Effects on Microstructure and Hardness of Al-B4C Metal Matrix Composite Fabricated through Powder Metallurgy

The experiment was conducted for the evaluation of cold compaction behavior and hardness of Al-B4C composites for varying percentage of reinforcement. The reinforcement percentage of boron carbide as varied in the range of 5, 10, 15 & 20%. The particle reinforced composite was prepared by a powder metallurgy route with the particle size of Boron carbide as 150 µm. The matrix and the reinforcement powders were blended to produce homogeneous distribution by using pot mill. The compacts were prepared by suitable punch and die set assembly. The density values were evaluated from the effect of cold compaction behavior and the hardness values of each samples varying according to the percentage of reinforcement. From the experimental studies 20 % reinforced B4C sample yielded a higher hardness value. The Micro structural behaviors were studied by using scanning electron microscope