Influence of boron carbide and graphite particulates on the microstructural and mechanical properties of Al6061 metal matrix

Abstract

Al6061 metal matrix composites were fabricated via the Stir casting method with ultrasonic cavitation technique for various weight percentage of Boron carbide and Graphite particulates as reinforcements (Al6061-0.5wt.%Gr-(0.6, 1.2, 1.8wt.% B₄C). The microstructural and mechanical behavior of the fabricated Hybrid composites were studied. The Hardness of the composites was measured by two metrics: Brinell and Micro-Vickers. Density and Porosity of the composites were determined based on their hardness values. Mechanical properties, including uniaxial tensile, flexural, and compression strengths, were assessed using a Universal Testing Machine. The homogeneous distribution of Graphite and Boron Carbide particles in the Al6061-0.5wt%Gr-1.2wt%B₄C composite specimen were confirmed through a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Additionally, interfacial analysis of the metal matrix composite was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The specific uniaxial tensile, flexural and compression properties of Al6061-0.5wt%Gr-1.2wt%B₄C increased by 15.63%, 51.27%, and 47.59% respectively. The specific hardness of Brinell and Micro-Vickers of the composite increased by 51.44% and 45.04% respectively. Additionally, the composite exhibited an impact energy of 16 J.