The use of boron carbide-reinforced aluminium matrix composites has grown rapidly in critical applications of aerospace industries, automotive sectors, military, and nuclear engineering. However, boron carbide reinforcement within AA6061 alloy is worthy of investigation in terms of its mechanical and tribological properties. Novel aluminium matrix composites were developed with three different reinforcements (i.e. 5, 10, and 15 wt% of B 4 C) by using the stir casting process. The developed samples were then tested for performance in terms of mechanical properties (i.e. tensile strength, bending strength, impact strength, shear properties, and micro-hardness). The microstructure of the developed samples was analysed using a scanning electron microscope. By adding 5% B 4 C reinforcement, the samples display enhanced mechanical properties (high bending, increased resistance to impact test, and shear strength). The micro-hardness tends to increase by increasing the percentage of reinforcement. The novel composites have superior wear resistance due to an increase in the content of B 4 C particles. The measurements indicate that the wear rate resistance is significantly higher for the composite material with a large amount of B 4 C particles when was compared with AA6061 alloy. The patterns of surface analysis reveal a homogeneous distribution of ceramic reinforcements in 5 and 15 wt% of B 4 C samples, as well as a low agglomeration of embedded particles.
Dissimilar materials joining between AZ31 magnesium alloy and SPHC mild steel with Al-Mg powder additives were successfully produced by friction stir welding process. Al-Mg powder additives were set in a gap between AZ31 and SPHC specimen's butt prior to welding. The experiments were performed for different weight percentages of Al-Mg powder additives at welding speeds of 25 mm/min, 50 mm/min and 100 mm/min with a constant tool rotational speed of 500 rpm. The effect of powder additives and welding speed on tensile strength, microhardness, characterization across welding interface and fracture morphology were investigated. Tensile test results showed significant enhancement of tensile strength of 150 MPa for 10% Al and Mg (balance) powder additives welded joint as compared to the tensile strength of 125 MPa obtained for welded joint without powder additives. The loss of aluminium in the alloy is compensated by Al-Mg powder addition during welding under a suitable heat input condition identified by varying welding speeds. Microstructural analysis revealed that the Al-Mg powder was well mixed and dispersed at the interface of the joint at a welding speed of 50 mm/min. Intermetallic compound detected in the welding interface contributed to the welding strength.
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