Evaluation of mechanical behaviour and tensile failure analysis of 8 wt.% of nano B₄C particles reinforced Al2214 alloy nano composites

Abstract

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2214-8 wt.% of 500 nm sized B4C particles reinforced composites were studied in this study. By using a liquid metallurgical process, composites containing 8 wt.% of B4C in Al2214 alloy were created. To increase the wettability and dispersion of the composites, fortification particles were warmed to 300 °C and then added in groups of two into the vortex of liquid Al2214 alloy compound. ASTM standards were used to analyse the mechanical characteristics of Al2214 alloy and Al2214-8 wt.% of B4C composites. The distribution and presence of nano B4C particles in the Al2214 alloy matrix were confirmed by microstructural analysis using SEM and EDS. XRD patterns indicated the presence of the B4C phases in Al2214 alloy composites. The addition of 8 wt.% of B4C particles to Al2214 alloy improved its hardness, ultimate, yield, and compression strength. Furthermore, the presence of B4C particles reduced the ductility of the Al2214 alloy. The tested materials were subjected to tensile fractography to determine the various fracture mechanisms.