Tribological and physical properties of hybrid reinforced aluminium matrix composites

This study considers the physical and tribological properties of hybrid reinforced aluminium matrix composites using Al 6063 alloy and silicon carbide (SiC) and palm kernel shell ash (PKSA) as reinforcements. The reinforcements used were 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt% in the matrix metal at different ratios of the SiC and PKSA using the double stir casting method. Experimental density and porosity of the samples were determined. Taber wear abrasion tester was utilized in the wear test experimentation. The results disclosed that the density of the composite reduced with PKSA increment, while other samples with SiC increment have improved density. The porosity percentage results showed that the double stir casting method used was acceptable as the values were within the permissible limit for cast MMCs. The sliding speed and applied load increment increased the mass loss and wear index for all the samples.