Work

In Situ Al3BC/Al Composite Fabricated via Solid-Solid Reaction: An Investigation on Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Al3BC, with its remarkably high modulus of elasticity (326 GPa) and hardness (14 GPa), coupled with a low density (2.83 g/cc), stands out as a promising reinforcement material for Al matrix composite. To study feasibility of solid-solid reaction (SSR) by forming an in situ Al3BC reinforcing phase within the matrix, this study developed an Al3BC/Al composite via mechanical alloying, followed by sintering at 1000 °C/1 h, and subsequent hot pressing at 400 °C/40 MPa. The reaction kinetics and corresponding electron microscopy images suggest that the aluminum (Al)-boron (B) reacts with graphene nanoplates (GNPs) to form both clusters and a heterogeneous multi-structured Al3BC reinforcements network dispersed within the fine-grain (FG) Al matrix. The heterostructure contributes to a good balance between strength (~284 MPa) and ductility (~17%) and stiffness (~212 GPa). Superior strain hardening ability (n = 0.3515) endorses remarkable load-bearing capacity (σc = 1.63) and thereby promotes excellent strength-ductility synergy in the composite. The fracture morphology reveals that reasonable ductility primarily relies on the crack deflection by the FG-Al matrix, playing a critical role in delaying fracture. The potential importance of the matrix microstructure in the overall fracture resistance of the composite has been highlighted.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app15095189

Authors: Tapabrata Maity, Aditya Prakash, Debdas Roy, Konda Gokuldoss Prashanth

Institutions: National Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Tata Steel (India), Tallinn University of Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology University

Language: English

Topic: Aluminum Alloys Composites Properties

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funders: Strong, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India, Science and Engineering Research Board