Microstructure, compression and creep properties of Al-5%Cu-0.8Mn/5%B4C composites

Abstract

Under mechanical stirring, 5% of B4C ceramic particles were added to Al-5%Cu-0.8Mn matrix alloy subsequently, the produced composites were re-melted and squeezed using squeeze casting route. Microstructure evolution was characterized using TEM, SEM and XRD analyses. 0.8Mn were added to Al-5%Cu-5%B4C to investigate their effect on thermal expansion coefficient (CTE). The matrix along with its composites were tested by compression test at room and elevated temperatures. At room and 200 °C compression test temperatures, the addition of Mn to the composites lead to YS improvement from 248 to 360 MPa and from 190 to 242 MPa at room and 200 °C temperatures respectively. The addition effect of 0.8Mn on the strain rate ε, % was more pronounced at high temperature. The creep rupture test was performed for one hour and 260 °C at different constant stresses after wards, the creep fracture surfaces were examined by SEM analysis. As compared with A355 piston alloy, the Al-5%Cu-0.8Mn-5%B4C composites showed more creep resistance allowing it to be a suitable replacement for A355 alloy in automotive industries. The experimental and simulated creep results were compared with each other to investigate the integrity of the actual results with simulated one, the result as well found to be fairly integrated and similar.