Production and characterization of composites of aluminyum / activated carbon based biomass

Aluminum is a very useful metal because of its applications in many fields and properties including substantial processing capacity, good thermal conductivity, exclusively high specific strength, impressive mechanical properties, low density, and low coefficient of thermal expansion value even as compared to a reinforced alloy. As mentioned earlier, its properties make it useful; so, it is widely applied in several industries. It is used in a wide range of industrial processes including dye-making, water-treatment, and sugar refining, to mention a few. Since the activated carbon is imported in many countries, locally produced activated carbons using indigenous resources is an environment-friendly and lucrative option that can transform wasted substances into highly-valuable products. The current study is an effort to study the properties of aluminum alloy matrix composites and their production using graphite and activated carbon applying powder metallurgy. While preparing metal matrix composites, aluminum is used as the matrix, activated carbon and graphite are used as reinforcements, and they are studied using modified die-pressing techniques. The reinforcement is added in the form of activated carbon in the various ratios 2%, 4%, and 6% weight of aluminum alloy that is compacted at 6 tons of pressure, which is later sintered at 550oC in the pure argon atmosphere for an hour. After cooling down the sintered product, Assessments and investigations were conducted so as to find out facts in terms of specimen microstructures, and the mechanical properties of the alloy. Comprehensive methodologies were applied for assessments including optical microscope, X-ray diffraction XRD analysis, and scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS), specifically to monitor microstructures. Vickers hardness test was conducted to test the sample hardness levels.