Manufacturing Feasibility of Al6061and Boron Carbide Particulate Reinforcement to Cast a Metal Matrix Composite with Wettability Agent

Abstract

Aluminium metal matrix composite with a combination of Al6061 as base matrix and B4C as particulate up to 0 to 3% by weight in the steps of 1 wt% is manufactured by liquid metallurgy method by stir casting process. The choice of the process has been concluded from the literature survey and is tabulated. The steps involved in the processing of composite have been reported in detail. A conventional stir casting technique and the steps followed are recorded. The different process parameters controlled during the process have been reported. With the processing of the composite, the chemical stability between the particulate and the alloy matrix as known from its properties has been ascertained. The addition of wettability agent and thus its effect has been discussed. The optical microscope images of the processed composite have been presented in the paper as an indication to successful fabrication of composite. Based on the images, distribution of particulates in matrix alloy and possible reasons for this to get exhibited have been discussed. The paper aims at bridging the gap of essentials of wetting of solid particulates and the practice of casting.