Processing of B 4 C Particulate Reinforced 6061Aluminum Matrix Composites by Melt Stirring Involving Two-step Addition

Abstract

In the present work, 11wt% B4C particulate reinforced 6061 Al matrix composites were produced by conventional melt stirring method. Processing of composite is carried out at a temperature of 750 °C involving two stage additions. Preheated B4C particles along with K2TiF6 halide salt (with ratio of 0.3) was introduced in steps of two rather than adding all at once. Characterization of the prepared composites is done using SEM/EDX and X-RD studies. Fairly uniform distribution of B4C particulates without clustering in 6061Al matrix was evident from SEM studies. The prepared composite consists of α-Al, B4C and minor phases like Al3Ti, AlB2 and Al3BC are confirmed by XRD studies. The addition of B4C particulates to 6061Al matrix has resulted in improvements in mechanical properties of the base alloy.