Utilizing bio-waste as the reinforcement particles for the production of sustainable composite brakes and the investigation of its tribological and corrosive performance.

Abstract

The goat population has been growing faster than the overall human population over the past couple of decades, particularly in African countries and Southeast Asia. As a result, there has been a sharp rise in bio-waste. So, this holistic research aims to convert the goat dung into a sustainable composite material with enhanced morphological, tribological, and corrosive properties. Al8011 alloy serves as the matrix material for the synthesized hybrid composites, and goat dung ash (GDA) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) serve as the reinforcing particles in varying ratios ranging from 0 to 10%. Microstructural analysis was performed to estimate the grain size distribution using ImageJ software. The inclusion of GDA particles along with the Si3N4 particles decreases the grain size from 18 to 9µm. Similarly, 56.26% reduction of wear rate was evident due to the lubricating nature of the GDA particles. The plowing, delamination, and wear debris were examined in the worn-out surface of the wear specimens. Corrosion behavior was analyzed using the weight-loss gravimetric technique. The included GDA particles created a stable oxide layer that resists corrosion and it was proved by the microscopic analysis on the corroded surface. In the break shoe performance analysis, the fabricated Al8011(Si3N4 + GDA) composite brake lining material shows 23% more wear resistance when compared with the existing (Al6061-10% SiC) brake lining material. This minimal wear in the brake shoe not only assures their sustainability, but also tends to minimize wear-related emissions and economic losses.