Effect of the weight fraction of bagasse and aloe vera ash on the friction and sliding wear behavior of an Al6061 reinforced silicon carbide hybrid composite

The production of these composites is prompted by the need for low-density materials for structural and automobile body parts that need to have excellent strength and wear resistance. This work aimed to fabricate an Al6061/SiC-reinforced material and assess its wear and friction qualities. The friction and wear properties of the Al6061/SiC composite materials with and without the addition of bagasse fly ash (BA) and aloe Vera ash (AA) were investigated by varying the weight percentage of reinforcements, and the results were presented and compared. 7.5, 10 wt. % SiC, 7.5,9, and 10 wt. % BA, and 6.5,9, and 11 wt. % AA used in this research. This hybrid composite was manufactured by stir casting and characterized by a pin-on-disc structure. The criteria employed to construct the composite were the weight, the ratio of powder mixing, the slurry being stirred at 600 rpm for 10 min, and the chemical composition of the reinforcements. The alloy Al6061 was melted at 710 °C. Al6061 10% SiC-10% bagasse ash and 11% aloe vera ash provided a low coefficient of friction and a value of 0.39. The results showed that the friction force and coefficient of friction were lower for the combination of 10% SiC-10% bagasse and 11% aloe vera ash. With a single addition of Al6061-10% SiC, a high weight loss of 0.1785 g was observed. A low average wear value (microns) was found for the combination of Al6061-10% SiC-10% bagasse ash and 11% aloe vera ash. It is concluded that adding bagasse and aloe vera ash greatly reduces the friction coefficient and enhances the wear properties. For this reason, auto manufacturers should take advantage of the information this study presents.