Mechanical properties of as-cast and heat-treated lead alloy/zircon particulate composites

Abstract

This paper describes a study of the mechanical properties of as-cast and heat-treated lead-antimony alloy composites containing from 0 to 5 wt% zircon particles of size 90-150 μm. The 'vortex method' of production was employed in which the zircon particles were poured into the vortex created by stirring the molten metal at 400 °C by means of a mechanical agitator. Subsequent homogenizing heat treatment was performed at 200 °C for durations of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5h. The results of this study revealed that as zircon composition was increased, there were significant increases in the ultimate tensile strength, hardness, torsional strength and impact strength of the composite, accompanied by a reduction in its ductility. Heat treatment was found to produce a similar effect. An attempt is made in the paper to furnish explanations for these phenomena. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Limited.