Influence of SAC and eggshell addition in the physical, mechanical and thermal behaviour of Cr reinforced aluminium based composite

ABSTRACT In the present study, an attempt has been made to utilise spent alumina catalyst (SAC) and carbonised eggshell (CAES) in the fabrication of AA5052-based composite material. Cr was also added to further enhance the tensile strength, hardness and corrosion resistance of the material. Results showed that by adding 4.5% SAC, 4.5% CAES and 1.5% Cr in aluminium alloy, mechanical properties such as tensile strength, hardness and compressive strength enhanced significantly. Tensile strength, hardness and compressive strength increased by about 11.98%, 37.22% and 23.06%, respectively, concerning the base material. However, the toughness and ductility of composite have been reduced. Microstructure results of Al/4.5% SAC/4.5% CAES/1.5% Cr composite showed uniform. Corrosion weight loss and thermal expansion behaviour of composite have been also investigated to observe the SAC, CAES and Cr addition effect in the aluminium alloy.