Steel Chips Reinforcement in Aluminum-Based Composites: Revolutionizing Manufacturing via Stir Casting Technique

Abstract

This study investigates the utilization of waste steel chips as reinforcement in aluminum-based composites through the stir casting technique. Steel chip particles were introduced gradually into the molten aluminum alloy while stirring at 400 rpm for 10 minutes to ensure uniform dispersion. Precise temperature control prevented premature solidification, facilitating effective incorporation of steel chips. The resulting composite exhibited a predominantly uniform distribution of reinforcement, indicating successful processing.The addition of 7.5% waste steel chips led to remarkable improvements in mechanical properties. Tensile strength increased by 15.67%, while hardness showed a substantial enhancement of 25.56% compared to the base composite. Moreover, wear resistance exhibited a notable improvement of 19.45%. These enhancements underscore the efficacy of waste steel chips as reinforcement, revolutionizing manufacturing practices in aluminum composites. The findings highlight the potential for sustainable and cost-effective approaches to enhance mechanical performance, contributing to advancements in materials engineering and promoting eco-friendly manufacturing practices.