Mechanical and microstructural evaluation of AA5083 matrix reinforced with SiC/B4C particles by stir casting technique

Abstract

Particle reinforced aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) represent an important class of materials. They are primarily used in aerospace and automotive due to their excellent mechanical and tribological properties. In the present paper, Al 5083 alloy reinforced with Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Boron Carbide (B4C) particles was fabricated by using stir casting technique. Stir casting is an attractive manufacturing route for AMCs because of its simplicity and cost efficiency. It is also very flexible in terms of material and geometry and can be used in mass production. Three composites with equal SiC content and different B4C content were cast. Tensile, microstructure and wear tests were carried out and the microstructure of the composites was investigated. Whereas tensile strength and hardness values were almost constant, the wear rate decreased significantly with increasing B4C content. The resulting micrographs showed a uniform distribution of ceramic particles in the aluminum matrix. However, clustering became more probable with higher reinforcement content.