Effects of Bamboo leaf stem ash on the microstructure and properties of cast Al–Si–Mg/Bamboo leaf stem ash particulates composites

Abstract

Aluminium matrix composites have proved to be excellent engineering materials. However, high cost of current Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs)compared to aluminum have limit it wide usage. In attempts to overcome this limitation, this work focused on the reinforcement of aluminum-based composites using low cost Bamboo leaf stem waste as reinforcement. Stir casting method was used in producing the composites. The Bamboo leaf stem ash particles (BLSAp) was varied from 5 to 15wt%. The microstructure was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), tensile test; Hardness test and Impact test were studied. The results show that tensile strength and hardness values improved by 16.93 and 12.15% at 15wt%BLSAp. While the density and impact energy slightly reduced by 14.91 and 18.64% at 15wt%BLSAp. The work has proved that waste Bamboo leaf stem can used in improving the properties of A356 alloy.

Keywords:

• Aluminum alloys
• Bamboo leaf stem
• microstructure and mechanical properties

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.