Mechanical properties and wear behavior of Al–2 wt.% Cu alloy composites reinforced by B4C nanoparticles and fabricated by mechanical milling and hot extrusion

Tensile and wear properties of a nanostructured matrix of Al prepared via mechanical milling and hot extrusion were investigated before and after incorporation of B4C nanoparticles. Nanocomposite samples were prepared using mechanical milling technique associated with incorporating 2 and 4 wt.% of B4C nanoparticles into the matrix of Al. Results showed that increase in B4C content yields a narrow size distribution of fine particles and also smaller size of crystallite after the mechanical alloying process. Tensile, microhardness and wear tests (pin-on-disk) were used to characterize the hot extruded samples. The results revealed a lower wear rate, higher yield strength, tensile strength and hardness for nanostructured Al matrix in contrast to the commercial coarse grained Al matrix. The same trend was also found to be valid for the nanocomposite samples with respect to the base matrix.

Graphical AbstractThis work investigated the mechanical and wear properties of nanostructured Al and nanocomposites. Tensile test results revealed that nanostructured Al had a yield strength much higher that than of the sample fabricated using coarse grained Al. Also, the strength increased with increasing B4C content while the ductility decreased.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Nanostructured Al and Al–B4C nanocomposites prepared by mechanical milling.
► Wear and mechanical properties of Al–B4C nanocomposites were investigated.
► Nanostructured Al obtained a better wear resistance than coarse grained Al.
► B4C nanoparticles improved wear and mechanical properties of base Al matrix.