Explicit microstructural evolution and electrochemical performance of value added palm kernel shell ash nanoparticle/A356 alloy composite

The explicit microstructural evolution and electrochemical performance of value added palm kernel shell ash nanoparticle/A356 alloy composite produced by double layer feeding-stir casting method was studied. The composites were produced using 0 and 4 wt% palm kernel shell ash nanoparticle. X-ray diffractometer, transmission, scanning electron microscopes and electrochemical analyser were used for the analysis. It was observed that double layer feeding-stir casting method increases the wettiability of the palm kernel shell ash nanoparticle in A356 alloy and decreases the brittle intermetallic phase. Uniform distribution of the palm kernel shell ash nanoparticle in A356 alloy. The mismatch at the interface between the palm kernel shell ash nanoparticle and A356 alloy was 4.26 %. The Al-phase and the palm kernel shell ash nanoparticle were parallel in relationship along the interfaces. Dislocation structure at the interface was visible and coherent with regular arrangement of palm kernel shell ash nanoparticle. The corrosion resistance of the composite was higher than that of the alloy in simulated sea water.