Selection of Aluminum Matrix for Boron–Aluminum Sheet Alloys

Abstract

The problem of substantiating the aluminum matrix composition for obtaining the hardenable by heat-treatment boron–aluminum alloys in the form of ingots and sheet products. Alumanation materials alloyed by boron are promising radiation-resistant structural materials. Analysis of basic systems of the hardenable by heat-treatment aluminum alloys was carried out. With the use of the calculations (Thermo-Calc software) and experimental methods (including scanning electron microscopy and microprobe analysis), justified has been an unreasonableness of obtaining the boron–aluminum alloys based on magnesium-containing systems because of an active interaction of that element with boron. An experimental study has been focused on the boron–aluminum alloys based on Al–Zr–Sc (with mag- nesium, manganese and titanium additives) and Al–Cu systems. It was found that titanium introduction into the systems with zirconium and scandium does not assist in preventing their interaction with boron, which hampers the aluminum matrix hardening. The Al–Cu system meets the requirements best of all since copper doesn’t interact with boron and does not affect on composition of the boron-containing phases. It was determined that such system allows to obtain ingots and sheet products of aluminum boron-containing alloy possessing high mechanical properties. The maximum achievable hardness on ingots and sheet products amounts to *130 HV, and the tensile strength (sheet) equals to 430 MPa.