An Investigation and Optimization of Hardness and Tribological Behaviour of Ricehusk Ash Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composite using Powder Metallurgy Route

Authors

  • Umma Abdullahi Mechanical Engineering Department, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8777-2078
  • Gaminana Jimoh Ohinoyi Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Department, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria
  • Bello Kamilu Adeyemi Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Department, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria
  • Kayode Funmilola Anike Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Department, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria
  • Bashar Dan-Asabe Mechanical Engineering Department, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria
  • Suleiman Muhammed Ohotu Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Department, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria
  • Murtala Sule Dambatta Mechanical Engineering Department, Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil, Nigeria
  • Abdu Salihi Mechanical Engineering Department, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26776/

Abstract

A composite material of pure aluminium (Al) reinforced with rice husk ash (RHA) was developed using the powder metallurgy route. The mixing parameters (speed and time) were optimized using optimum mixture design in Design Expert 13 software. The effects of varying aluminium and RHA compositions, as well as mixing time and stirring speed, were investigated. The mechanical and tribological properties, specifically hardness, wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF) were evaluated. Before the RHA reinforcement was added, the pure aluminium exhibited a hardness of 61.36666667 HV, a wear rate of 0.000013889 mm/Nm, and a coefficient of friction of 0.3215. The optimization process resulted in an optimal composition of 12.552% RHA and 87.448% aluminium, with a stirring speed of 169.812rpm and a mixing time of 1 hour. Under these conditions, the composite achieved a hardness of 108.326 HV, a zero wear rate, and a coefficient of friction of 0.307. The optimization led to a percentage improvement of 76% in hardness, a 100% reduction in wear rate, and a 4.1% reduction in coefficient of friction. The reduced coefficient of friction remains within the optimal range for effective braking application.

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Published

2025-04-30

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Research

License

© Copyright: The Author(s)
Creative Commons: CC BY 4.0
Copyright of articles that appear in International Journal of Engineering Materials and Manufacture (IJEMM) are belonged to “The Author(s)” under terms and conditions of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC BY 4.0). https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

How to Cite

An Investigation and Optimization of Hardness and Tribological Behaviour of Ricehusk Ash Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composite using Powder Metallurgy Route. (2025). International Journal of Engineering Materials and Manufacture, 10(2), 44-53. https://doi.org/10.26776/