MECHANICAL AND MICROSTRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF BRASS REINFORCED WITH COCONUT SHELL ASH POWDER

Abstract

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are materials in which metals are reinforced with other materials preferably of lower cost to improve their properties. In this study, Brass - Coconut Shell Ash powder (CSAp) composites having 5, 10 and 15% weight CSAp were fabricated by stir-casting method. The tensile strength of the MMCs is in the order 15% > 10% > 5% > 0% of CSAp. Hardness of the MMCs increases slightly with increase in the percentage body weight of CSAp, in the order 15% > 10% > 5% > 0% of CSAp. The highest impact energy of 61 J was obtained for 5% CSAp. However, significant improvement in tensile strength and hardness values was noticeable at the 15%. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of the MMCs shows dendritic structures formation, the reinforcing particles (CSAp) are visible and clearly delineated in the microstructure. Hence, this study has established that reinforcing brass with coconut shell ash particles can result in the production of/ow cost brass composites with enhanced tensile strength, hardness and impact energy values.