Abstract
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 unrein-forced 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.