Improvement the incorporation and distribution of B4C particles in melt aluminium and evaluation of wear properties of Al-B4Cp composites

An important step in production of Al-B4C composites by the casting techniques is the incorporation of B4C particles into molten aluminium. In order to solving this problem, different methods consist of adding the K2TiF6 (as flux) and Mg (as alloying element) into the molten aluminium and injection of the (Al+B4C)CP composite powders instead of B4C particles are evaluated. In this work, conditions of samples preparation such as particle addition temperature, stirring speed and stirring time were determined after the many studies and testes. Microstructure characterization of samples was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed better distribution and incorporation of B4C powders in aluminium matrix while the flux was used. As well as dry sliding wear tests revealed lower friction coefficients and wear rates for Al+B4C with K2TiF6.

Keywords:

Composite , Casting techniques , Incorporation , Flux , Alloying element , Wear