Research article

Microstructure, physical, tensile and wear behaviour of B₄C particles reinforced Al7010 alloy composites

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, RV College of Engineering, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Bangalore 560074, Karnataka, India
² Aircraft Research and Design Centre, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore 560037, Karnataka, India
³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Siddaganaga Institute of Technology, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Tumakuru 572103, Karnataka, India
⁴ Department of Mechanical Engineering, RNS Institute of Technology, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Bangalore 560098, Karnataka, India
⁵ Department of Mechanical Engineering, New Horizon College of Engineering, Bangalore 560103, Karnataka, India

^* e-mail: kotresha_mydur@rediffmail.com

Received: 20 October 2022
Accepted: 29 December 2022

Abstract

In the present study looked into how incorporating B₄C particles with a size range of 20–25 microns would affect the mechanical, wear and physical properties of composites made from Al7010 alloy. The stir cast method accounted for of the total production of B₄C composites. Different mechanical properties, such as hardness, tensile behaviour, wear and density, were measured and analysed for these synthetic composites. Microstructure was characterised by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis to determine the distribution and phases of particles smaller than a micron. Wear tests were conducted on all the samples at varying loads and speeds. Hardness and tensile strength of Al7010 alloy were improved by adding B₄C particles sized 20–25 microns, with only a minor decrease in elongation. Further, as B₄C particles accumulated, the density of the Al7010 alloy decreased. SEM examination revealed a wide range of fracture behaviours upon tensile stress. Load and sliding speeds affected the wear behaviour of Al7010 alloy and its composites.