Reinforcement Surface Modification Effect on the Microstructure, Mechanical, and Tensile Fractography of Al2219 Alloy B4C Composites

Abstract

Al2219 alloy composites were produced through the stir cast process, with varying amounts of copper-coated B4C particles (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) incorporated. The mechanical performance of surface-modified B4C additions to Al2219 alloy was examined by conducting tensile tests on the prepared composites. The synthesized composites' microstructural, mechanical, and tensile fractured surfaces were evaluated. Characterization of the samples' microstructure using SEM microscopy and EDS patterns. B4C particle existence was verified by the EDS findings. The inclusion of Cu-coated B4C reinforcement enhanced the hardness, tensile, and bending strength of the metal composite in contrast to the uncoated B4C particles. Hardness of Al2219 alloy was improved by 92.4% with the 10 wt.% of Cu coated B4C in the Al matrix. Further, there was a 73.5 % improvement in the ultimate strength. The Al2219 alloy composite's ductility decreased with the reinforcement's incorporation. Tensile fractured surfaces SEM micrographs show strong bonding between the matrix and boron carbide particles. The particle shear was observed in the case of copper-coated B4C reinforced composites due to increased wettability. Various fractured surfaces were studied using SEM micrographs to determine fracture mechanisms in composites.