Reinforcing characteristics of bamboo leaf particulates and high-temperature material on mechanical and wear performances of aluminum-based biocomposites

This study explored the innovative integration of bamboo leaf particulates (BLP) and a high-temperature-resistant ceramic material (ZrO 2 ) into aluminum-based biocomposites, aiming to enhance their mechanical strength and wear resistance for advanced engineering applications. BLP was alkali-treatment to improve their surface morphology, distribution, and interaction with the aluminum-based alloy, and then characterized. Through stir casting, various weight fractions of bamboo leaf ash (BLA) and high-temperature-resistant metallic (zirconia) reinforcements were incorporated into an aluminum matrix to determine their effect on tensile strength, hardness, impact, and tribological behaviour under dry sliding conditions. The results reveal a significant change in BLP functional groups and molecular structure following treatment. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates that temperature affects degradation rates, with the maximum thermal degradation at 358 °C. The density and porosity results revealed changes in structure and compaction following treatment and reinforcement, with hybrid reinforced aluminum-based composite achieving the highest density of 2.76 g/cm 3 due to increased wettability and a porous-free structure. The results show a significant improvement in mechanical performance and wear resistance, with maximum tensile strength, hardness, impact and wear resistance of 210.26 MPa, 90.8 BHN, 45.3 J, and 4.072x10 −4 mm 3 /mm, respectively, attributed to the uniform distribution of reinforcements and interfacial bonding between the matrix and hybrid particulates, with a quality index (QI) range of 348.1–384.913. The innovative use of BLP not only contributes to material sustainability but also provides a cost-effective route to tailor composite properties. This study indicates the viability of eco-friendly hybrid composites in the automotive and aerospace industries, where lightweight, high-performance materials are required.