Production and characterization of ceramic reinforced zinc metal matrix composite material

The properties of Ceramic-metal (cermet) composites as tensilestrength, hardness and resistance to corrosion and high temperaturesare superior than ceramics and metals. Because of the enhancedcharacteristics of cermets, they are widely used in various applicationsand industries.In the present study, the reinforcement material formed from MgAl2O4spinel is combined with a zinc alloy matrix and a new ceramic-metalcomposite material was produced. The pressureless melt infiltrationtechnique is used in the production process. The samples fired at5500C for 2 hours are characterized by using SEM. Furthermore, theeffects of fly ash addition on the mechanical properties of zinc basedcomposite was investigated.viAs a result of experiments it is achieved to wet the reinforcementcontains MgAl2O4 spinel and fly ash by the molten zinc and to form acomposite material. It was also seen that the addition of fly ash to thereinforcement was enhanced the mechanical properties of thecomposite material. Vickers hardness value of 91,5 was obtained in thesample with Zn 60%, spinel %35 and fly ash 5 % addition. This value isapproximately more than 4 times bigger than the zinc alloy (22,3)Key Words : Cermet, Composite, Zinc, Spinel, Fly Ash,Pressureless Infiltration.