Development and characterization of AA6061 aluminium alloy /clay and rice husk ash composite

Abstract

Reinforcement performs a dynamic function in the efficiency and durability of composite materials. In the past, various researchers have conducted studies aimed at the use of different chemical particles as reinforcement particulates for aluminium metal matrix composites, leading to progressive results for the desired properties of the reinforced composite material. This study shows the potential in harnessing agro-waste materials as reinforcement instead of the traditional synthetic reinforcements such as boron carbide, silicon carbide, etc. Rice husk ash and clay particulates are harnessed for this study due to their proven ability to improve composite features such as hardness, tensile strength, bend strength, etc. This study shows, by means of various literature reviews and tests conducted at different reinforcement wt%, the viability of agro-waste reinforcement as opposed to synthetic reinforcement. The SEM (scanning electron microscope) images show homogeneous dispersal of reinforced particulate in the produced composite and XRD (X-ray Diffraction Analysis) depicts the occurrence of various phases in the composite.