Corrosion Behaviour of Bamboo Leaf Ash-Reinforced Nickel Surface-Deposited Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

The global consumption of bamboo leaves behind with greater amounts of waste leaves occupies a majority of landfills. Burning of this residual debris (bamboo leaves) in an unrestrained manner poses out multiple adverse and irreversible effects on both human and the environment we live in. A large number of residual wastes are being generated through industrial and agricultural operations due to the forever increasing world population. These residual debris is often involving much complicated processes for disposal. Converting the stubborn residual debris to green material systems is regarded as optimal and effective way for the current pollution crisis. The current study mainly intends for the use of calcined ash from bamboo waste leaves which have a tremendous pozzolanic properties and can be used as natural industrial-agro filler and inspecting the corrosion behaviour of nickel-deposited aluminium–bamboo leaf ash composites. The base A356.2 aluminium alloy is reinforced with bamboo leaf ash particulates by employing stir casting technique varying the reinforcement percentages, i.e. 2, 4 and 6 wt. %. The fabricated Al-BLA composites are nickel electrodeposited with a customary watt’s bath. The corrosion behaviour of the test samples is investigated thoroughly by employing polarization tests under aerated 3.5% Nacl ambience. The microstructural and coating surface morphology is studied by employing SEM and XRD practices. It was noted the nickel-deposited Al-BLA composites flaunted enhanced corrosion resistance and elevated mechanical behaviour upon increasing the percentage of the reinforcement.