TG and DSC Analyses of Equi-Channel Angular Processed Red Mud Particle Reinforced 5083 Aluminum Alloy Matrix Composites Synthesized by Stir Casting

Abstract

TG and DSC analyses were performed to study thermal stability and specific heat capacity of red mud (RM) particle reinforced Al5083 alloy matrix composites. Metal matrix composites of different weight percentages of RM were blended by stir casting. The composites were processed by equi-channel angular extrusion using a die with an angle of 105° between channels and 30° at the outer curvature. The structural and mechanical behaviors of composites processed by ECAE were evaluated by SEM and hardness studies. Thermal analysis of composites before and after ECAP was performed by using DSC and TG–DTA. From the TG analysis, it was observed that the mass loss of the composites reduced with an increase in RM fraction. Thermal stability before ECAP was observed high up to a temperature of 250 °C and after ECAP high thermal stability retained up to a temperature of 350 °C. It was also observed that at higher fractions of RM, enthalpy and specific heat capacity of composites significantly reduced due to the reduction in the enrichment of RM particles with a matrix material of the composite.