Action of Chills on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties of Chilled ASTM A 494Â M Grade Nickel Alloy Reinforced with Fused SiO2 Metal Matrix Composite

A detail of melting and composite preparation is described elsewhere by number of researchers. After melting the matrix material in an induction furnace at around 1600 ̊C in an inert atmosphere, coated fused SiO2 particles preheated to 500 ̊C were introduced evenly into the molten metal alloy by means of special feeding attachments. The moulds for the plate type of castings 150*20*20 mm (American Foundrymen Society standard) were prepared using silica sand with 5% bentonite as binder and 5% moisture and finally they were dried in an air furnace at a temperature of 1580 ̊C, which was cooled from one end by a chill block set in the mould. After solidification the specimens of chill end were tested for various mechanical and microstructural studies.