Production and microstructure of AA2024 – B4C metal matrix composites by mechanical alloying method

Year 2012, Volume: 1 Issue: 1, 15 - 22, 01.06.2012

Aykut Çanakçı Temel Varol -

Abstract

In this study, effect of mechanical alloying method on the production and properties of metal matrix composites was investigated. Al2024 powders as matrix material and B4C particles (5 wt.%) as reinforcement material were used. Initially, composite powders were produced by milling the as-received powders in a high energy ball milling at different milling time. Green compacts were fabricated by composite powders pressed with an uniaxial press at different pressures. Then, green samples were sintered under an atmosphere of argon. Microstructure of the Al2024-B4C composites was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, the change of composite hardness with milling time and consolidation pressure was investigated. The SEM micrographs demonstrated a uniform distribution of B4C particles in Al2024 matrix with increasing milling time. The composite hardness increased with increasing milling time and consolidation pressure. As a result, the homogeneous distribution of reinforcement particles not be obtained with liquid phase methods provided by mechanical alloying method that significantly improved the composite properties.

Keywords

Metal-matrix composites (MMCs), mechanical alloying, microstructure

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