Laser Surface Melting of Bamboo Leaf Ash Reinforced Al-SiC Hybrid Composites: A Sustainable Approach to Improved Wear and Corrosion Performance

The current research aims to investigate the effect of the laser process on the tribological and corrosion properties of an Al-4.5Cu/10SiC composite reinforced with 2 and 4 wt.% bamboo leaf ash. It has been found that the addition of Bamboo Leaf Ash (BLA) to Al-4.5Cu alloy and Al-4.5Cu/10SiC composites reduced density and enhanced mechanical and tribological behavior. The composites’ dry sliding wear and corrosion behavior have been evaluated by the pin-on-disc wear test and immersion corrosion method, respectively. It has been observed that adding BLA to the base alloy significantly improves wear and corrosion resistance. The enhancement in properties is attributed to the increased load-bearing capability of the matrix, which is enhanced by the addition of BLA in conjunction with SiC in the composites. Some porosity and particle agglomeration were observed in the composites. Laser remelting has been introduced as a secondary process on the surface of Al-4.5Cu/10SiC/4BLA. A significant enhancement in tribology and corrosion properties was observed after laser re-melting, due to reduced porosity and improved uniform particle distribution.