Enhancing Tribo-Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of ADC 12 Alloy Composites through Marble Dust Reinforcement by Squeeze Casting Technique

Abstract

This research intends to enhance the tribo-mechanical and corrosion properties of ADC 12 alloys by incorporating marble dust (MD) as a reinforcing element. Composites with varied MD concentrations (0–10 wt%) were fabricated using a squeeze casting process, addressing the limitations of conventional casting techniques. The microstructural analysis confirmed homogeneous MD dispersion within the ADC 12 matrix, facilitating an effective load transfer and solid interfacial bonding. As MD content increased, the experimental density decreased, while porosity increased from 1.22% to 3.97%. Remarkably, adding 4 wt% MD yielded a 20.41%, 17.63%, and 15.75% enhancement in hardness, tensile, and compression strength compared to the as-cast ADC 12. Incorporating MD particles facilitated Orowan strengthening and Hall–Petch strengthening mechanisms, contributing to the observed improvements. The wear rate was reduced by 18.33% with MD content, showing a 17.57% corrosion reduction at 72 h. These outcomes establish the synergistic benefits of ADC 12 squeeze casting with MD reinforcement, delivering superior tribo-mechanical and corrosion properties.