Experimental studies of mechanical properties and tribological behaviour of aluminium composite reinforced with coconut shell ash particulates

Abstract

Aluminium composites have been reinforced with treated coconut shell ash (CSA) particulate, which is an agro waste, and is abundantly available. The Al-CSA composites are prepared with 5, 10 and 15 volume percentage of CSA by compo casting route. The CSA consists of Al2O3, SiO2, and Fe2O3 as major elements. The influence of CSA particles on physical, mechanical and wear properties of Al-CSA composite are evaluated. Mechanical properties (tensile strength and hardness) increased with increase in volume fraction of CSA in the base matrix. Similarly, with increasing CSA density and elongation are decreased. Tribological studies revealed a wear of 260 μm, specific wear rate 1.43 × 10–4 mm3/Nm and coefficient of friction 0.275 in a constant parametric condition (i.e., load 30 N, 15% of CSA, sliding distance 1,500 m and sliding speed 1.5 m/s). The results reported that, a prominent improvement in strength and wear resistance of composite with increase in volume percentage of CSA as compared to base alloy. The surface morphology and topography of the wear tracks were examined by SEM at load (30 N), sliding distance (2,000 m) and speed (1.5 m/s) to understand the wear mechanisms of Al-CSA composites.