Using B4C Nanoparticles to Enhance Thermal and Mechanical Response of Aluminum

Abstract

In this work, Al-B4C nanocomposites were produced by microwave sintering and followed by hot extrusion processes. The influence of ceramic reinforcement (B4C) nanoparticles on the physical, microstructural, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the extruded Al-B4C nanocomposites was investigated. It was observed that the density decreased and porosity increased with an increase in B4C content in aluminum matrix. The porosity of the composites increased whereas density decreased with increasing B4C content. Electron microscopy analysis reveals the uniform distribution of B4C nanoparticles in the Al matrix. Mechanical characterization results revealed that hardness, elastic modulus, compression, and tensile strengths increased whereas ductility decreases with increasing B4C content. Al-1.0 vol. % B4C nanocomposite exhibited best hardness (135.56 Hv), Young’s modulus (88.63 GPa), and compression/tensile strength (524.67/194.41 MPa) among the materials investigated. Further, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of composites gradually decreased with an increase in B4C content.

Significantly Enhancing the Ignition/Compression/Damping Response of Monolithic Magnesium by Addition of Sm2O3 Nanoparticles

“…Also, incorporation of REOs at the nanoscale and spreading them into the interior of the grains encourages dislocation trapping by the REO particles in the interior of the grains, helping sustain work hardening and resulting in uniform elongation [19]. For example, Mg has been incorporated with yttrium oxide NPs and the tensile properties improved both at room and elevated temperature [11]. However, the main concern that arises with the use of REOs as a part of biomedical applications is their relatively unknown effects on the physiological system and research needs to be carried out if these oxides are too toxic for use as biomaterials [20].…”

“…Overall, 99% of total Mg present in our body is in bone, muscles, and soft-muscular tissues [7]. Mg exhibits elastic modulus (41)(42)(43)(44)(45) closer to that of human bone (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) in comparison to other materials such as titanium (100-110 GPa) and stainless steel (189)(190)(191)(192)(193)(194)(195)(196)(197)(198)(199)(200)(201)(202)(203)(204)(205) showing, in addition, no indication of local or systemic toxicity and hence is therefore being encouraged as a biomaterial by the scientific community [8]. It is biocompatible as well as biodegradable [9] which further helps in eliminating corrective surgery and patient trauma.…”

“…Hence, researchers are actively investigating Mg-based nanocomposites as lightweight structural materials having low density, high strength, stiffness, and durability with improved corrosion resistance and acceptable performance at elevated temperatures [10]. Nanocomposites form an emerging class of materials with extremely good mechanical properties coupled with thermal integrity [11] owing to the presence of dimensionally stable ceramic or metallic reinforcements, which provide high mechanical strength as well as ductility [4].…”

Structural and Mechanical Properties of Amorphous Si3N4 Nanoparticles Reinforced Al Matrix Composites Prepared by Microwave Sintering

“…The Al-3wt.% Si 3 N 4 composite has the highest hardness value (77 ± 4) when compared with that of pure Al. This higher value of the hardness of the nanocomposites can be associated with the presence of hard amorphous silicon nitride nanoparticles in the aluminum matrix and the dispersion hardening effect [27,28]. The microhardness of the microwave sintered samples in this study was found to be higher than the vacuum sintering samples [29].…”

Boron Carbide (B4C) Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites (AMCs)

“…The resultant properties advanced by rising B4C fraction and reducing size up to a certain extent. Ubaid et al [26] produced Al/B4C nanocomposites by microwave sintering method tailed by hot extrusion. Uniform nanoparticles distribution reported.…”