Investigation of Al-B4C Metal Matrix Composites Produced by Friction Stir Additive Processing

Aluminium—boron carbide metal matrix composites (Al-B4C MMCs) belong to the class of materials extensively used in nuclear industry as a thermal neutron absorber spent fuel casks. This article investigates novel production method Al-B4C MMCs—Friction Stir Additive Processing (FSAP)—as an alternative casting or sintering. FSAP is derived from friction stir welding, which can be local modifications microstructure, it incorporate second phase into processed material. During this study, variant for MMC was proposed, and its mechanical absorbing properties have been investigated. Further, influence irradiation on has studied. Results show that successfully produce MMCs with 7 mm thickness. Neutron causes only slight increase hardness, while effect tensile remains inconclusive.