DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ALUMINUM ULTRA-FINE CLAY METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE USING IKERE-EKITI CLAY

Abstract

In this study, clay was sourced from Ikere-Ekiti, in Ekiti-State and was characterized using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopic (ED-XRF). The particle analysis of the clay was carried out, followed by processing of the clay using scrubbing method and characterization of the processed clay products (concentrate and tailing). Aluminum-clay metal matrix composite was developed by powder metallurgy method with the weight fraction of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% and the control of the reinforcement. The mechanical properties of the developed composite was studied by carrying out its wear resistance, hardness and compressive strength measurement. The microstructure of the composite was studied through metallographic analysis. The particle analysis result reveals that the economic liberation size of Ikere-Ekiti clay is at -180+125μm. The wear resistance result shows that the wear properties was improved with the addition of Ikere-Ekiti clay up to 10wt% but begins to depreciate at 15wt%. The hardness was increased with the addition of ultra-fine (-45μm) Ikere-Ekiti clay while the addition of Ikere-Ekiti clay up to 15wt% shows an improvement in the compressive strength of the developed composite. Metallographic analysis of the developed composite shows that the addition of clay lead to formation of fine grain structure at 10wt% of the reinforcement. Finally, it was concluded that composite with 10wt% of Ikere-Ekiti clay has the best mechanical properties suitable for automobile application (Brake disk).