Characterisation of LM6/cenosphere composites

Abstract

In this work, the LM6/cenosphere composites were fabricated by the squeeze casting. The various weight percentages of cenosphere (wt. % c/s) (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15) wt. % c/s were selected for the synthesis of the LM6/composites. The characterisation of the reinforced and unreinforced composites through SEM, XRD, and EDX analysis was carried out. The mechanical properties (hardness, and tensile strength) were investigated. The optical properties were investigated through FTIR and UV-VIS-NIR. The results revealed that the reinforced LM6/cenosphere composites show better mechanical properties than the unreinforced composites. The 15 wt. % composites show the improved hardness and tensile strength with minimum porosity as compared with other reinforced composites. The XRD analysed the various phases of the materials. The EDX analysed the atomic and the wt. % of reinforced elements exists in the LM6/cenosphere composites. The SEM analysed the tensile fractured surfaces of the reinforced and unreinforced composites.