Effects of palm kernel shell ash as a reinforcement on the properties of recycled aluminium cans for aluminium matrix composites production

In this study, palm kernel shell ash was utilised as a reinforcement in recycled aluminium waste cans to produce composites using the stir casting method. The palm kernel shell ash reinforcement was introduced to the aluminium matrix in weight percentages of 5, 10, 15, and 20. The addition of palm kernel shell ash enhances the mechanical properties of the composites. The tensile strength increases up to the 10 % weight of palm kernel shell ash addition, reaching 138 MPa, but declines at 15 % and 20 % additions. The hardness exhibits a similar trend. However, the impact energy increases to 121 J with the 15 % reinforcement addition, then decreases to 78 J at the 20 % weight. The density diminishes as the amount of palm kernel ash increases, resulting in the lowest density of 2.46 g/cm³ at the 20 % weight. The XRD analysis revealed different phases with each reinforcement addition. The microstructures with lower reinforcements displayed uniform dispersion, while those with 15 % and 20 % showed particle clustering and slight agglomeration. The improvement in the mechanical behaviour of the composites and their reduced densities render them potential materials for lightweight engineering applications.