Effect of nano/micro B4C particles on the mechanical properties of aluminium metal matrix composites fabricated by ultrasonic cavitation-assisted solidification process

Lightweight aluminium metal matrix nanocomposites play a major role in automobile, aerospace and other industries. This work aimed to investigate the effect of the addition of micro- and nano-boron carbide particles to aluminium on the mechanical properties of the composites. The micro- and nanocomposites containing different weight % of B4C particles were fabricated using stir- and ultrasonic cavitation-assisted casting processes. The fabricated micro and nano B4C particle-reinforced composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and an X-ray diffractometer. Tensile, hardness, impact and wear tests were carried out in order to evaluate the mechanical properties of the micro- and nanocomposites. The tensile test results showed that the properties of the samples containing up to 6% nano B4C-reinforced composites were better than the micro B4C-reinforced composites. The study also indicated that the ductility and impact energy of the nanocomposites were better than the micro B4C particle-reinforced composites. The wear resistance of the nanocomposite significantly increased when the B4C content was increased up to 8% of addition, and this increase was more pronounced than that resulting from micro B4C particle-reinforced composites.