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 (CuFe 2 O 4 ) 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.