Silica sand modified aluminium composite: An empirical study of the physical, mechanical and morphological properties

This research work explored the properties of a metal matrix composite of aluminum reinforced with silica sand. Silica sand of average particle size -53 μm and weight fractions 3 to 19% in intervals of 4 was used to reinforce pure aluminum using double stir casting technique. XRD analysis of the silica sand used as reinforcement showed the presence of phases like quartz, sodium silicate, suessite among others. SEM analysis of the composite revealed fairly uniform distribution of the particulates in the matrix showcasing the efficacy of the fabricating method. Density was observed to decrease as the weight fraction of silica increased whereas hardness, tensile strength, impact energy and porosity were higher than that of the matrix metal. Overall, Al - Silica sand composite with 11 wt% silica showed the highest tensile strength of 65.64 MPa. This work showcased the possibility of a future use of local content silica sand as reinforcement in the world of metal matrix composites.