Characterization of mechanical and wear properties of aluminium based composites reinforced with quarry dust and silicon carbide

The mechanical and wear behavior of quarry dust (QD) and silicon carbide (SiC) particle reinforced Aluminium based composites was investigated. QD mixed with SiC in varied weight ratios, were used to produce 8 wt% reinforced Al-Mg-Si based composites using double stir casting. Hardness, tensile properties, fracture toughness, wear index, X-ray diffractometry, optical and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the composites. The quarry dust was observed to consist of quartz (SiO₂), magnesium iron aluminosilicate and biotite as mineralogical constituents. Marginal decrease in hardness and wear resistance of 5 and 9%, respectively were observed with increase in QD; and abrasive wear confirmed as the dominant wear mechanism. The tensile and specific strengths of the composites were generally at comparable level with the composite reinforced with SiC only. The ductility and fracture toughness of the composites were markedly improved with the addition of QD reflecting enhanced fracture resistance.