Effect of Step Quenching Ageing on the Wear and Corrosion Properties of Al-Cu-Mg/ 3% Rice Husk Ash Composite

This study investigates the impact of Step Quenching Ageing on the Wear and Corrosion resistance behaviour and microstructure of Al-Cu-Mg/ 3% Rice Husk Ash Content that was fabricated via stir casting technique. The temper conditions of the sample involve pre aging at 90°C for 1 hour and further heat treating to 180°C for 1-5 hours respectively. This was compared with the control sample that was aged at 180°C for 5 hours. The corrosion resistance of the Al-Cu-Mg/3%RHA composite was determined using linear polarization resistance technique, while the wear rate was determined using a pin-on disc tribometer. The findings showed improved corrosion and wear rate behaviour of pre-aged samples having a corrosion rate of 9.727E02 mm/yr when put side by side with the control sample, particularly for the 3 hours trials. It was observed that more precipitates (possibly Al, Cu, Al,CuMg, Mg2Cu or MgCu2) were established and seen to be more uniformly dispersed in the pre-aged specimens than control sample. It can be affirmed that the step quenching treatment has enhanced the corrosion and wear characteristic of the composite being invested.