Influence of heat treatment on the corrosion behaviour of aluminium silver nano particle/calcium carbonate composite

Corrosion is one of the leading sources of material failure and deterioration in society. Scholars have proposed different techniques to mitigate corrosion. This research study explores and validates one of these techniques. An Aluminium metal matrix (AMC) was produced using the stir casting method with various weight percentages of AgNp and CaCO₃ reinforcements. Heat treatment was performed on the samples to enhance the metallurgical and corrosion properties of the materials. The corrosion rate of the AMC samples was tested in different corrosive media (neutral and acidic) with different concentrations using the weight loss analysis technique for several days. It was observed that the corrosion rate of the AMC relies on the nature of the electrolyte and the percentage concentration of this electrolyte. The heat treatment improves the corrosion resistance of the AMC samples. In addition, an increase in the % weight composition of the reinforcement (AgNp + CaCO₃ ) results in a reduction in the corrosion rate of the AMC in both corrosive media. The optimal %weight composition was found to be 4% for the hybrid reinforcement of AgNp + CaCO₃ and 6% for the CaCO₃ reinforcement in both the untreated and heat-treated samples.