International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 01 | Jan 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Impact of T6 Heat Treatment on the Hardness of Boron Carbide Reinforced Aluminum Composites Gaurav1, Dr. V. K. Singh2, Dr. Sakshi Chauhan3 1PhD scholar, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, GBPUAT Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India 2Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, GBPUAT Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
3Asst. Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, GBPUAT Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - The study examines the effects of T6 heat
resistance, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity, making them ideal for demanding applications in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy sectors [5], [6], [7]. Titanium matrix composites (TMCs) reinforced with boron carbide (B4C) exhibit excellent mechanical properties, including high strain rates and impressive compressive strengths [5]. Ceramic reinforcement composites offer a wide range of possibilities for tailoring material properties to meet specific application needs. The fabrication techniques, such as additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, and stir casting, play a crucial role in determining the composite's microstructure and performance characteristics [8], [9], [10].
treatment on the hardness of aluminum composites reinforced with boron carbide (B4C). Aluminum alloy 2024 (AA2024) served as the matrix material, with boron carbide particles incorporated to enhance its mechanical properties. A standard T6 heat treatment process comprising solutionizing, quenching, and aging was applied to the composite samples. Microstructural analysis revealed significant precipitation hardening and uniform dispersion of B4C particles as a result of the heat treatment. Compared to as-cast composites, the T6treated samples exhibited a marked increase in hardness, attributed to the combined effects of matrix strengthening and reinforcement. The findings underscore the synergistic impact of heat treatment and B4C reinforcement on enhancing the mechanical performance of aluminum composites, paving the way for high-performance applications.
Stir casting is a widely used and cost-effective method for fabricating metal matrix composites (MMCs), particularly AMCs. This process involves mechanically stirring reinforcing particles into molten metal to ensure their uniform distribution throughout the matrix [11], [12]. The stir casting method is preferred for its simplicity, proven effectiveness, and suitability for large-scale production, making it an ideal choice for manufacturing aluminium matrix composites [11]. The quality and properties of stircast composites are influenced by several key factors, including the selection of matrix and reinforcing materials, along with parameters such as stirring temperature, speed, and duration. These variables play a crucial role in ensuring a homogeneous distribution of reinforcement and achieving the desired mechanical and tribological properties [12], [13]. Remarkably, when compared to traditional methods, the application of ultrasonic energy during stir casting has shown significant improvements in particle dispersion and the resulting mechanical properties. The use of ultrasound helps break down particle agglomerations and enhances the uniformity of the reinforcement distribution within the matrix, leading to better overall performance of the composite [14]. Nonetheless, challenges such as achieving consistent particle dispersion and ensuring proper wetting of the reinforcement particles remain prevalent [15].
Key Words: Aluminium Matrix Material, Aluminium alloy, Rockwell Hardness, Stir casting, SEM
1.INTRODUCTION Over the past two decades, aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) have made significant advancements, demonstrating improved performance characteristics [1]. Aluminium matrix composites possess advanced properties such as low density, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, exceptional resistance to oxidation and wear, high specific strength and stiffness, and durability at elevated temperatures [2]. These composites are ideal for automotive and aerospace applications, as they are designed to reduce weight while enhancing mechanical properties such as strength and stiffness [3]. Non-metallic ceramic particles such as silicon carbide, boron carbide, and titanium carbide are commonly used as reinforcements in aluminium matrices to produce aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) [4]. Ceramic reinforcement composites have garnered significant attention across various industrial sectors due to their outstanding properties and versatility. These composites typically consist of a metal or ceramic matrix reinforced with ceramic fibers, particles, or whiskers, which significantly enhance their mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance. The addition of ceramic reinforcements improves the composite’s hardness, wear
© 2025, IRJET
|
Impact Factor value: 8.315
The composition and manufacturing methods of aluminium composite materials significantly influence their Rockwell hardness values. Typically, the addition of reinforcements such as ceramic particles, like boron carbide or silicon carbide, enhances the hardness of aluminium composites when compared to pure aluminium [16], [17],
|
ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal
|
Page 550