrix composites (MMC)

2.6 Aluminum matrix composite

2.7 Rule of mixture

2.8 Properties of aluminum

2.9 A review of aluminum alloy series, their principal characteristics and application

2.10 Silicon carbide (SiC)

2.11 Rice Husk Ash (RHS)

2.12 Graphene

2.13 Graphene Oxide

2.14 Aluminum-Silicon Carbide composite 

2.15 Aluminum Rice Husk Ash composite

2.16 Aluminum Graphene composite

2.17 Manufacturing Route

2.17.1 Power metallurgy

2.17.2 Pressure infiltration casting

2.17.3 Sintering 

2.17.4 Stir casting

2.18 Research gap

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Selection of sample material

3.3 Equipment and tools

3.4 Experimental details

3.4.1 Preparation of Aluminum alloy (matrix)

3.4.2 Preparation of Rice Husk Ash (reinforcement)

3.4.3 Preparation of Graphene (reinforcement)

3.4.4 Preparation of composites from Aluminum alloy and Rice Husk Ash (Al/RHA)

3.4.5 Preparation of Hybrid composites from Aluminum alloy, Rice Husk Ash and Graphene

3.5 Testing of mechanical properties

3.5.1 Determination of Density

3.5.2 Tensile test

3.5.3 Hardness testing (Vickers Diamond test)

3.5.4 Impact testing

3.5.5 Fatigue testing

3.6 Microstructure test (SEM Analysis)

3.7 Phase Analysis (XRD Analysis)

3.8 Experimental design for the regional surface procedure.

3.9 Statistical Data Analysis.

4.0 RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

4.1 Density Test

4.2 Hardness Test

4.3 Ultimate Tensile Test

4.4 Impact Test

4.5 Fatigue Test

5.0  CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

REFERENCE