Ultrasound assisted casting method for fabricating B4Cp/Al composites with the addition of K2ZrF6

Abstract

In this research ultrasound assisted casting method was applied to fabricate 10 wt.%B4Cp/Al composites with the addition of K2ZrF6. The effects of Zr content on the microstructure, including the distribution and the interface of B4C particles, as well as the mechanical properties of composites were investigated. Experimental results showed that an interfacial layer which was composed by nano-sized ZrB2 particles could be formed on B4C surface, which was beneficial for improving the dispersity and hindering the decomposition of B4C particles in the Al melt. As the addition amount of Zr satisfied the ratio of (wt.%Zr)/(wt.%B4C) = 0.2, the B4Cp/Al composites with a homogeneous microstructure had the best comprehensive and most stable mechanical properties.