Characterization of Born Carbide and Rice Husk Ash Reinforced Aluminum Alloy Composites

Abstract

The remarkable characteristics of aluminum alloys, like their hardness, strength-to-weight ratio, fatigue, corrosion resistance, play a decisive role in the aeronautical and automotive industries. However, scientists are on the lookout for substantial advancements in the wear resistance of the composites under varied service situations. This investigation focuses on the characteristics of hybrid metal matrix composites with regards to optical, physical, mechanical, tribological, and corrosion behavior of ADC12 alloy reinforced by born carbide and rice husk ash (RHA) particulates. The liquid metallurgy process with the stir casting technique was used to produce the hybrid composites, which were then compared to monolithic materials. In the fabrication, reinforcement RHA was added from 0 to 12 % while maintaining a born carbide content of 5 %. Following ASTM standards, the resulting composites were put through optical, several physical, mechanical, wear, and corrosion testing. The experimental findings were then analyzed. With a rise in the amount of reinforcement in the base alloy, physical and mechanical characteristics greatly improved, whereas the percentage of elongation was seen to decline. The effects of exposure time were studied on the hybrid composites on corrosion behavior in acidic environments. The composites are exposed to the hydrochloric acid solution, and weight loss over various periods, from 12 to 72 h, is measured in steps of 12 h. It was discovered that the corrosion resistance increased as the reinforcing content increased. By using a pin-on-disc apparatus, the wear tests were conducted, and the outcomes indicated the composites’ superior wear resistance. Composites with a higher percentage of reinforcement displayed superior characteristics. Following the tensile testing, broken surfaces, wear, and corrosion morphology are examined in scanning electron microscope images. The research findings are thoroughly examined, and careful interpretations have been made.