Enhancing Mechanical Performance and Heat Treatment Response in AA2024 Alloys Through B4C and Alumina

Abstract

Aluminum Alloy 2024/Boron carbide (B4C)/alumina composites showed different tensile characteristics after they were strengthened and heated. The T6 thermal cycle performance got better because the samples were made harder through “precipitation hardening” using various amounts of alumina and B4C. After the application of heat, the composite materials had a consistent spread of strengthening elements, and an examination of their energy levels showed Aluminum, Silicon, and Magnesium, along with small amounts of a few other particles. Researchers carefully tested the tensile properties of heat-treated and strengthened steel. The research indicated that both the tensile strength (TS) and yield strength (YS) increased to 210ºC and then started to decrease to 140ºC. The stiffness and elastic modulus of the composites improved due to the addition of reinforcement and heat treatment. This resulted in a significant reduction in El (Elongation) content in the composites. Several factors, such as the diffusion process, grain refinement, heat treatment temperatures, and the mix of strengthening elements, contributed to the enhanced elastic modulus and tensile strength of the composites. Research aimed at optimizing these findings to streamline the development of hybridized composite materials has many applications in the aerospace and transportation industries.