Processing of surface-treated boron carbide-reinforced aluminum matrix composites by liquid-metal stir-casting technique

作者：Mahesh V P; Nair Praseeda S; Rajan T P D^*; Pai B C; Hubli R C

来源：Journal of Composite Materials, 2011, 45(23): 2371-2378.

DOI：10.1177/0021998311401086

• boron carbide
• aluminum
• metal matrix composite
• stir casting
• interfacial reaction

Boron carbide is one of the potential neutron-shielding materials and its use can be maximized for structural shielding application by dispersing it into metal matrixes such as aluminum. Dispersion of B(4)C and its interfacial stability is a major issue during its processing. This investigation is on the synthesis of B(4)C-reinforced 6061 aluminum matrix composite by liquid-metal stir-casting technique under optimized conditions after solving the issues related to the processing, and evaluation of the structural, mechanical, and interfacial characteristics. During processing of composites, pretreatment of B(4)C particles is necessary to improve its dispersion. However, higher preheating temperatures above 300 degrees C lead to particle agglomeration in the matrix due to the formation of B(2)O(3) phase during preheating. B(2)O(3) is formed due to the surface oxidation of B(4)C particles above 300 degrees C and this glassy phase leads to particle sintering and lump formation. Incorporation of particles preheated at 250 degrees C has shown uniform distribution of particles in the composite. Interfacial characterization of the composite and the extracted B(4)C particles from the matrix has shown the presence of interfacial reaction products such as AlB(2), Al(3)BC, AlB(12), and AlB(10).

• 出版日期2011-11