Mechanical and tribological characteristics of boron carbide reinforcement of AA6061 matrix composite

Abstract

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.

Effect of 6 Wt.% Particle (B4C + SiC) Reinforcement on Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Aluminum Hybrid MMC

“…al., 2020 [29], almost all work showed an increase in hardness by the addition of B4C in Al matrix based hybrid composites [10], [30][31]. The fluctuation in hardness value in the work presented by the group [Hynes et. al., 2020] might be due to the imropoer mixing of B4C particles.…”

Effect of 6 wt.% Particle (B4C+SiC) Reinforcement on Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Aluminum Hybrid MMC

“…al., 2020 [29], almost all work showed an increase in hardness by the addition of B4C in Al matrix based hybrid composites [10], [30][31]. The fluctuation in hardness value in the work presented by the group [Hynes et. al., 2020] might be due to the imropoer mixing of B4C particles.…”

Effect on Microstructure and Performance of B4C Content in B4C/Cu Composite

“…In addition, it has stable hightemperature strength and can absorb neutrons [5][6][7][8][9]. B 4 C has been added to the matrix of many metal materials, as a strengthening phase to improve their performance [10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. For example, Lyu et al [10] added B 4 C particles into a Q235 steel substrate and found that the wear resistance could be greatly improved.…”

“…Moreover, Joshi et al [12] introduced B 4 C particles into a magnesium (Mg) alloy matrix, and found that the wear properties and hardness of B 4 C/Mg composites were largely improved. Additionally, Hynes et al [15] found that the mechanical properties of the AA6061 matrix composites were enhanced by adding B 4 C reinforcement, and the wear resistance was also superior. At the same time, Aherwar et al [16] studied the impact of B 4 C and porcelain particulates on aluminum (Al) matrix composite properties.…”