Development and evaluation of mechanical properties of aluminium alloys and boron fiber composite material by powder metallurgy route

Abstract

In recent year, aluminum alloy based metal matrix composites (MMC) are gaining in the field of aerospace and automotive industries, in order to improve by the advancement of modern technology, led to a rapid development of metal matrix composites. Properties can be tailored in the metal matrix composite as per the requirement for specific applications. In these composites the prime function of the fibers is that of supporting most of the applied load, while the role of the matrix is to bind the fibers together and to transmit and distribute the external loads to the individual filaments. Aluminum has been used matrix material owing of its excellent mechanical properties coupled with good formability. Addition of boron fiber as reinforcement inaluminum systemsimprovesthe mechanical propertiesof composites. In the present investigation Al-boron fiber composite was prepared by powder metallurgy route. Powder metallurgy homogeneously distributes the reinforcement in the matrix with no internal reaction and with less porosity. Boron fiber particles containing different weight fractions (5, 10 and 15 %) and mesh size (50 μm and 125 μm) are used as reinforcement. Though Al-boron fiber possess superior mechanical properties, the high abrasiveness of the boron fiber particles obstaclewiderapplication. The Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Alloy (AL2024) were assessed and the compression test was directedatthe material under tempered condition. Al-boron fiber composite has the widest application in the aerospace industry due to high hardness and light weight material. After the development of material that specimens were tested the under the optical, physical and mechanical properties.