ASSESSMENT OF TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF STIR CAST Al6063 ALLOY REINFORCED WITH OKABA COAL ASH

Abstract

Composite are multi-phase materials made up of matrix and reinforcement. This paper assesses the tribological property of Al6063 alloy (AMCs) reinforced with Okaba coal ash (OCA) using the stir casting method. By using a constant speed of 1000 rpm and two different loads (250 g and 750 g) on Taber wear apparatus, the tribological properties of the produced composite are contrasted with those of an unreinforced Al6063 alloy. The results show a reduction in wear index and the highest abrasion resistance at 4 wt.% coal ash at 500 g and 1000 rpm, as well as at 0, 2, and 6 wt.% with 8.688, 5.878, and 5.813 at 500g and 8.688, 5.878, 4.125, and 5.813 at 750g, respectively. Therefore, for all composite products compared to metal, there is an increase in abrasion resistance with a decrease in wear index, but this decreases when the load is increased to 750g, showing that the higher the load, the higher the wear index, which results in a reduction in abrasion resistance. Load is taken into greater consideration when using the AMCs manufactured in engineering applications. Additionally, SEM images revealed uniform distribution of the OCA reinforcement in the matrix alloy; thereby, improving its wear resistance.