Synthesis, physico-mechanical and microstructural characterization of Al6063/SiC/PKSA hybrid reinforced composites

Abstract The utilization of agro-residues ash as complementary reinforcing materials continues to gain prominence for metal matrix composite (MMCs) development. A rarely investigated but largely available among these is the palm kernel shell (PKSA). Thus, present study investigates influence PKSA particulates hybridized with SiC on physico-mechanical properties and microstructure Al6063 composites. composites are synthesized using double stir-casting technique held constant at 2 wt.%, while contents varied from 0 8 wt.%. phases morphology X-ray diffractometer (XRD) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. density, porosity, hardness, tensile fracture toughness tests carried out hybrid revealed that Al 6063, only cubic crystal system was identifiable within matrix. However, reinforced composites, major identified Al, Fe 3 Si, SiC, MgO, SiO . SEM images show reinforcements (SiC PKSA) were uniformly dispersed in percentage porosity ranged 2.06 2.39%. In addition, yield strength ultimate about 10.3%, 18.5% 10.4%, respectively better than 6063. percent elongation lower 6063 values decreasing increase content. Hence, MMCs produced will be applicable light-weight engineering applications.