Selection of Aluminum Matrix for Boron–Aluminum Sheet Alloys

Abstract

The problem of substantiating the aluminum matrix composition for obtaining the hardenable by heat-treatment boron-aluminum alloys in the form of ingots and sheet products. Alumanation materials alloyed by boron are promising radiation-resistant structural materials. Analysis of basic systems of the hardenable by heat-treatment aluminum alloys was carried out. With the use of the calculations (Thermo-Calc software) and experimental methods (including scanning electron microscopy and microprobe analysis), justified has been an unreasonableness of obtaining the boron-aluminum alloys based on magnesium-containing systems because of an active interaction of that element with boron. An experimental study has been focused on the boron-aluminum alloys based on Al-Zr-Sc (with magnesium, manganese and titanium additives) and Al-Cu systems. It was found that titanium introduction into the systems with zirconium and scandium does not assist in preventing their interaction with boron, which hampers the aluminum matrix hardening. The Al-Cu system meets the requirements best of all since copper doesn't interact with boron and does not affect on composition of the boron-containing phases. It was determined that such system allows to obtain ingots and sheet products of aluminum boron-containing alloy possessing high mechanical properties. The maximum achievable hardness on ingots and sheet products amounts to *130 HV, and the tensile strength (sheet) equals to 430 MPa.