Examining The Mechanical Characteristics of Aluminum Alloy Reinforced BORON CARBIDE

Abstract

Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) have become 
increasingly significant in various industries due to their desirable 
properties, including wear resistance, low density, high strength, and 
excellent structural rigidity. These composites are particularly favored in 
aerospace, military, automotive, marine, and other domestic applications. 
To enhance the properties of the aluminum matrix, it is reinforced with 
hard ceramic particles such as SiC, Al2O3, B4C, and others. In this 
study, aluminum LM6 alloy was selected as the matrix material, with 25
micron-sized boron carbide (B4C) particles chosen as the reinforcement, 
at varying weight percentages. The composites were fabricated using the 
sand casting technique. The hardness and impact behavior of the 
prepared composites were examined. The results showed that the 
hardness of the LM6 alloy increased, while the impact strength 
decreased with the addition of B4C particles. Scanning electron 
microscopy (SEM) micrographs confirmed the uniform distribution of 
B4C particles within the aluminum alloy.