Fly ash characterization and application in Al–based Mg alloys

Continuing study in metallurgical field calls for growing reinforcements of which fly ash plays an important role. In this study, Al alloys were reinforced with different solid fly ash particles. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses were used to identify the fly ash particles, and they were also applied to the composite alloys. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that the crystalline phase of the fly ash was an effective reinforced phase. Meanwhile, the SEM and optical micrographs of the composite samples indicated that fly ash could be reacted or settled in the matrix of the aluminium. The physical, tribological and microhardness analyses were also used to study the Al–fly ash composites. The best wear resistance corresponding to the lowest loss was obtained in the samples with as-received fly ash which were mostly in accordance with the results in the samples containing treated fly ash. Meanwhile, the proportion of the wear results to the hardness of the samples was observed. Finally, the light weight Al alloys was realized, and increasing the strength is a likeness.