Effect of nano-sized B4C addition on the mechanical properties of ZA27 composites

Abstract

In order to understand the influence of nano-sized B4C additive on ZA27 alloy, mechanical and physical properties of ZA27-B4C nanocomposites were investigated in terms of B4C content. While physical properties were determined in terms of microstructural studies, density and porosity tests, mechanical properties were determined in terms of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and hardness experiments. Morphological and microstructural studies were carried out with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results indicate that nano-sized B4C can be used to enhance the mechanical properties of ZA27 alloy effectively. The highest mechanical performance can be obtained at ZA27-0.5% B4C (in weight) nanocomposite with values of tensile strength (247 MPa) and hardness (141,18 BH) and low partial porosity (0.5%). After a pick point, increasing B4C ratio may cause the formation of agglomeration in grain boundaries, that’s why density, tensile strength, and hardness values are declined.