Analysis of mechanical properties of Al-based metal matrix composite reinforced with ES and RHA

Abstract

Purpose Aluminium metal matrix composite (AMMC) is most popular in various industrial applications such as aerospace, automobile, marine, sports and many others. In common practice, silicon carbide, aluminum oxides, magnesium oxide, graphene and carbon nano tubes are the major reinforcing elements to prepare the AMMC. The purpose of this paper is to develop AMMCs reinforce with eggshell (ES) and rice husk ash (RHA). Design/methodology/approach Stir casting process is used for preparation of AMMC. From past few years, more emphasis is given to prepare the AMMCs using agro waste such as rice husk and/or ES as reinforcing materials. In this method, after the Al-matrix material is melted; it is stirred vigorously to form vortex at the surface of the melt, and the reinforcement material is then introduced at the side of the vortex. Stir casting process is a vortex and vigorous method to prepare the AMMCs. First, aluminum alloy (AA3105) is melted in the furnace when metal is in semisolid form. Reinforcement, i.e. ES and RHA are preheated at temperature 220°C and 260°C, respectively. Findings The result of AMMC shows that the tensile strength and hardness increased by using 22.41% and 45.5%, respectively, at 4.75 Wt.% each reinforcement, i.e. ES and RHA, and 1% Cr. The toughness and ductility of metal matrix composite (MMCs) have decreased up to 23.31% and 19.23% respectively by using 1% Cr, 4.75 wt. % ES and by 4.75 wt. % RHA of composite material. Originality/value In this work, Cr, waste ES and RHA have been used to develop green MMC to support the green revolution as promoted/suggested by United Nations, thus reducing the environmental pollution.