Experimental Investigation on Al Si Matrix Alloy Reinforced With B4c Particles by Powder Metallurgy

Abstract

The current investigation work includes the trial research of Al-12Si alloy fortified with xB4Cp content (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 wt. %) by Powder Metallurgy (P/M) technique and its Mechanical Properties (MP) and Wear Behaviour (WB). Al-12Si-xB4C composites are fabricated with 5 mm radius samples were green compacted by using die and punch assembly in Compression Testing Machine (CTM) within the limit of 2 MN. Compressing load was applied step by step, and it was 800MPa for all compressed specimens. The samples were removed smoothly from the die by using molybdenum disulfide. Sintering process was carried out in an argon gas circulated electric muffle furnace at a temperature of 520°C for a holding time of 2h. Immediately, the sintering time was over, the sintered specimens were cooled inside the furnace itself to reach the room temperature. The density measurements were done using the Archimedes principle. The sintered specimens were having a relative density 89 % of theoretical density this was achieved by applying pressure during compression of the powder in the die. newlineWear tests were led utilizing pin-on-disk apparatus. Sintered samples were machined according to the ASTM G99. Contact surfaces were set up by granulating against SiC paper, trailed by cleaning utilizing acetone. For Al-12Si-xB4C Composites, the wear testing parameters were chosen as applied loads (8, 16, 24, 32 and 40 N), Sliding Distance (SD) (400, 800, 1200, 1600 and 2000 m), constant Sliding Velocity (SV) (2.618 m/s) with a steady track radius 50 mm. newlineThe Wear Loss (WL) of Al-12Si-xB4C composites was mostly predisposed by the contribution variables wt. % of B4C, load and SD. The WL was increased by means of a rise in SD. However, the WL was diminished with a minimum load. However, the load was increased, the WL will marginally increase. Further, an addition of B4C wt. % occasioned in a reduction in the WL. newlineWhen temperature increases with load and SD the WL also increases, similarly reinforcement increases the WL decreases. Therefore, due to in