The Influence of Particle Size and Reinforcement Rate of B4C on Mechanical and Microstructure Properties of Al-B4C Composites

In this study, Al-B4C composites were produced with various particle sizes (B4C: 3.5 and 20 µm) and reinforcement rates (B4C%: 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 30%) by the powder metallurgy method. The apparent density, compressive strength, and Vickers hardness of the composites were determined by Archimedes’ density meter, universal test machine, and micro Vickers hardness measurement device, respectively. The phase and microstructural analysis of the fabricated composites were analyzed using an X-ray diffraction device and scanning electron microscope, respectively. From the test results, the highest micro Vickers hardness (68.8 HV), apparent density (2.61 g/cm3), compressive strength (242 MPa), and minimum porosity (1.4%) were determined at 3.5 µm particle size and 30% reinforcement rate of B4C. The enhancement in Vickers hardness and compressive strength of Al-30%B4C composite was detected as +129.3% and +165.9% compared with pure aluminum