Comparative Micro Structural Investigation of Al-SiC-Mg and Al-B4C-Mg Particulate Metal Matrix Composite

Received: 20 December 2019 Accepted: 16 February 2020 For the first time, the comparative assessment of Al-SiC-Mg and Al-B4C-Mg hybrid metal matrix composite is being explored. The primary objective of the present work is to compare different properties of reinforced Al7075. Boron carbide and silicon carbide (available in powdered form) were mixed with the alloy in different percentages to check their effect along with magnesium present in powdered form. Boron carbide (also known as black diamond) was selected as it is highly robust and has good shielding properties against neutrons i.e. it absorbs them well. It can stabilize the ionizing radiations and is the third hardest known substance after diamond and cubic boron nitride. Silicon carbide was selected as it has high strength and hardness with good wear resistance properties. Magnesium is selected because it is the lightest of all the metals and has good heat dissipation and good damping capacity. Fabricated composite is lightweight and could find applications in the aircraft industry, automotive parts, and defense applications. Samples were prepared using the modified stir casting method. Samples were then collected from the die and after those mechanical properties were tested (tensile test and hardness test). SEM/EDS and XRD analyses were conducted to briefly study the microstructure and phase of the samples prepared. The recent research involves the novel objective of manufacturing hybrid composite of Al7075 and evaluation of its mechanical properties and surface morphography. The use of hybrid metal matrix composite enables fine-dimensional precision machining of micro-parts, opening up fresh possibilities for micro-components based on Al-SiC-Mg and Al-B4C-Mg.