Fabrication and Characterisation of ZnO Nanoparticle-Reinforced Aluminum Alloys for Sustainable and Economically Feasible Architectural Applications

Abstract

The rise in the need to have sustainable, durable, and economical construction materials has promoted the creation of high level metal matrix composites to be used in architectural constructions. In this paper, the artificial, characterisation, as well as the empirical analysis of ZnO nanoparticle reinforced aluminium alloy is explored with an emphasis on its mechanical behaviour, future sustainability, and economic viability. The composites were made through the stir casting method with a different fraction of weight of the ZnO nanoparticles to increase dispersion and bonding of the matrix. To examine material performance mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength, and microstructural behaviour were studied. Furthermore, a survey was carried out in the form of a structured survey among construction and materials engineering professionals to assess perceived sustainability and economic viability. SmartPLS-based structural equation modelling was used to analyse the collected data to determine the relationships between material performance, sustainability, and economic feasibility. The findings show that ZnO nanoparticle reinforcement has a significant effect in enhancing mechanical strength, hardness and thermal stability of the aluminium alloys. The analysis of SmartPLS proves that the material performance produces the positive influence on sustainability and economic feasibility to a great extent. Moreover, sustainability also shows the substantial positive effect on economic viability, which means that eco-friendly materials also help to achieve cost-effectiveness over time. The model has a decent explanatory and predictive power, which proves the strength of the proposed framework. In general, the results indicate that ZnO-reinforced aluminium composites are very well adapted to sustainable architectural uses since they have improved performance and lifecycle cost advantages. The paper concludes that the incorporation of nanotechnology into the construction materials can be crucial in the development of sustainable infrastructure especially in the developing economies where cost effectiveness and durability is paramount. Further studies are suggested to identify industrial-scale applications and environmental lifecycle analysis.

Keywords: ZnO Nanoparticles; Aluminium Alloys; Metal Matrix Composites; Sustainable Construction Materials; Smartpls Analysis; Economic Feasibility; Nan Composites