Advancement of tribological properties of AA 5083 aluminum matrix composite through the incorporation of micro- and nano-copper ferrite reinforcements synthesized from mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) using a green synthesis method;

Abstract

This study investigates the enhancement of wear and friction performance in an AA 5083 matrix composite by incorporating copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) micro and nanoparticles, synthesized through a green process using mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf extract for the first time. Two distinct composites are fabricated using the liquid metallurgy vortex-route method featuring an aluminum AA 5083 matrix and 0.2 % micro- and nano- copper ferrite reinforcement by weight. AA 5083 cast alloy under identical conditions. Characterization analyses were conducted to elucidate the composite properties. The composite samples are underwent wear tests against a steel disc under three different loads (10 N, 20 N, and 40 N) at two sliding distances (250 m and 500 m), maintaining a constant sliding speed of 2.6 m/s using a pin-on-disc wear test apparatus. The composites exhibited superior wear and friction performance compared to the unreinforced material. Overall, the nano-copper ferrite reinforced material showcased, on average, 33 % and 52 % lower wear rates than the unreinforced material, and 27 % and 31 % lower wear rates than the micro-copper ferrite reinforced material respectively. © 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.