Processing and Performance Characteristics of Aluminum-Nano Boron Carbide Metal Matrix Nanocomposites

In this research work, ultrasonic cavitation-assisted casting process was used to fabricate the aluminum alloy-nano boron carbide metal matrix nanocomposites. The optical microscopy results revealed the refined matrix grains in the microstructure of the aluminum alloy-nano boron carbide composites. Boron carbide nanoparticles were uniformly distributed in the aluminum alloy matrix, which can be confirmed by scanning electron microscopic images. The aluminum alloy-nano boron carbide composites show increased dislocation density, compared to the monolithic alloys, which was observed from the transmission electron microscopic images. The addition of nano-boron carbide in aluminum alloy matrix significantly improved its hardness and tensile strength, while the good ductility and impact resistance of the aluminum alloy was almost retained. The results of the dry sliding wear pin-on-disc tests showed improved wear resistance properties of aluminum alloy-nano boron carbide composites compared to the monolithic aluminum alloys.