Mechanical properties of coconut shell ash reinforced aluminium metal matrix composites

Abstract

One of the major agricultural wastes alongside rice husk, bagasse, corn hub etc. is coconut shell. These agricultural wastes can be found in abundance in South Asian countries like India. Throughout the recent studies it has be found that these agricultural wastes can be effectively recycled in engineering and other scientific applications. In the present study, the authors have tried to introduce coconut shell as a reinforcing particle into the aluminium matrix to prepare a metal matrix composite. The composites were prepared using stir cast technique which has a provision of bottom pouring. The fabricated composite specimens were tested for their mechanical properties such as density, hardness, tensile strength. The results on the samples showed a considerable improvement in the properties.