THE EFFECT OF PARTICULATE OF COW BONE ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND MICRO STRUCTURE OF ALUMINUM- BRASS

ABSTRACT This research investigates the effect of cow bone particulate on the mechanical properties and microstructure of aluminum-brass composites. The study was carried out to develop an improved metal matrix composite with enhanced engineering properties through the incorporation of cow bone particulate as reinforcement in an aluminum-brass alloy matrix. Cow bone, an agricultural waste material rich in calcium phosphate and ceramic constituents, was processed into fine particulates and utilized as reinforcement due to its low cost, availability, and environmentally friendly nature. The aluminum-brass composite samples were produced using the stir casting method with varying weight percentages of cow bone particulate. Mechanical tests such as hardness test, tensile strength test, impact strength test, and wear resistance evaluation were conducted to determine the effect of the reinforcement on the performance of the composite material. Microstructural examination was also carried out using metallurgical analysis techniques to study the distribution of particles, grain structure, bonding characteristics, and the presence of possible defects within the matrix. The results obtained showed that the addition of cow bone particulate significantly influenced the mechanical properties and microstructure of the aluminum-brass composite. An improvement in hardness and wear resistance was observed with increasing particulate content, while variations in tensile and impact properties depended on the percentage and distribution of the reinforcement. The microstructural analysis revealed fairly uniform particle dispersion and improved interfacial bonding between the matrix and reinforcement. The study concludes that cow bone particulate can serve as an effective reinforcement material in aluminum-brass composites for engineering applications requiring improved mechanical performance, reduced material cost, and sustainable waste utilization. The developed composite has potential applications in automobile, marine, and structural engineering industries.