Original Article

Green metal matrix composites: a multi-faceted study on Al alloy composites with egg shell powder and silicon carbide as reinforcements

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, KLS Vishwanathrao Deshpande Institute of Technology, Haliyal, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
⁴ Research Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SDM College of Engineering & Technology, Dharwad, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
⁵ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tatyasaheb Kore Institute of Engineering and Technology (TKIET), Warana University, Kolhapur, India
⁶ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ballari Institute of Technology and Management, Ballari, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
⁷ Tool and Die Making, Govt. Tool Room & Training Centre Kudalasangama, Karnataka, India
⁸ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Polytechnic College, Gadag-Betigeri, Gadag, Karnataka, India

^* e-mail: gj_naveen@yahoo.co.in

Received: 24 March 2024
Accepted: 7 October 2024

Abstract

This article is about Green Metal Matrix Composites (GMMCs) produced with aluminum alloys and reinforcements include silicon carbide and eggshell powder. The GMMCs offer a new approach to sustainable materials through the use of ecofriendly reinforcements. A novel class of composites results from a combination of silicon carbide, which has superior mechanical properties, and agricultural waste based eggshell powder. Furthermore, eggshell powder mainly comprised of calcium carbonate lowers its density as well as serves as long-term reinforcement. Silicon carbide enhances their mechanical properties in terms of strength and hardness respectively. This report involves a systematic study using mechanical testing and scanning electron microscopy to explain microstructural evolution and evaluate performance during mechanical loading. Further, wear resistance gives indications on suitability for different industrial applications. Variations in reinforcement contents were done so as to include 3–12% silicon carbide, and 2–8% eggshell powders in the aluminum alloys. Production strictly adhered to guidelines that controlled some variables such as stirring speed and duration which was aimed at achieving exact control. These cast composites were subjected to wear tests, tensile tests, and hardness tests as well as microstructural analysis. EDS-SEM results demonstrate successful incorporation of the reinforcements into the hybrid composites. Unveiling a surprising evenness of distribution of reinforcements throughout the Aluminum matrix through Microstructural examination is amazing. Unique wear behavior trends are presented here. The matrix alloys show mainly adhesive wear while the composites display abrasive wear mediated by reinforcements. This research proposes an eco-friendly method for metal matrix composites, thus advancing sustainable materials and offering hope for strong yet lightweight green materials suitable for aerospace, automotive and other engineering sectors.