Influence of Particle Size and Particle Range Distribution on the Microstructure of Al–Mg–Si/PKSA Composite for Amateur Solid Rocket Chamber

Abstract

The study discusses an overview of small rocket program, development and characterization of locally sourced material at low cost. The aim is to enable the construction of small sounding rocket components for experimental purposes in Nigeria. This paper proposes the utilization of palm kernel shell ash as filler materials in the development, characterization and production of composite material to construct prototype reusable chamber and accessories that will enable it possible for small scientific experiments. To achieve this, particle size and particle range distribution on the microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of (Al–Mg–Si)/PKSA composites developed by powder metallurgy method were investigated. The access in the 6xxx series of aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy was investigated for this reason. ImageJ software was used to do particle size analysis professionally and the software was used to calculate the area, mean, standard deviation (SD) and the pixel values. The particle size distribution of big constituent (densification or rather densified solids) particles and small dispersoids possess a finer and slightly elongated grain structure when compared with the unreinforced alloy. The results of the XRD and XRF of all the samples considered showed that Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , Mn 2 O 3 and MgO phases were common to all. These hard phases are considered to be responsible for improved mechanical properties and resistance of the composite, while the SEM result showed that the reinforcement was uniformly distributed which further improves the mechanical property of the composite. Keywords: Microstructure, Composite, Rocket, Palm Kernel