Experimental Investigation of B4C/AL Metal Matrix Composite for Enhanced Mechanical Properties

The objective of this study is to investigate the tribological and mechanical behavior of boron carbide reinforced aluminum matrix (AA 7010) composite. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanical and tribological behavior of AA 7010 / Boron Carbide (B4C) composites under dry sliding conditions. Aluminum 7010 alloy is chosen as matrix alloy, in which zinc is the main alloying element. Response surface methodology provides the predicting equation and it shows the optimal dry sliding condition for the optimum hybrid composition. Aluminum has a combination of properties that makes it one of the most versatile of all engineering materials. It can be alloyed with other elements to get a customized set of mechanical properties. Aluminum alloy AA 7010 is one such combination which provides medium to high strength, good formability and good corrosion resistance along with low density. Boron carbide is third hardest of all materials with a density of 2.54 g/cm3. The Boron carbide reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite was prepared through liquid casting technique. Various Volume % of B4C is added with AA 7010. There is a possibility of increasing the hardness and other mechanical properties of aluminum or aluminum alloys without affecting the overall weight of the component by developing aluminum matrix composites. In the present study boron carbide particles were dispersed in AA 7010 matrix forming a new aluminum matrix composite. For improving wettability, the K2TiF6 flux was added. The cast composites were undergone T6 heat treatment. The heat treated AA 7010 / B4C composites will be further processed Mechanical tests.