Effects of heat treatment on phase contents and mechanical properties of infiltrated B4C/2024Al composites

The B4C/2024Al composites were successfully produced by pressureless infiltration method, and the effects of heat treatment on phase content and mechanical properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical properties testing. The results show that phases of B4C/2024Al composites include B4C, Al, Al3BC, AlB2 and Al2Cu. The phase species remain unchanged; however, the phase content of the composites changes significantly after heat treatment at the temperature of 660, 700, 800 or 900 degrees C for 12, 24 or 36 h. It is found that the heat treatment results in not only considerable enhancement in hardness, but also reduction in bending strength of the composites. Heat treatment at 800 degrees C for 36 h does best to hardness of the composites, while at 700 degrees C for 36 h it is the most beneficial to their comprehensive mechanical properties.