Effects of Cow Bone Particulate on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Cast Aluminum Bronze
Ayotunde Adigun Ojo
Dr Ojo is a Reader in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti
Julius O. Abere
Dr Abere is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti
Kolade Olanipekun
Abstract
This study investigates the potential of cow bone particulates (CBp) as a sustainable reinforcement material for aluminum bronze composites. Cow bones, an abundant agricultural waste, were processed into particulates and incorporated into an aluminum bronze matrix (88% copper, 10% aluminum, 2% tin) at varying concentrations (0-5% by weight) via sand casting. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the resulting composites were evaluated through hardness, impact, and tensile tests. Results revealed that the addition of cow bone particulates generally enhanced the hardness of the composites compared to the unreinforced control sample, with some fluctuations observed. The impact strength showed variations across different CBp concentrations, with the sample containing 5% CBp demonstrating the highest impact strength among reinforced samples. Notably, the composite with 5% CBp exhibited the highest ultimate tensile strength (590 MPa), significantly outperforming other compositions. Microstructural analysis confirmed adequate bonding between the cow bone particulates and the aluminum bronze matrix in most samples, with some exhibiting agglomeration at certain concentrations. The findings demonstrate that cow bone particulates can serve as an effective, environmentally friendly reinforcement for aluminum bronze, particularly at a 5% concentration, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional reinforcements while maintaining competitive mechanical properties suitable for various engineering applications.
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