Experimental Investigation of Smart and Sustainable Fly Ash Reinforced Aluminium Composites for Marine Engineering Applications

Abstract

The call of durable, lightweight and sustainable materials in marine engineering has spurred the creation of sophisticated composites that are able to endure severe conditions. Conditions at the ocean including corrosion, cyclic loading, and temperature changes. This study introduces the reinforced metal matrix composites made of aluminium with industrial waste fly ash by an optimized stir casting process. The composites were tested regarding mechanical properties, wear resistance, corrosion behaviour in simulated seawater, and microstructural features, via SEM, EDS, and XRD techniques. Findings indicate that the tensile can be greatly enhanced by incorporation of 10–15% fly ash. Strength, hardness and corrosion resistance but with low density and thermal. stability. Minimized degradation in saline conditions points out their applicability in marine applications. Microstructural examination ensures that there is even distribution of particles and strong interfacial bonding. Also, the life cycle assessment shows as much as 35% carbon footprint decrease, which proves that these composites are a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for marine engineering applications.