article · Acta Metallurgica Slovaca
This research evaluates the microstructure and mechanical properties of an aluminium magnesium silicon alloy (Al6063) reinforced with palm kernel shell ash and silicon carbide. Samples were prepared using the double stir-casting method, holding palm kernel shell ash constant at two weight percent while varying silicon carbide from two to eight weight percent. Testing according to standard methods demonstrated that adding these reinforcing particles increased composite density, hardness, yield strength, and ultimate tensile strength relative to the base alloy. Specifically, hardness rose from 73 to up to 85.5 BHN, yield strength from 79 to 102 MPa, and ultimate tensile strength from 116 to 133 MPa. Conversely, percentage elongation and fracture toughness decreased. Microstructural analysis revealed phases of aluminium, silicon dioxide, iron silicide, magnesium oxide, and silicon carbide.
Incorporating agricultural by-products like palm kernel shell ash alongside ceramic particulates offers a way to enhance the structural performance of aluminium alloys. Understanding how these hybrid additions alter strength, hardness, and ductility helps material engineers evaluate alternative reinforcements for structural components, potentially reducing raw material costs while retaining essential mechanical qualities.
The material shows potential for use in the construction sector, specifically for manufacturing aluminium frames and roofing sheets. The primary users would be building material fabricators and aluminium product manufacturers. Because the findings derive from laboratory synthesis and standard mechanical testing, the technology is at an applied research stage and requires further development before industrial production.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
The study examined the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si alloy reinforced with palm kernel shell ash (PKSA) and silicon carbide (SiC). The alloy matrix was reinforced with SiC (2 - 8 wt.%) and PKSA (2 wt.%). The double stir-casting method was used to prepare the hybrid composite. The mechanical properties of the produced samples were evaluated based on ASTM standards. Identification of phases present in the composite was done using a PANalytical Empyrean diffractometer, while the microstructural characterization was examined using a scanning electron machine with electron dispersive spectrometer attachment. The density values increase as the SiC contents in the composites increase. As the reinforcement particulates increase, the mechanical properties of the reinforced composite improved with hardness value (73 – 85.5 BHN); yield strength (81 – 102 MPa); and ultimate tensile strength (123 – 133 MPa) compared with the matrix alloy of 73 BHN, 79 MPa, and 116 MPa, respectively. However, the percentage elongation and the fracture toughness of the reinforced samples reduced to 34.2 and 40.11%, respectively. The phases identified in the composites were Al, SiO2, Fe3Si, MgO, and SiC. The synthesized hybrid composites would be applicable as building materials such as aluminium frames and roofing sheets.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.36547/ams.28.1.1340
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
