Title: Effect of microstructure on mechanical behaviour of chilled Pb/Sb/Sn/As Alloy-Al₂SiO₅ (Kaolinite) metal matrix composites

Authors: Joel Hemanth

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Siddaganga Institute of Technology (S.I.T.), TUMKUR-572 103, Karnataka, India

Abstract: Application of lead alloys in industries demands a fine grain structure with sufficient strength. A smooth spread with no pores and the maintenance of small grain sizes was aided by the presence of the tin arsenide phase. Here, developing Pb/Sb/Sn/As Alloy-Al₂SiO₅ (Kaolinite) composite and the cooling rates during solidification are shown to be important in determining the microstructure and hence the mechanical properties of the complex composite. Chilled lead composite in the present investigation is produced for cable sheathing and as a roofing material for chemical industries. The size of Al₂SiO₅ particulates added varies between 50 to 100 mm. Al₂SiO₅ content is varied from 3 to 12 by wt % in steps of 3%. Ingots were cast under the vortex route method employing different metallic and non metallic end chills (made of copper, steel, cast iron and silicon carbide, respectively) of 25 mm thick in the mould to study the effect of Volumetric Heat Capacity (VHC) of the chill on Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), hardness and microstructure of the composite. The superior mechanical properties of the composite developed, particularly their Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and hardness, are discussed in relation to their microstructure.

Keywords: lead composites; chill; tensile strength; hardness; kaolinite.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2005.008132

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2005 Vol.1 No.1, pp.74 - 87

Published online: 21 Nov 2005 *

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