Bagasse(sugar cane waste): As low cost reinforcement for metal matrix composites

The high cost of current metal matrix composites(MMCs), interfacial reaction and high density of most common ceramic reinforcement compared to aluminum alloys has inhibited production on a large industrial scale, for example in the automotive industry. In attempts to overcome this limitation, several research and development(RandD) were focused on the reinforcement of aluminum-based MMCs using low cost industrial waste by-products as the reinforcement. This could reduce the cost and the weight of energy intensive metals for potential applications in engineering components for a new generation of vehicles. This paper summarizes attempts of incorporating bagasse into aluminum castings to decrease the energy content, material content, cost, and weight of selected industrial components, while also improving selected properties. The Aluminum matrix composites reinforced with bagasse ash was produced by double stir-casting. 2-10 weight percent bagasse ash particles were added. The microstructure and phases of the composites produced were examined by SEM/EDS and XRD methods. Properties such as density, hardness, wear, tensile compression strength of the were evaluated. It is shown that bagasse can be incorporated in aluminum alloy matrix using double stir casting technique.