Compositional optimization of sustainable aluminum-7075 trihybrid auto-composite by the valorization of municipal wastes toward achieving indigenous auto-material initiative

Demand for sustainable and cheaper engineering components as alternatives to more expensive conventionally synthesized products is on the rise. In order to develop a green aluminum composite for indigenous auto-design rather than depending on more expensive imported ceramic reinforcement, this study involved the valorization of three environmentally sourced wastes: copper scrap, glass products, and rice husk into recycled copper particles (RCP), recycled glass powder (RGP), and rice husk ash (RHA), and their utilization in the reinforcement of aluminum-7075. Via mixed design method, composites were developed with varying dosage of the additives, and mechanical properties (yield, ultimate, bending, impact and compressive strengths and hardness) were examined. The outcome revealed that the inclusion of the particles ensued improvement of the performance of the composites. Compositional optimization by statistical analysis presents the combination of 9.0% RCP, 7.1% RGP, and 1.9% RHA for optimal performance of the green trihybrid auto-composite, capable of being a cheaper alternative.