Synthesis and Characterization of Cr, Eggshell and Grinding Sludge Reinforced Aluminum Based Metal Matrix Composites: An Ingenious Experimental Approach

Abstract

This investigation deals with the utilization of industrial waste to develop aluminum-based composite. Waste eggshell (ES) generated from the food industry has been used as primary reinforcement material. Waste grinding sludge (GS) produced from the iron forging sector was utilized as secondary reinforcement content. Cr content has been further encapsulated to the composite material to prevent the composite material's grain growth. The composite material was developed by the stir casting process. Experimental results concluded that tensile strength, compressive strength, and hardness of base material (AA5052 alloy) had been improved by about 18.02 %, 23.40 %, and 49.53 respectively, by adding 4.5 % of ES, 4.5 % of GS, and 1.5 % of Cr. Microstructural analysis of the AA5052/4.5 % ES/4.5 % GS/1.5 % Cr composite shows the fair distribution of reinforcement content. XRD of the Al/4.5 % ES/4.5 % GS/1.5 % Cr composite shows the occurrence of Al, Fe2O3, CaCO3, CaO, and Cr phases. Corrosion weight loss and thermal expansion behavior of developed composite have also been explored to observe the ES, GS, and Cr addition in the aluminum alloy.