Influence of boron carbide content on the microstructure, tensile strength and fracture behavior of boron carbide reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites

Abstract

In the present work, an indigenously developed low cost modified stir casting technique is developed for the processing of 6061 Al‐B4C composites containing high‐volume fraction of boron carbide particles (up to 20 vol. %). The influence of varying reinforcement content on the spatial distribution of boron carbide in the aluminum matrix is qualitatively characterized using scanning electron microscope. At a lower volume fraction of reinforcement, wide particle free zone and large interparticle spacing were observed in the matrix while the composite with high reinforcement content displayed relatively homogeneous and discrete particle distribution. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirms the presence of only aluminum and boron carbide diffraction peaks, indicating that no significant reaction occurs during composite processing. The tensile behavior of composites revealed that strength and ductility are influenced by varying particulate content. The quantitative analysis of strengthening mechanism in the casted composites showed that higher volume fraction of boron carbide lead to larger values of thermal dislocation strengthening, grain size and strain gradient strengthening. The morphology of fracture surfaces reveals the presence of dimple network and the average size of dimples gradually decreases with the increase in particulate content, which indicates the co‐existence of ductile and brittle fracture.

Structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of silanized boron carbide doped epoxy nanocomposites

“…9 Some studies have been carried out on B 4 C doped materials, and it has been concluded that B 4 C particles improve thermal, 10 mechanical, 11,12 and physical properties. 13 While B 4 C particles doped metal matrix materials were frequently encountered, it was seen that there are limited studies on polymer matrix materials [14][15][16] in the literature. Kharat et al investigated the mechanical properties of boron carbide (B 4 C) and Tungsten disulphide (WS 2 ) doped epoxy composites in a study.…”

Investigation of Al-B4C Metal Matrix Composites Produced by Friction Stir Additive Processing

“…The main task of the basket is to maintain subcriticality of the fuel assembly by means of thermal neutron absorption [1][2][3]. Neutron absorption is facilitated by isotope 10 B with a large neutron absorption cross section (3850 barn at 25.3 meV). Isotope 10 B also has relevant natural abundance (19.8%) which makes it attractive for large-scale use [1].…”

“…The production of MMCs using stir casting might lead to non-uniform particle distribution. Porosity [8], interfacial reactions [9] or poor wetting between aluminium and boron carbide [10] can have a negative impact on the performance of the final product. Sintering techniques such as hot pressing do also have some porosity [11], but they can be utilized to produce MMCs with more homogeneous particle distribution.…”

Influence of TiC nano‐particulates on the physical and mechanical properties of AA7150‐TiC MMC: Fabricated by advanced novel process

“…Though these are light-weight metals they do not meet the demand towards their material properties such as mechanical and tribological. A new kind of material called nanocomposite material was developed in which stiff ceramic particle are incorporated to get a notable improvement in properties [1][2][3][4] but low ductility and poor toughness limit the use of these materials, these being a result of poor wettability, low ductility, porosity, and clustering due to micronano particle sizes in nature. [5] Hence, several methods were introduced to minimize these defects.…”