Fatigue properties of value-added composite from Al-Si-Mg/palm kernel shell ash nanoparticles

The fatigue properties of AMCs are affected by low ductility, poor toughness, and resistant to crack growth which is attributed to the reinforcement particles, sizes, and shapes, because the crack growth rate behavior of the composite displays a markedly higher sensitivity to the applied stress intensity (K) than observed in most metals. The use of nano-sized ceramic particles has been reported to strengthen the metal matrix, while maintaining good ductility, high temperature creep resistance, and better fatigue. Based on this background, fatigue properties of Al-Si-Mg/palm kernel shell ash nanoparticles (PKSAnp) was investigated. Sol-gel method was used in the production of the PKSAnp; 4 wt% of PKSAnp was added to Al-7%Si-0.3%Mg alloy to produce A356/4 wt% PKSAnp composites; fatigue properties were determined as per ASTM E466; microstructure of the composite was determined using a scanning electronic microscope; ANSYS bench work software was used determined the factor of safety and fatigue life. The presence of PKSAnp in the alloy has great influences that alter the number of cycles obtained for the composite even at higher temperature. The presence of PKSAnp shifted the curve to a higher number of cycle before failure. The result shows that failure of the alloy will occur before the design life is reached since the minimum value obtained for the alloy is less than one.