Multifunctional A356 alloy/PKSAnp composites: Microstructure and mechanical properties

Mechanical properties and microstructure of multifunctional composites produced with palm kernel shell ash nanoparticle (PKSAnp)-A356 alloy composites was studied. The composites were produced using Double layer feeding stir casting method (DLF-SCM) by adding 1 wt%‒4 wt.% PKSAnp. The microstructure, density, electrical and mechanical properties were determined. The results shows that there was a uniform distribution of the PKSAnp in A356 alloy. The mismatch at the interface between the PKSAnp and A356 alloy was 4.26%. Improvement of 30.47%, 41.91%, 49.52%, 40.90% and 65.09% were obtained for hardness values, tensile, yield strength, %elongation and impact energy at 4 wt% PKASnp. The work has established that the developed composites can be used for multifunctional applications where combination of toughness and strength is vital. © 2019 The Authors