Evaluation of the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Aluminium - Based Composites Reinforced Silica Beach Sand Particulates

The use of silica sand tailings without leaching as a reinforcement in the development of composites remains a material class known for outstanding properties. However, owing to the availability, least expensive, and physical properties of silica beach sand, this study investigates the effect of non-leached silica (SiO 2 ) beach sand particulates on the mechanical and tribological characteristics of aluminium (Al) alloy matrix composites. In the study, an AA6061 alloy matrix was reinforced with varying content of SiO 2 beach sand (0, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) using the stir casting process. The SEM results revealed uniform dispersion of the beach sand particulates in the resultant composites with minimal agglomerations up to 30 wt% loading. Thus, the hardness and elastic modulus of the SiO 2 /AA6061 alloy composites were improved by 326.7% and 90.9%, respectively, at 30 wt% SiO 2 particle addition. In addition, with the introduction of the SiO 2 particles in the alloy matrix, a reduction in the coefficient of friction by 24.5% and wear rate by 40.79% was recorded compared to the pure Al alloy. These findings indicate the substantial potentiality of silica beach sand particulates reinforced Al alloy matrix composite material as a promising candidate for mechanical load bearing, frictional components, and high-performance engineering applications including construction, automotive component, airframe, marine and rail transport.