Fabrication and characterization of ADC-12 hybrid composites utilizing lemon grass ash and boron nitride through stir-squeeze casting method

Abstract

In recent years, there has been increased interest in hybridizing metal matrix composites using agro-based-waste materials as sustainable choices. Despite the poor tribo-mechanical properties of conventional reinforcement materials, there is immense potential for using alternate reinforcing elements to enhance the mechanical features of matrix composite. In addition, conventional casting procedures present several challenges, including high costs and a lack of adequate mechanical qualities in the finished product. To combat these issues, the authors herein produce the well-known aluminium matrix composite (AMC), ADC 12 alloy, using waste lemon grass (LG) ash at a fixed rate (6 wt%) and hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) at variable proportions (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 wt%) as reinforcing element against traditional reinforcement particles to enhance the tribo-mechanical properties of casted hybrid AMC. In addition, the Stir-Squeeze Casting method produces the hybrid AMC, dramatically decreasing production costs and enhancing final product qualities. The hybrid AMC formed by Stir-Squeeze Casting is examined for its mechanical, corrosion, and tribological characteristics, with the findings indicating that the addition of LG and hBN improved the mechanical, corrosion, and tribological properties of the ADC-LG-hBN composites, with 6 wt% LG and 4.5 wt% hBN reinforcements producing the optimal result. The experimental density of ADC-LG- hBN composites was reduced by 8% when compared to the ADC 12 alloy, while the composites’ tensile, hardness and compressive strength were increased by 118.9%, 36.7%, and 33.6%, respectively. Similarly, the developed composite showed an improved corrosion resistance of 43.8% for 24 h, and the wear rate decreased by 90.4%.