synthesis and characterization of uncoated and copper coated b4c particulate reinforced aa2124 alloy composites

Abstract

Ceramic particle reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) have received wide acknowledgment due to their excellent properties. The hardness of AA2124 alloy 3, 6, 9 and 12 wt. % of B4C composites increased with the addition of uncoated and Cu coated B4C particles. Further, Cu coated B4C particles reinforced AA2124 alloy composites have more hardness as compared to uncoated B4C reinforced composites and as cast AA2124 alloy. An improvement in the hardness obtained after the addition of 12 wt. % of uncoated and Cu coated B4C particles in the Al alloy is 64.23 % and 74.31% respectively. Improvements in ultimate tensile strength of the AA2124 matrix are obtained with the addition of uncoated and Cu coated B4C particulates. The ultimate tensile strength of AA2124 alloy improved from 187.08 MPa to 273.77 MPa and 312.97 MPa, respectively, in 12 wt. % of uncoated and Cu coated B4C particulates reinforced composites. The improvements in the UTS of AA2124 alloy with the addition of uncoated micro B4C particles is 46.34%, whereas this improvement with the incorporation of Cu coated B4C particles reinforced composites is 67.29%. Improvements in yield strength of the AA2124 matrix are obtained with the addition of uncoated and Cu coated B4C particulates. The yield strength of AA2124 alloy improved from 150.33 MPa to 221.47 MPa and 270.81 MPa respectively in 12 wt. % of uncoated and Cu coated B4C particulates reinforced composites. An improvement in the YS of AA2124 alloy is 47.32% and 80.14%, respectively, with 12 wt. % uncoated and Cu coated B4C reinforced composites. Percentage elongation of AA2124 alloy decreased by adding of uncoated and Cu coated B4C particulates. This decrease in elongation is almost same in both uncoated and Cu coated B4C particulate reinforced composites. The elongation of AA2124 alloy is 12.70%, after adding 12 wt. % of uncoated B4C particles it is decreased to the 8.20%. The elongation of AA2124 alloy is 12.70 %, after adding 12 wt. % of Cu coated B4C particles it is decreased to the 8.0