CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF HYBRID AA6061/SiC/CARBONIZED COCONUT SHELL NANOCOMPOSITE IN A SULFURIC ACID MEDIUM

This study examined the corrosion behavior of hybrid AA6061/SiC/carbonized coconut shell nanocomposites fabricated via stir casting method, using 0.3 M H2SO4 as corrosive environment at room temperature (27oC). The corrosion study was carried out on composite samples containing 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15% wt each of carbonized coconut shell and SiC nanoparticles, combined in the ratio 1:1 using gravimetric method, potentiodynamic polarization analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results revealed that incorporation of nanoparticles of silicon carbide and carbonized coconut shell into the aluminium alloy matrix improved the corrosion resistance of the composites. The corrosion resistance of the nanocomposites in 0.3 M H2SO4 solution increased with increase in percentage weight of carbonized coconut shell (CSS) and silicon carbide (SiC) particles with the composite having 12 wt.% CSS/SiC exhibiting the best resistance to corrosion but with 3 wt.% CSS/SiC addition showing least corrosion resistance, suggesting that the composite containing lower weight percentage of CSS/SiC may not be suitable for use in acidic environments, as it is susceptible to pitting corrosion. The findings highlight the potential of combining carbonized coconut shell and silicon carbide particles as sustainable aluminum composite reinforcement for enhanced corrosion resistance in aqueous environment.