The pursuit of sustainable development has prompted significant interest in the utilization of waste materials and byproducts from various industries [1]. In particular, the automotive and petrochemical sectors generate substantial amounts of scrap materials and spent catalysts, which, if effectively repurposed, can contribute to resource conservation and minimize environmental impact [2]. One such waste material of interest is the scrap aluminum engine head (SAEH) obtained from automotive scrap yards, which holds potential for further application due to its intrinsic properties [3]. Moreover, the petrochemical industry produces substantial quantities of spent alumina catalysts (SAC) during refining processes, creating an opportunity for their reutilization in different sectors.
To harness the potential of these waste materials, the present study aims to investigate the microstructural properties, tensile fractography, and wear characteristics of SAEH composites reinforced with fresh alumina catalysts (FAC) and spent alumina catalysts (SAC) obtained from petrochemical industries. The stir casting method was employed to fabricate four different composite variants: SAEH + SAC, SAEH + FAC, LM25 + SAC, and LM25 + FAC.
It is worth noting that our previous studies have extensively investigated the detailed physical and mechanical properties of similar aluminum composites, including tensile strength, compressive strength, impact strength, hardness, porosity percentage, and thermal analysis (DTA and TGA). This comprehensive analysis was published in the Journal of Physics Communication[4].However, the current study focuses primarily on fracture analysis and the wear properties of the same composite samples. The investigation of fracture behavior and wear resistance is essential for understanding the structural integrity and performance of these composites in real-world applications.
Understanding the microstructural features of the composites is crucial to comprehend the relationship between the reinforcement materials and the resulting mechanical and wear properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis provides a powerful tool to examine the microstructural characteristics, such as grain morphology, particle distribution, and interfacial bonding, within the composites [5]. By assessing the microstructure, it becomes possible to discern the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed mechanical and wear behavior.
Additionally, wear resistance is a critical property for materials employed in various applications, as it directly impacts their durability and longevity [6]. Pin-on-disk wear testing, a widely used technique for evaluating wear properties, will be employed in this study to quantify the performance of the composites under abrasive and sliding wear conditions [7]. This assessment will enable a comparative analysis of the wear behavior exhibited by the different composite variants.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the SAEH + SAC composite exhibits superior mechanical and wear properties among the four composite variants. This finding indicates that the incorporation of SAC into the SAEH matrix enhances the overall performance of the composite. The SAEH + FAC composite demonstrates the second-best performance, highlighting the potential of using fresh alumina catalysts as a reinforcement material. On the other hand, the LM25 + SAC and LM25 + FAC composites exhibit slightly inferior properties, suggesting that the specific combination of matrix and reinforcement materials influences the resulting performance.
The microstructural analysis using SEM is expected to reveal cohesive and uniform microstructures in composites containing SAC and FAC. These microstructural characteristics contribute to the improved mechanical and wear properties observed in these composites. The uniform distribution of reinforcement materials and the establishment of strong interfacial bonding are essential factors that influence the overall performance of the composites[8].
The findings of this study underscore the significance of repurposing waste materials and byproducts in the development of sustainable materials[9]. The utilization of SAEH from automotive scrap yards and SAC from petrochemical industries as reinforcement materials demonstrates great potential for enhancing the mechanical and wear properties of composites. This approach not only reduces waste generation but also provides a viable solution for achieving sustainable development.
In conclusion, this study presents a comprehensive investigation into the microstructural properties, tensile fractography, and wear characteristics of SAEH composites reinforced with fresh and spent alumina catalysts. The outcomes of this research contribute to our understanding of the relationship between microstructure and mechanical behavior, as well as the influence of waste materials on wear resistance. By capitalizing on waste materials and employing a sustainable approach, these composites exhibit improved properties suitable for a wide range of applications.