Mathematical modeling of the corrosion response of aluminium 5052/tungsten carbide/graphite hybrid composite

Aluminium metal matrix composites are comprehensively used in a variety of applications comprising marine, aerospace, automobiles etc. Being less dense and having low thermal coefficient of expansion, they have better wear resistance and corrosion rates. To develop strength and corrosion properties aluminium hybrid composites are employed, where tungsten carbide and graphite particles are the reinforcements. The composite was fabricated by stir casting due to its cost effectiveness and better availability among other fabrication methods. Immersion tests have been conducted to find the corrosion rate. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis were carried out before and after the corrosion tests which reveals pitting corrosion. Furthermore, input parameters such as concentration of electrolyte, time, contents of tungsten carbide particles and contents of graphite particles are considered by using response surface methodology and the mathematical models are constructed.