Influence of Carbon Nano Tube and Coconut Shell Ash in Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

In this investigation, Aluminum 1050 (Al), Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), and Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) composite was fabricated using a double stage stir casting technique. During fabrication, molten aluminium is initially combined with 0.2wt% of CNT, additionally, varied amounts of CSA in 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, and 8% are added to the CNT-Al matrix to evaluate the material's density, micro hardness, and tensile, compressive strength and wear properties. The analysis encompassed an examination of the composites' structure, the distribution of reinforcing materials, and the basic composition. The microstructure of the composite versions were then assessed and compared to Al-0.2%CNT. The density of the Al-0.2% CNT-8% CSA composite is 2.46%, which is slightly lower than that of the Al-0.2%CNT composite. In phrases of hardness, tensile and compressive strength of Al-0.2% CNT-6% CSA composite verified an incredible increase by 53.2%, 45.42% and 38.58% respectively. However, the addition of 8% CSA decreases the hardness by 6.27% tensile strength by 6.79%, compressive strength by 14.12% when compared to hybrid composite containing 6%CSA. The wear loss of hybrid composites is lower due to the cushioning effect of CSA particles.