Characterization of Al/B4C composite materials fabricated by powder metallurgy process technique for nuclear applications

Aluminum (Al) matrix composites with boron carbide (B4C) reinforcements were fabricated by solid state powder metallurgy using the hot-pressing process. Composite materials at different volume fractions of B4C particles, ranging from 2% to 12%, evaluate impact on thermal and mechanical properties composite materials. Thermal properties, such as conductivity (TC) coefficient expansion (CTE), measured modeled. The evaluated Vickers macro-hardness (HV) tensile tests obtain strain hardening threshold (σy), ultimate stress (UTS), elongation (A) developed composites. Microstructures observed scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) transmission electron (HRTEM) show homogeneity contents characterize Al/B4C interface. This article shows that incorporating particles until 12% in Al increased hardness (+85%) (+55%) material decreased ductility. An increase, up 8 vol.% B4C, which a decrease rupture is measured. UTS strength 37% 13%, respectively. For higher fraction, become more brittle leading very limited plastic phases. Moreover, both TC CTE function increase fraction; 20% was for an (12 vol.%). correlated microstructure Al-B4C interfacial zone.