Influence of Graphite Reinforcement on Mechanical Properties of Aluminum-Boron Carbide Composites

Abstract

This paper deals with the mechanical properties in conventional heat treatment of Al (6061)-B 4 C-Graphite. Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) is fabricated through two step stir casting method. The composites were fabricated with various volume percentage levels as Aluminium reinforced with (5, 10 &15%) Boron Carbide and (5,10 & 15%) of Graphite. Fabricated composites were subjected to conventional heat treatment for enhancing the mechanical properties. Influences of Graphite reinforcement on mechanical properties of Aluminum-Boron carbide composites were analyzed. The microstructure studies were also carried out. It is observed that increasing the graphite content within the aluminum matrix results in significant decrease in ductility, hardness, ultimate tensile strength. The addition of boron carbide conversely increased the hardness of the composites.