Investigating the mechanical performance of innovative bean pod ash particulates reinforced in AA6063 alloy for construction and building applications

The AA6063, renowned for its corrosion resistance, faces limitations in construction and building applications due to its low mechanical strength. Bean pod ash (BPA_p), a byproduct of the agro-waste heat-treatment process, presents an innovative and sustainable alternative to synthetic reinforcements. This study aims to improve the mechanical properties of AA6063 by incorporating BPA_p and a hybrid of BPA_p and alumina. Four aluminum matrix composites (AMCs), including unreinforced AA6063, were fabricated using a two-step stir-casting process with 10 wt.% BPA_p and alumina in varying weight ratios. The microstructure, porosity, hardness, tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and ductility of the AMCs were evaluated. SEM analysis showed uniform BPA_p dispersion and porosity below 4%, indicating lightweight AMCs. The composites exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, showing increased hardness (74.70-to-105.04 BHN), tensile strength (118.87-to-207.49 MPa), ductility (5.00-to-12.22%), and Young’s modulus (13.25-to-15.63 GPa). These findings demonstrate that BPA_p effectively enhances AA6063 and offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly reinforcement solution.