Effect of B4C reinforcement ratio and sintering temperature on the mechanical behavior in Al-B4C composites

Abstract

In this study, powders of Al 1070 and B4C were prepared by volume in three different reinforcement ratios 4 % B4C, 8 % B4C and 16 % B4C compacted under the pressure of 500 MPa with cold pressing method then sintered under the temperatures of 500, 550 and 600°C. Then the hardness was measured and wear test was performed using pin-on-disk method. In the results of tests, the compression pressure of 500 MPa was not sufficient for composite structure to achieve the required density. The highest hardness values were achieved at sintering temperature of 550°C and in 8 % B4C reinforced composite. The highest wear rate was measured in 4% B4C reinforced composite specimen sintered at 600°C. It is determined that a sintering temperature above 550°C had adverse effects on the mechanical properties.

Keywords

• metal matrix composite
• B4C
• sintering
• mechanical behavior