Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

Low crude oil prices have impacted the economy of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries especially the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hence it is vital to accelerate the diversification of the economy. Among the many potential diversification avenues, manufacturing is a promising area that could add to the GDP. Manufacturing of Aluminum-based Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) automotive components is a viable industry in which local companies could be part of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to global automotive giants. With the emphasis on sustainable manufacturing, this work aims in using waste materials. The reinforcement material alumina was sourced from the local oil refineries in UAE and Oman where spent alumina catalysts (SAC) is a waste material from crude oil refining. Presently the oil refineries in Oman and UAE face problems in disposing of the huge quantity of spent catalyst generated during the refining of crude oil. The matrix material was easily obtained from the scrap alloy wheels of cars which are also abundantly available in UAE. The mechanical and tribological properties were analyzed. The results showed the recycled Al MMC, exhibited better strength and wear properties than virgin alloy.